OBSCURE ENCOPRESIS, OTHER INCONTINENCE, AND THEIR TREATMENTS

The literature and Ferguson's review of psychological aspects of bowel incontinence are interpreted with respect to the validity of psychogenesis as basis. The psychological domain is obscure on both logical and empirical grounds respecting eliminatory incontinence. If inferences about psychogenic origins had a better basis, they might be an aid to treatment in some instances. Psychologists should make their treatments consonant with physical and psychological conditions current in the patient; namely, the eliminatory tract and e.g., the state of the patient's motivation. Often that requires consultation or cooperation with a physician. A general list of treatment procedures is given and illustrated in a child having severe physical disabilities as the basis of bowel incontinence.