Mental Health: Elimination Disorders: Encopresis

• What are elimination disorders?
• What are the symptoms of encopresis?
• What causes encopresis?
• How common is encopresis?
• How is encopresis diagnosed?
• How is encopresis treated?
• What other problems are associated with encopresis?
• What is the outlook for children with encopresis?
• Can encopresis be prevented?

What Are Elimination Disorders?

Elimination disorders occur in children who have problems going to the bathroom—both defecating and urinating. Although it is not uncommon for young children to have occasional "accidents," there may be a problem if this behavior occurs repeatedly for longer than 3 months, particularly in children older than 5 years.

There are two types of elimination disorders, encopresis and enuresis.

• Encopresis is the repeated passing of feces into places other than the toilet, such as in underwear or on the floor. This behavior may or may not be done on purpose.



• Enuresis is the repeated passing of urine in places other than the toilet. Enuresis that occurs at night, or bed-wetting, is the most common type of elimination disorder. As with encopresis, this behavior may or may not be done on purpose.

What Are the Symptoms of Encopresis?

In addition to the behavior of releasing waste in improper places, a child with encopresis may have other symptoms, including:

• Loss of appetite



• Abdominal pain



• Loose, watery stools (bowel movements)



• Scratching or rubbing the anal area due to irritation from watery stools



• Decreased interest in physical activity



• Withdrawal from friends and family



• Secretive behavior associated with bowel movements.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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