Resolution of enuresis with aripiprazole in children with psychiatric disorders: two case reports

Abstract

Background: Aripiprazole is a third-generation atypical antipsychotic drug that acts as a stabilizer of the dopaminergic and serotonergic system. As partial agonist of the dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors, it appears to be efective in reducing mania in patients with bipolar disorder, tics in Tourette Syndrome, aggression in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Enuresis has been reported among its side efects. Only a few studies, with conficting results, have investigated the relationship between aripiprazole and enuresis. Case presentation: We report the disappearance of enuresis in a Caucasian girl with intellectual disability and oppositional defant disorder and in a Caucasian boy with intellectual disability and early-onset psychosis, both following initiation of treatment with aripiprazole. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to contribute to the literature on the use of aripripazole in subjects with enuresis. Our fndings lead us to suggest that aripiprazole is less burdened with side efects, including bedwetting, than other antipsychotic drugs.