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Parcopresis

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Inability to defecate without a certain level of privacyMedical condition
Parcopresis
Other namesPsychogenic fecal retention
SpecialtyPsychology

Parcopresis, also termed psychogenic fecal retention or shy bowel, and known colloquially 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. It is typically researched alongside and has comorbidity with paruresis, which is an inability or difficulty to urinate in the presence of others.

Parcopresis is not a medically recognized condition, although one case report in 2011 suggests it should be classified as a form of social phobia. As of 2019, little is known about parcopresis and it has unknown prevalence. 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. Cognitive behavioral therapy is speculated to provide the most benefit, but there is not yet research to support this claim.

See also

  • Encopresis, where fecal incontinence occurs in children

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. The Private Lives of Public Bathrooms - Julie Beck - The Atlantic
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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