5 Facts About Shy Bladder Sydrome (Paruresis)

The technical term for Shy Bladder Syndrome is Paruresis (“par-you-ree-sis”).

Fact 1: Paruresis is a social anxiety disorder. Those who suffer from it are fearful of using the bathroom to urinate if other people are nearby. The disorder can interfere with major life activities such as work, social relationships and travel.

Fact 2: Paruresis affects about 7% of the population: 21+ million people in the U.S., another 2+ million in Canada, and countless other people worldwide.

Fact 3: Paruresis is a very treatable disorder. Many studies show that cognitive-behavioral therapy over 8-12 sessions or a weekend workshop helps at least 4 out of 5 sufferers. Sufferers don’t need to know what caused their condition to recover.

Fact 4: Hundreds, if not thousands, of U.S. workers have been unjustly fired because they were unable to urinate on demand during a random drug test. Federal drug testing rules must be changed to permit affordable alternative testing (hair, saliva, sweat patch).

Fact 5: Founded in 1996, the International Paruresis Association (IPA) is the world’s first and most-widespread nonprofit organization working to raise public awareness of this disorder. The IPA serves as an information clearinghouse, encourages research, conducts workshops and coordinates support groups in 23 states and in 19 different countries.