Encopresis more commonly affects boys than girls. Some evidence suggests that behavior modification is beneficial for treatment of encopresis. While other psychotherapies may be helpful for treatment of encopresis, they have not been evaluated scientifically in the same way as the treatment listed here. The Children's Medical Center at the University of Virginia has an excellent website with more information about normal bowel habits and facts on encopresis. Enuresis is diagnosed in children who are at least 5 years old, although younger children often do have difficulty controlling urination.
Behavioral treatment is well-established as a beneficial treatment for enuresis.
Behavioral treatment usually involves the use of a urine alarm device and parent education. While other psychotherapies may be helpful for treatment of enuresis, they have not been evaluated scientifically in the same way as the treatment listed here. Click on Frequently Asked Questions about Bed-Wetting for more facts on enuresis and some tips on helping your child with this problem. Note that the site is operated by a company that makes medication for treatment of enuresis. Oppositional Behavior Oppositional behavior includes things like losing one's temper, arguing with parents or teachers, refusing to follow rules, being mean or seeking revenge, deliberately annoying people, being angry and resentful, blaming others for one's own mistakes, and persistently being stubborn and unwilling to compromise.