Rumination Disorder

This overview is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. (Source – Psychology Today)

Rumination occurs when people constantly regurgitate (bring chewed food back up) their food after eating. They then chew it, swallow it, or spit it out. Regurgitation occurs without a sense of disgust, nausea, or involuntary gagging. 

 

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

  • The disorder is diagnosed when regurgitation has continued for at least one month and the behavior isn’t due to another medical problem, eating disorder, or mental health condition. 
  • The person may have weight stagnation, weight loss, or show developmental challenges.

  • Some people describe the condition as habitual or out of their control, and therapy may focus on interrupting and reversing those habits.

 

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes?

  • Rumination often occurs in infancy and childhood, but it can affect adults as well. 
  • Stress and anxiety are risk factors for babies and children, while anxiety and depression are risk factors for adults.

  • A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose rumination disorder by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
  • The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the regurgitation is not caused as a result of underlying medical conditions, eating disorder or mental health condition.
  • The GP/psychologist will check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for rumination disorder before making a diagnosis.

What is the recommended treatment? ( Source NEDA: National Eating Disorder Association)

  • Once a physical cause for rumination disorder has been ruled out, the most common way rumination disorder is treated involves a combination of breathing exercises and teaching the person to break the habit of regurgitating their food.
  • A child with rumination disorder is taught to recognize the signs and situations when regurgitation is likely, and then they learn breathing techniques to use after eating that prevent them from regurgitating their food.
  • They eventually learn to prevent the habit by replacing it with deep breathing techniques.

  • Among those with this mental disorder, it is equally prevalent in infants (6–10% of the population) and institutionalized adults (8–10%).
  • In infants, it typically occurs within the first 3–12 months of age. 

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional;

    • Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
    • Keep a gratitude journal
    • Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
    • Practice Mindfulness
    • Practice Yoga
    • Maintain a good sleep schedule 
    • Recognise what you can and can’t handle

# Rumination
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