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The criteria for Encopresis are that feces be passed into inappropriate places at least once a month for at least 3 months after a child is 4 years old, and that this behavior is not the consequence of use of a substance (usually a laxative) or of a general medical condition. Children with encopresis typically have loose, watery stools that pass by impacted stool that resulted from constipation. Perhaps one child in 100 has encopresis at age 5, but it generally remits over time. Treatment also takes some time, but can hasten recovery if the parents follow the medical and behavioral regime consistently, and if the child cooperates. Enuresis often
accompanies Encopresis, and children who appear to be deliberate
about their incontinence may have Conduct
Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
However, parents should not assume that a child has these
accompanying disorders; the combination is probably rare. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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