Elimination Disorders

Question 1

Enuresis

Answer 1

repeated voiding of urine into the bed or clothes at least twice a week for three or more consecutive months; urination is usually involuntary, but can be intentional; it is not due to use of a substance or a medical condition; diagnosed only when the individual is at least five years old or the equivalent developmental level

Question 2

Treatment for Enuresis

Answer 2

most common treatment is the bell-and-pad which causes a bell to ring when the sleeping child begins to urinate; the night alarm has been found effective in up to 80% of cases, although about one-third of children exhibit some degree of relapse within six months of the initial treatment; night alarm more effective when combined with other behavioral techniques such as behavioral rehearsal or overcorrection

imipramine reduces wetting frequency in 85% of cases and suppresses wetting entirely in 30% of cases, but most children relapse within 3 months

Desmopressin- a synthetic version of an antidiuretic hormone, has shown that it also has good short-term, but poor long-term effects

Question 3

Encopresis

Answer 3

characterized by repeated involuntary or intentional passage of feces into places not appropriate for that purpose; symptoms must occur at least once a month for at least three months; child must be at least 4 years old or equivalent developmental level

behavior is not due exclusively to use of a substance or a medical condition except once that involves constipation