The Classification of Soiling and Encopresis and a Possible Treatment Protocol.

Background:   It is proposed that the classification of paediatric bowel elimination disorders is central to their effective treatment.

Method:   By separating the terms soiling and encopresis and clearly defining the aetiologies behind both, a treatment pathway begins to emerge.

Results:   The theoretical model described suggests that encopresis may require only psychological management, whereas soiling (caused by constipation) is more complex, and although it needs medical management, it may or may not require psychological input.

Conclusions:   By using such a functional classification to define a treatment protocol, the roles of both medical and psychological services could be more clearly understood from the outset.