[Classification of enuresis/encopresis according to DSM-5]

Abstract

Elimination disorders are common in childhood and adolescence. Enuresis is traditionally defined as wetting from the age of 5 years and encopresis as soiling from 4 years onwards - after all organic causes have been excluded. In the past decades, many subtypes of elimination disorders have been identified with different symptoms, etiologies, and specific treatment options. Unfortunately, the DSM-5 criteria did not integrate these new approaches. In contrast, classification systems of the International Children's Incontinence Society (ICCS) for enuresis and urinary incontinence as well as the ROME-III criteria for fecal incontinence offer new and relevant suggestions for both clinical and research purposes.

Keywords: DSM-5; Enkopresis; Enuresis nocturna; Harninkontinenz tags; ICCS; Rome-III; Stuhlinkontinenz; daytime urinary incontinence; encopresis; fecal incontinence; functional constipation; funktionelle Obstipation; nocturnal enuresis.