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[Encopresis]

Alexander von Gontard1

  • 1Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychoterapie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar. alexander.von.gontard@uniklinik-saarland.de

Praxis Der Kinderpsychologie Und Kinderpsychiatrie
|October 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Encopresis, or functional faecal incontinence in children over 4, requires behavioral therapy and laxatives for constipation. Other treatments like biofeedback are ineffective, and outcomes need improvement.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Behavioral Health

Context:

  • Encopresis affects 1-3% of school-aged children.
  • Commonly presents with or without constipation, and may co-occur with toilet refusal syndrome and urinary incontinence.

Purpose:

  • To provide an overview of the current understanding of encopresis, including its causes, assessment, and treatment options.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches for encopresis.

Summary:

  • A symptom-oriented behavioral approach, such as toilet training, is the most effective treatment for encopresis.
  • Polyethylene glycol laxatives are recommended for encopresis with constipation.
  • Biofeedback is not effective, and psychotherapy is reserved for cases with comorbid behavioral disorders.

Impact:

  • Highlights the need for improved long-term outcomes in encopresis management.
  • Emphasizes the importance of a tailored, symptom-based approach for pediatric functional faecal incontinence.

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