Depression and Abuse Screening Recommended for Those With Interstitial Cystitis

Screening for depression and abuse is recommended for patients with interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome, according to a new study.

H.B. Goldstein and associates from Voorhess, New Jersey and Philadelphia conducted a study into the prevalence of depression, sexual abuse and physical abuse among women diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a painful chronic inflammation of the bladder wall with no known cause or cure.

In the study, one hundred and forty-one subjects completed Beck's Depression Inventory II, as well as the Drossman Abuse questionnaire. Of these women, 69% scored 14 or higher on the depression questionnaire, corresponding to a diagnosis of clinical depression. This contrasts with only 9% of the general population who have depression. No difference was found between the study subjects and the general population as far as childhood sexual and physical abuse. However, the prevalence of sexual abuse was 36%, compared to only 15-25% in the general population.

The authors note that while no causal relationship can be established with their study, the findings are compelling enough that they are recommending screening for abuse and depression for all women with IC.

The study appears in the International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.