Which patient population is particularly at risk for urinary retention when taking antipsychotics?

Which patient population is particularly at risk for urinary retention when taking antipsychotics?

• A. Older male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
• B. Young healthy females
• C. Children under 5
• D. Athletes on stimulant medication

Answer: (A)

Urinary retention from antipsychotics stems from anticholinergic effects that reduce detrusor muscle contractions and may raise outlet resistance. This risk is highest in people with bladder outflow obstruction, such as older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, where the urethral passage is already narrowed. When detrusor contraction is blunted by the medication, the combination with a narrowed urethra makes complete emptying difficult, leading to retention. The other groups lack this specific obstruction or susceptibility, so the risk is much lower for them.

Urinary retention from antipsychotics stems from anticholinergic effects that reduce detrusor muscle contractions and may raise outlet resistance. This risk is highest in people with bladder outflow obstruction, such as older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, where the urethral passage is already narrowed. When detrusor contraction is blunted by the medication, the combination with a narrowed urethra makes complete emptying difficult, leading to retention. The other groups lack this specific obstruction or susceptibility, so the risk is much lower for them.