Encopresis:

Encopresis is behaviorally defined as fecal soiling in inappropriate places in children at four-years-of age or older.

It is most commonly associated with children who avoid the toilet stool, hide to toilet, and become overly dependent
on wearing diapers or pull-ups. Encopresis is a functional disorder in 95 percent of cases with no physical basis.
This is very frustrating for both physicians and parents as they seek physical causes. Indeed, Encopresis, in and
of itself, may result in severe medical and psychological consequences which can then negatively affect future
treatment.

The best known medical consequence of encopresis is an enlarged colon or megacolon due to an overlearned
dependence on the holding reflex for attempts to avoid accidents. This compromises the colon's ability to function
properly. The major medical specialty for encopresis is Pediatric Gastroenterology (PedGI). The PedGI can
diagnose this condition which is also known as Functional Fecal Retention or FFR. The favored treatment today
is to medicate with stool softeners and laxatives to attempt to keep the stool soft and promote passage (and
leakage for many children).

The rationale is that under this condition the colon will shrink back to a more normal condition and regain its
functionality. This can happen in 40 to 60 percent of children with Encopresis within one year .... up to 80 percent
in one study after eight years with lots of encouragement insisting that a child will grow out of it.

Effective alternative treatments have now become available giving parents more choices and more rapid results.
Dr. Robert W. Collins, the author of this website, is a behavioral medicine oriented psychologist who owns Soiling
Solutions®. Soiling Solutions® is currently the only home based treatment based on a common treatment manual
and a moderated e-mail forum.

Dr. Collins has coauthored a medical textbook chapter referencing it and he has recently written a recent medical
journal article on its history and theoretical basis (www.iffgd.org). It stops soiling very early and which encourages
continuing adherence to the treatment protocol which documents a gradual or rapid course of recovery.

As a free service, Dr. Collins will make himself available to answer your questions about Encopresis on the Internet
to benefit those dealing with this issue. If you are, you are far from alone on this all too common a problem.

Please click here to read through questions received by Dr. Collins, along with his answers.