Encopresis in children treated in an outpatient clinic of child psychiatry

Abstract

Encopresis, also called fecal incontinence or involuntary bowel movement is the repeated passage of stool (usually involuntary) into clothing. It usually happens when retained stool accumulates in the colon and rectum; the colon becomes too full and liquid stools seep around the retained stool, which ends up staining the underwear. We noticed how little research has been done on this disorder, which is addressed briefly and generally associated with other symptoms such as enuresis in psychiatry and pediatrics texts. Providing information about epidemiological aspects, pathophysiological aspects, causes, symptoms and therapeutic options, among others, is the objective of this publication. Encopretic children are objects of ridicule, rejection and aggressive manifestations of those around them, because they consider that this symptom is the product of churlishness or lack of shame. The psychiatry consultation is important since almost half of the children have psychological problems that can be the cause of incontinence or part of the repercussions. It is concluded that it is pertinent to implement and promote prevention measures by primary care physicians, involving not only patients and their families, but also the staff responsible for children in schools, kindergartens and achieving adequate adherence to multimodal treatment. Most of the associated factors are modifiable such as bad habits for defecation and dietetics.