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   encopresis (soiling)

Encopresis is a term that is used to describe the repeated passing of feces in inappropriate places. Although this typically occurs unintentionally, some children will pass feces intentionally. One must be careful when diagnosing encopresis to be certain the problem is not do to a medical condition or the use of laxatives.

Often the problem of encopresis is related to the child being constipated or from impaction. Sometimes, however, the problem can be the result of the child experiencing psychological distress. For example, the child may fear
using a toilet in any other setting but the home, thus becoming impacted and then experiencing encopresis.

It is common for children who have been toilet trained to have relapses and soil themselves again at times of high stress, such as a divorce or death in the family. Typically, children will return to their earlier state of being toilet trained over a few week's time.

Young children typically become toilet trained sometime between two and five. It is not unusual for an occasional child to not be completely trained by the age of six. Encopresis is not typically used as a diagnostic label for children under the age of four, or for children who have other developmental delays. Encopresis must also have taken place at least once a month for over three months. It is more common in boys than girls.

Find out more about daytime or nighttime wetting (enuresis).
 

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