Encopresis: a guide for psychiatric nurses

Area of Science:

• Pediatric elimination disorders
• Child and adolescent psychiatry
• Nursing in mental health

Background:

• Encopresis is a common elimination disorder in children, characterized by fecal incontinence.
• It affects 1.5%–7.5% of children aged 6–12 and represents 3%–6% of psychiatric referrals.
• While often linked to constipation, encopresis is also a psychiatric diagnosis with anecdotal associations to mental health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the etiology and treatment of encopresis over the past decade.
• To address the limited publications concerning the psychiatric associations of encopresis.
• To provide practical suggestions for psychiatric nurses managing encopresis in inpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of publications from the last 10 years.
• Analysis of studies on encopresis etiology, focusing on physiological and psychological factors.
• Examination of current treatment modalities, including nutritional, medical, and behavioral approaches.

Main Results:

• The etiology of encopresis is multifactorial, involving constipation and potential psychiatric comorbidities.
• Current treatments combine medical management with behavioral interventions.
• There is a noted scarcity of research on the psychiatric aspects of encopresis and its implications for nursing.

Conclusions:

• Encopresis requires a comprehensive approach addressing both physical and psychological aspects.
• Psychiatric nurses face unique challenges when caring for children with encopresis in inpatient environments.
• Further research is needed to clarify the psychiatric associations and inform specialized nursing care.