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What is Bedwetting and Soiling?

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Enuresis and Encopresis are the two primary Bedwetting and Soiling Disorders that occur in children and adolescents. People with Enuresis have trouble holding their urine (most commonly at night), while those with Encopresis struggle with containing their stool.

Children dealing with these disorders feel embarrassed about the incidents. They sometimes try to hide their soiled clothes or bedding if they are afraid of being punished or scolded. Sleep-overs at friends’ homes and summertime sleep-away camp are out of the question for those who fear teasing from other kids.

Enuresis, which usually happens at night, comes from a combination of low bladder capacity, increased urine production, and the child’s failure to awaken in response to a full bladder. Urinating during sleep commonly happens when a child has a dream about going to the bathroom.

Encopresis is most commonly related to chronic constipation, which causes leaking of loose, liquid stool to relieve pressure. The constipation may have a medical explanation, such as dehydration, or a psychological one, like anxiety about using the bathroom. Much less commonly, Encopresis can also appear as part of a behavioral disorder, where children go to the bathroom in inappropriate places on purpose.

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References
  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Encopresis. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. [Citation is on Diagnostic Criteria]
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Enuresis. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. [Citation is on Diagnostic Features]
  3. Thiedke, C. C. (2003). Nocturnal enuresis. Am Fam Physician, 67(7), 1499–1506. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12722850?dopt=Abstract on 2/14/19. [Citation is on Pharmacologic Treatment]
  4. Thiedke, C. C. (2003). Nocturnal enuresis. Am Fam Physician, 67(7), 1499–1506. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12722850?dopt=Abstract on 2/14/19. [Citation is on Nonpharmacologic Treatment]
  5. Bed-wetting – Diagnosis and treatment. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-wetting/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366711 on 2/18/19.
  6. Cox, D., Morris, J., Borowitz,S., & Sutphen, J. (2002). Psychological differences between children with and without chronic encopresis. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 27,7, 585-591.
  7. Freeman,K.A., Riley, A., Duke,D.C., & Fu, R. (2014). Systematic review and meta-analysis of behavioural interventions for fecal incontinence and constipation. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 39, 8, 887-902.
  8. Har, A.F., & Croffle, J.M. (2010). Encopresis. Paediatrics in review. 31,9,368-3754.
  9. Joinson, C., Heron, J., Butler, U., et al. (2006). Psychological differences between children with and without soiling problems. Pediatrics, 117, 1575-1584.
  10. Mosca, N., & Schatz, M. (2014). Encopresis: Not just an accident. NASN School Nurse. 28,5,218-221.
  11. Kessel, E.M., Allmann, A.E.S., Goldstein, Br., Finsaas, M., Dougherty, L.R., Bufferd, S.J., Carlson, G. A., Klein, D.N. (2017). Predictors and outcomes of childhood primary enuresis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 56(3); 250-257.