[Shy bladder syndrome].
Paruresis is the inability to urinate in situations where there is perception of scrutiny, or potential scrutiny, by others. According to DSM-5, paruresis is classified as social phobia.


OBJECTIVE
The present study aims at offering a clinical description of the disorder in a sample of paruretics voluntarily recruited among users registered on an Italian website dedicated to people suffering from this disorder (www.paruresis.it).


METHODS
Data were collected through a set of questionnaires published online, including assessment and screening measures for paruresis (Paruresis Checklist), generalized social phobia (Mini-SPIN) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory).


RESULTS
65 participants showed clinically relevant symptoms of paruresis, as suggested by a PCL score above the threshold. Mean age was 28 ys (SD= ± 7.75 ys); most of participants were male (87.7%; N=57). Although gender differences in the clinical manifestations of the disorder appear limited, the variable mostly connected to the severity of paruresis is the presence of a further diagnosis of generalized social phobia.


CONCLUSIONS
Paruresis is a clinical condition associated with high level of distress on which, however, there is limited knowledge among mental health professionals.
Antonio
A
Prunas
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome; D014038:Toilet Facilities; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*