The voluntary or involuntary passage of stools causing soiling of clothes by a child over 4 years of age. Encopresis can be divided into two groups. The first in which there is a physiologic basis for the encopresis, the second in which there seems to be an emotional basis.
Encopresis frequently is associated with constipation and fecal impaction.
Other causes may be related to a lack of toilet training or training at too early an age or an emotional disturbance such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder or a Conduct Disorder. For at least 3 months, this has happened at least once per month. Some disorders have similar or even the same symptoms. Here counseling and dietary advice is essential. Education of the parents and child, and biofeedback for the child is often used.