Encopresis in children and adults

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Encopresis in children and adults Encopresis is a disorder that is little known to the general public, but which affects a fairly large number of individuals. It is a form of faecal incontinence, i.e. sudden uncontrolled faecal discharge, which occurs in children from the age of four and in adult men. Not being able to control one's urges can be considered a psychological disorder. But it can also be caused by physical problems. What causes encopresis? How do you get rid of it? What is encopresis? Encopresis is a disorder characterised by the regular but involuntary emission of formed or semi-formed faeces in inappropriate situations. In order to consider that a person has this disorder, a number of symptoms need to be identified: defecation must be regular; in children over the age of 4, it takes place every day or almost every day. In adults, it occurs at least two or three times a month. It is most often involuntary: the simple act of relaxing the sphincter muscles results in the evacuation of faeces. It is uncontrolled, with sufferers relieving themselves in their underwear or in inappropriate places on the floor. It can also be retentional or non-retentional, i.e. caused by a tendency not to want to pass faeces. It is linked to physiological and psychological disorders. Causes of encopresis Encopresis can present differently in different individuals, and the causes are still difficult to identify. We do know, however, that the condition has several causes. It most often has a physiological origin (malformation, trauma, constipation), but can also have a psychological cause, or both at the same time. Treatments exist, but are not well known. Drug treatments can be accompanied by psychological follow-up to find out the underlying cause of the disorder. Treatment for encopresis Treatments exist, but vary according to the form of encopresis. A medical diagnosis must be made before any treatment. If the disorder is caused by infections or other physiological factors, the treatment will be medical or surgical. If there are no physical factors, the patient will need to be monitored psychologically to determine the underlying causes of the disorder. Psychological follow-up treatment Individuals with encopresis for which there are no physical causes (constipation, megacolon and sphincter muscle problems) can consult a psychoanalyst to help them deal with the disorder. If the disorder appears in a young child, parents should not hesitate to consult a specialist as well. The therapeutic method consists of determining the cause of the disorder. In general, the psychological causes are strict toilet training, or training too early a behavioural problem, a personal blockage; for some patients, the fact of having a bowel movement is not self-evident and can confuse them a history that has left a physical mark on the individual, for example acute constipation or anal fissures psychiatric pathology The aim of psychological treatment is to eliminate the fear or shock associated with the act of defecation. It involves learning to control oneself through physical exercises, but also by controlling one's body. Psychological treatment may be accompanied by medicinal solutions.

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