What type of doctor treats encopresis?

He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders in children (pediatric gastroenterologist) if needed or to a mental health professional if your child is distressed, very embarrassed, frustrated or angry because of encopresis.

Is encopresis a mental illness?

Chronic neurotic encopresis (CNE), a childhood psychiatric disorder characterized by inappropriate fecal soiling, necessitated the formation of the following specific etiological factors: a) a neurologically immature developmental musculature, an organic condition which may complicate toilet training; b) premature or …

How can I help my child with encopresis?

Treatment of Encopresis

  1. Cleaning the hard stool out of the lower colon.
  2. Keeping bowel movements soft so the stool will pass easily.
  3. Toilet sitting at least twice a day (if age appropriate)
  4. Retraining the intestine and rectum to gain control over bowel movements.

Does encopresis ever go away?

Many children who do not undergo treatment are able to resolve the problem on their own as they grow up, but this can take many years. The problem can persist into adulthood.

How is psychological encopresis treated?

Treatment, which should be administered by a physician, may include measures such as providing laxatives, enemas, or stool softeners and introducing a high-fiber diet. If necessary, a pediatric gastroenterologist may employ additional techniques to help overcome encopresis.

Is it helpful to punish a child for lack of control over bowel movements?

Encopresis is not a behavioral issue or a simple lack of self-control. Punishing or humiliating a child with encopresis will only make matters worse. Instead, talk to your doctor for help to get through this challenging but treatable problem. The doctor also might recommend that your child see a gastroenterologist.

Can encopresis be caused by trauma?

In other cases, encopresis occurs when there is a stressful family situation such as divorce, the birth of a sibling or transition to a new school. In severe cases, frequent soiling may occur in a child who has had a traumatic or frightening experience such as sexual or physical molestation.

Can anxiety cause soiling?

Emotional issues can trigger encopresis. The condition is more common among children from homes where abuse is happening. However, any incident that a child perceives as stressful may trigger stool soiling.

Is encopresis common with ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most frequently reported coexisting psychiatric condition in children with encopresis. Some case reports and a retrospective study state that methylphenidate (MPH) is effective in the treatment of encopresis that accompanies ADHD.

What to do when your child keeps pooping their pants?

Ignoring the Urge to Go If your child realizes it is time to use the toilet midway through soiling their pants, the solution is to schedule potty breaks. The frequency of bowel movements varies among individuals. Some toddlers poop every day, some every other day, and some poop three times a day or more.