Both encopresis and enuresis are categorised as elimination disorders and are the inability to control defecation or urination in those deemed old enough to exercise control.
All children and young people attending school presenting with bladder and or bowel problems should be assessed by their GP in the first instance. The GP can undertake a history, physical examination and make a differential diagnosis for the child/young person presenting with a bladder and / or bowel problem.
Please refer to the Bladder and Bowel Pathway for Children and Young People available on Urinary Incontinence and Constipation – RefHelp opens a new window
CAMHS will consider referrals where:
- An initial assessment has already been undertaken by a paediatric service (see below)
- The presentation is psychological in nature, e.g., anxiety, trauma response
- There is a suspected underlying neurodevelopmental condition and the child is over 7 years of age (under age 7 years may be seen in Community Paediatrics where wider neurodevelopmental assessment is appropriate before referral to CAMHS for ADHD assessment, please see Community Paediatrics – RefHelp opens a new window).
C.M. & K.A. 24-03-25
