Encopresis DSM-5 Criteria

The most common cause of encopresis is chronic constipation. When a child experiences constipation, it becomes difficult to have regular bowel movements because the stool hardens in the colon. This leads to stool withholding, impaction, and eventually overflow incontinence, causing the child to leak stool into their underwear.

The ICD-10 code for encopresis is F98.1.

The duration of encopresis can vary. If properly treated, most children with encopresis can overcome the condition. However, without treatment, encopresis can persist for many years. Children may still have occasional accidents and soil their underwear from time to time until the intestine and rectum regain their normal muscle tone.