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The literature on enuresis is reviewed and the study by Stalker and Band of sixty-seven cases of persistent enuresis in adolescents and adults is presented. Among several factors considered of little significance are: 1, abnormalities of the lumbosacral spine; 2, other associated congenital defects; 3, the concept of enuresis as a masturbatory equivalent; and 4, that although 'enuresis can be a source of libidinal gratification … this is a secondary development, to which enuresis is primary'.
Data considered by the authors as more important are: 1, enuretics' cystometrograms, which are of the 'uninhibited type, showing lack of cerebral inhibition just the same as that found in some organic cerebral diseases'; 2, correlation between enuresis and psychopathic states; 3, frequent abnormalities of breast feeding; 4, associated autonomic nervous system disorders, especially heavy sleep.
Their general concept is that enuresis is a pelvic autonomic symptom-complex representing not a symptom but a disease in itself with constitutional, neurophysiological and emotional aspects. After trying 'all the usual psychiatric methods of treatment with little success', ephedrine was found in certain cases to give better results than other methods.