Enuresis in children is typically developmental and managed with behavioral strategies and alarms; adults more often require medical evaluation due to retention, infection, or diabetes.

• A. Adults are as likely as children to have developmental enuresis treated with alarms
• B. Children have enuresis due to retention and diabetes
• C. Enuresis in adults is primarily developmental
• D. Enuresis in children is developmental and managed with behavioral strategies and alarms; adults often due to retention, infection, or diabetes and require medical evaluation

Answer: (D)

Enuresis is managed differently across age groups because the underlying causes and the appropriate treatment strategies differ. In children, bed-wetting is usually a developmental issue. The usual approach focuses on behavioral strategies and conditioning, often using bed alarms to wake the child and reinforce bladder control, along with routines like limiting evening fluids and scheduled bathroom trips. This reflects the typical gradual maturation of the urinary system and nighttime control.

In adults, new or persistent enuresis raises concern for an underlying medical problem. Possible contributors include urinary retention from obstruction or neurogenic dysfunction, infections such as a urinary tract infection, or systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus that cause increased urine production. These scenarios require medical evaluation to identify and treat the root cause rather than relying on behavioral conditioning alone.

Thus, the statement correctly captures the age-related distinction: enuresis in children is generally developmental and managed with behavioral strategies and alarms, while in adults it often signals a medical issue (retention, infection, or diabetes) needing evaluation. The other descriptions don’t align with this distinction and can misrepresent who is affected and how enuresis is typically managed.