[Diagnosis and therapy of functional encopresis]

Males clearly dominate within this diagnostic category with an overall prevalence rate between 1 and 2%. Functional encopresis is often connected with other emotional and behavioural problems. After excluding an organic incontinence the main aim of the diagnostic procedure is to search for stressors that may have caused the encopresis and now contribute to the stability of the disturbance. Usually indications of an early disturbed parent-child relation are found. Techniques of behavioural therapy are superior to psychoanalytical methods that do not surpass the rate of spontaneous remissions. The therapeutic approach by Wright and Walker is recommended, which comprises systematic rewards, glycerine suppositories and enemas. 78% of the such treated children showed a lasting remission. The connection of numerous other psychic disorders with encopresis is demonstrated by a case report.