Lower urinary tract symptoms are elevated with depression in Japanese women.

Objective: Depression might worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but the correlation is still disputed. This study examined the influence of depression on LUTS in Japanese women.

Methods: This study used a web-based questionnaire to evaluate the mental status of depression and LUTS. The mental status of depression was evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Japanese version (QIDS-J), and LUTS was assessed based on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and responses to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form.

Results: A total of 4151 of 5400 (76.9%) women responded to the questionnaire. The mean age was 48.3 ± 13.8 years. The OABSS gradually increased with the QIDS-J score. The incidence of overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) also increased along with the QIDS-J score. In the younger age group (20-39 years old), the risks of OAB and UUI were higher than in the elderly group (7.42 for OAB and 7.44 for UUI).

Conclusions: This study revealed that worsening of LUTS was correlated with depression.