The myth behind the drug DDAVP for bedwetting treatment

One medical theory regarding bedwetting claims that it is caused by a deficiency of ADH (antidiuretic hormone).  This hormone is particularly important for regulating the body’s retention of water; the brain releases the hormone when the body is dehydrated and causes the kidneys to conserve water. They slow urine production, and only a small amount of urine is transferred to the bladder.

DDAVP has been widely prescribed by doctors for more than 20 years. It is true that when this drug is administered bedwetting frequency will be reduced, but when bedwetters stop using the drug, 60% to 90% of them will relapse. In most cases, DDAVP simply does not solve the bedwetting problem and only works while the drug is being used. It can be used for sleepovers as a temporary solution.

There is no clear scientific proof that bedwetters have ADH deficiency; in fact, many researchers’ findings contradict this theory. Moreover, if this theory were valid, CBT treatment with a bedwetting alarm couldn’t solve the bedwetting problem since we don’t make any changes in the ADH level. The very high success rate of TheraPee (over 90%) is ultimate proof that bedwetting doesn’t stem from ADH deficiency.