Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a frequent neurodevelopment disorder in
children and it`s among the psychiatric conditions the most commonly associated with
functional constipation and encopresis.
A six-year-old boy was referred to a neurodevelopment appointment for behavior and
concentration problems. He had pathological history of obesity and encopresis.
The patient was diagnosed with combined Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and
20 mg/d of long-acting methylphenidate was initiated. Six months later, inattentiveness
and hyperactivity/impulsiveness had decreased and school performance had an excellent
improvement. Also, complete resolution of encopresis occurred.
In the holidays he stopped methylphenidate and complaints of encopresis started again
as well as the behavior problems. However after restarting the treatment, the symptoms
resolved.
In conclusion, this clinical case supports the fact that methylphenidate treatment may be
effective in children/adolescents with encopresis when there is coexisting Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Key words: ADHD, Constipation, Dopamine, Encopresis, Methylphenidate
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