Parcopresis, also termed psychogenic fecal retention or shy bowel, and known coloquially as poop shy, is the inability to defecate without a certain level of privacy. It can be either a difficulty or inability to defecate due to significant psychological distress, and is associated with avoidance in public and social situations.[1] It is typically researched alongside and has comorbidity with paruresis, which is an inability or difficulty to urinate in the presence of others.[1]
| Parcopresis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Psychogenic fecal retention |
| Specialty | Psychology |
Parcopresis is not a medically recognized condition,[2] although one case report in 2011 suggests it should be classified as a form of social phobia.[3] As of 2019[update], little is known about parcopresis and it has unknown prevalence.[1] One 2021 study with a sample size of 714 university students found that a gender-adjusted 14.4% of the study population avoided using public toilets for fears associated with parcopresis, with significantly higher prevalence among females.[4] Cognitive behavioral therapy is speculated to provide the most benefit, but there is not yet research to support this claim.[1]
See also edit
- Encopresis, where fecal incontinence occurs in children
References edit
- ^ a b c d Kuoch, Kenley LJ; Austin, David W; Knowles, Simon R (2019-04-01). "Latest thinking on paruresis and parcopresis: A new distinct diagnostic entity?". Australian Journal of General Practice. 48 (4): 212–215. doi:10.31128/ajgp-09-18-4700. hdl:10536/DRO/DU:30132027. ISSN 2208-794X.
- ^ The Private Lives of Public Bathrooms - Julie Beck - The Atlantic
- ^ Barros, Régis Eric Maia (December 2011). "Paruresis and Parcopresis in Social Phobia: a case report". Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria. 33 (4): 416–417. doi:10.1590/s1516-44462011000400019. ISSN 1516-4446.
- ^ Knowles, Simon R. (2023-01-01). "Socio-cognitive processes are associated with parcopresis symptoms and public toilet avoidance in university students". Current Psychology. 42 (3): 1762–1772. doi:10.1007/s12144-021-01586-x. ISSN 1936-4733.
Further reading edit
- Barros, Regis (December 2011). "Paruresis and Parcopresis in Social Phobia" (PDF). Brasilian Journal of Psychiatry. 33 (4): 416–417. doi:10.1590/S1516-44462011000400019. PMID 22189935.
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