Paruresis Cures

Paruresis, more commonly known as "shy bladder," is a social anxiety disorder wherein the sufferer has the inability to urinate when others are present or in situations where privacy is at a minimum. As it is a psychological condition, drugs produce less than desirable results. (These are typically relegated to those who suffer from benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate.) Behavioral conditioning is the best course of action for treating paruresis.

Causes

• Causes of paruresis are typically threefold: First is the presence of strangers in the room where urination is to take place; second is the proximity of these strangers, whether they are in or just near the restroom; and third, temporary psychological states such as anxiety, anger or fear. All of these have been known to play a part in paruresis, and the condition is usually self-diagnosed.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

• The most effective and well-documented treatment for paruresis is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It works on the "abnormal" emotional arrangement that is caused by the anxiety issues that trigger paruresis. This therapy helps you reorganize these issues through a variety of methods, such as self-help and support groups, and psychotherapy conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is composed of three linked components: cognitive, behavioral and relaxant. Identifying, modifying and eliminating the abnormal thoughts and concerns that accompany the paruresis comprise the cognitive element. The next step is behavioral therapy, which involves a "learn by doing" scenario. The sufferer is exposed to the problem in increments, which helps in achieving a number of small successes that lead to an overall acceptance of the safety in public urination. Finally there is relaxation therapy, which is simply instruction on how to relax the sphincter and help control the muscles that facilitate urination.

Saw Palmetto

• One form of alternative treatment is the use of saw palmetto, an extract from the fruit of the Serenoa repens palm primarily used in those who suffer from an enlarged prostate gland. A normal dose of the extract is approximately 320mg a day. While it may be beneficial, it could take up to a month before any effects can be seen.

Biofeedback

• Biofeedback is a form of alternative medicine that measures quantifiable body readings (such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) and allows the sufferer to see in real time the possible source of their anxiety. Considered effective, this method of treatment shows promise, but its results are unproven. Many detractors cite the relatively high cost in utilizing biofeedback, especially when a variety of other methods, such as meditation and hypnosis, are more cost-effective.
  A reference listed below gives more information describing the various nuances and intricacies of biofeedback.