Elderly women who suffer from major depression have a higher risk of having bladder control problems than women of the same age who are not depressed. Previous studies had shown a high rate of depression among women with incontinence, but up until now, there was no proven cause and effect relationship.

The study looked at 6,000 women with an average age of 59 years, and determined that depression leads to incontinence, not the other way around. It is hypothesized that this is due to the role that serotonin plays in both depression and incontinence.

The study underlines the importance of treating depression, due to the effects that it can have on the body. It may also encourage doctors to discuss the risks of developing incontinence with those who suffer from depression, and explore prevention and treatment strategies.