Encopresis is diagnosed at what age?

Encopresis is diagnosed at what age?

• A. 3 years
• B. 4 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 6 years

Answer: (B)

Encopresis is diagnosed when a child has persistent fecal soiling beyond the age at which most children achieve bladder and bowel control. The key age threshold is four years; by this age, continence is typically established, so soiling after four is considered abnormal. Diagnostic criteria also require a pattern of defecation into inappropriate places (often at least once a month for several months) and no medical cause. In practice, many cases involve constipation with overflow, but the essential point for the age-specific diagnosis is that the child is four years or older.

Encopresis is diagnosed when a child has persistent fecal soiling beyond the age at which most children achieve bladder and bowel control. The key age threshold is four years; by this age, continence is typically established, so soiling after four is considered abnormal. Diagnostic criteria also require a pattern of defecation into inappropriate places (often at least once a month for several months) and no medical cause. In practice, many cases involve constipation with overflow, but the essential point for the age-specific diagnosis is that the child is four years or older.