Enuresis and Encopresis

While most children are able to achieve bowel and bladder control with sufficient toilet training, some children may still exhibit difficulties in these areas.

Functional Enuresis refers to the repeated voiding of urine involuntarily or intentionally, during the day or at night. Functional Encopresis refers to the passage of faeces into inappropriate places involuntarily or intentionally, during the day or at night.

A diagnosis of Enuresis or Encopresis should be made only after a thorough clinical assessment, which would include a physical examination.

The symptoms are:

• Repeated voiding of urine into inappropriate places (e.g., clothing or floor), involuntarily or intentionally
• The behaviour has occurred at least twice a week for at least three consecutive months OR if the behaviour has caused clinically significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning
• The child must be at least five years old
• The behaviour is not substance-induced (e.g., diuretic) or due to a general medical condition (e.g. spina bifida)

• Repeated passage of faeces into inappropriate places (e.g., clothing or floor), involuntarily or intentionally
• The behaviour has occurred at least once a month for at least three consecutive months
• The child must be at least four years old
• The behaviour is not substance-induced (e.g., laxatives) or due to a general medical condition (except constipation)

If you think that your child might have Enuresis or Encopresis, you are encouraged to seek help early from your trusted mental health professional.

Some examples of treatment include:

• Pharmacological interventions (e.g., laxatives, stool softeners)
• Psychosocial interventions (e.g. parent training programmes, behavioural treatment)
• Psychotherapy for associated behavioural or psychological issues

Parents can also help the child by waking the child up during the night to use the toilet. For children with symptoms of Enuresis, parents can decrease their fluid intake, especially before bedtime.