Children as young as 13 suffer devastating ‘ketamine bladder’

Children as young as 13 are being treated for severe bladder damage linked to sustained ketamine use, with a new study exposing the backgrounds of the first patients seen at a specialist NHS clinic.

Researchers found most patients were girls and lived in some of the most deprived areas. Many had experienced childhood trauma, while others had autism, ADHD or experience of the care system.

Painful damage is striking children in their early teens

Ketamine-induced uropathy, known as “ketamine bladder”, can damage the bladder, urinary tubes and kidneys. Symptoms include frequent urination, blood in the urine and loss of bladder control.

The specialist clinic at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust opened in May 2025 after an increase in young people presenting with the condition.

Researchers from Alder Hey and Lancaster University examined the first 60 patients. Their average age was just 14, with ages ranging from 13 to 15, and some had begun taking ketamine at 13.

Girls and deprived communities dominate first cases

Around two-thirds of the patients were girls, while roughly the same proportion lived in the most deprived areas.

Sixteen had autism or ADHD, or both, and one in five had experience of the care system. Almost three-quarters had experienced emotional trauma during childhood.

Patients had typically used ketamine for one to two years before being referred. Half also reported taking other drugs, while 27% reported drinking alcohol and 48% using vapes.

Doctors warn some damage cannot be reversed

Harriet Corbett, consultant paediatric urologist at Alder Hey, said ketamine can cause ulceration and fibrosis of the bladder wall, with damage potentially becoming irreversible.

Severe cases can lead to chronic pain and incontinence and may ultimately require major surgery or dialysis.

Professor Rachel Isba said the findings highlight the need to understand the wider circumstances surrounding ketamine use and identify young people at risk earlier.

The Alder Hey clinic uses a non-judgmental approach, aiming to help children stop using ketamine before permanent damage occurs.

Children as young as 13 receiving treatment for 'ketamine bladder'