When a child is over the age of four and defecates into his/her clothing or onto the floor at least once a month for at least three months, the child is likely to be diagnosed with which of the following disorders?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Encopresis is a disorder in which children over the age of four repeatedly defecate into their clothing or onto the floor, often because they are holding in their bowel movements to avoid pain or discomfort. This behavior must occur at least once a month for a minimum of three months to be considered a clinical diagnosis. Enuresis, on the other hand, refers to the repeated involuntary discharge of urine, and is not related to bowel movements. Bowel disorder and bladder disorder are too broad and nonspecific to be considered appropriate answers.

When a Child Is Over the Age of Four and Defecates