Functional Urinary Retention in Children and Adolescents: ACase Report

Functional urinary retention is an uncommon but important cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents. We report three pediatric patients with retention despite negative evaluations for obstruction, infection, or neurological disease. In each case, psychosocial stressors (developmental anxiety, family reinforcement, school distress) contributed. Multidisciplinary management improved symptoms in two patients; outcome was uncertain in one. These cases highlight the need to consider functional urinary retention when organic causes are excluded and to involve mental health professionals early.