Encopresis and enuresis

The endpoint of the alimentary process involves elimination of urine and feces and these processes represent a common developmental milestone for children; however, failure to achieve appropriate elimination by the expected age is a common pediatric complaint. Specifically, enuresis (urine) and encopresis (feces) are estimated to occur in approximately 25% of 6-year old children. It has been noted by several authors that the prevalence is higher in boys than girls and that rates decrease as a function of age (Friman, 2008; Shepard & Cox, 2017). These disorders usually occur independently but can co-occur. There is a broad range of medical conditions that can cause encopresis and enuresis, but these causes are rare. They are real, however, and need to be ruled out prior to going forward with behavioral assessment and treatment. The vast majority of cases are functional and their comprehensive assessment readily yields functionally relevant variables that can either be modified or manipulated through behavioral intervention to bring about modifications in behavior related to elimination.