Rumination disorder is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that can profoundly impact an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
At The Summit Wellness Group we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. Our rumination disorder treatment center in Atlanta, GA, helps clients overcome the condition and reclaim their lives.
Our mission is to treat the whole person—body, mind, and soul—through personalized treatment plans, innovative therapies, and a supportive environment.
What is Rumination Disorder?
Rumination disorder, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is an eating disorder characterized by the repeated regurgitation of food after eating, which is then re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out.
Unlike vomiting associated with medical conditions like gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), rumination disorder is not caused by a gastrointestinal issue. Still, it is considered a behavioral condition rooted in psychological or neurological factors.
The regurgitation is typically effortless and not preceded by nausea, and individuals may engage in this behavior voluntarily or involuntarily.
This disorder can occur across the lifespan, affecting infants, children, adolescents, and adults, though it is most commonly diagnosed in infants and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Rumination disorder can lead to serious health complications, including malnutrition, weight loss, dental issues, and social isolation, making early intervention critical.
At The Summit Wellness Group, we recognize the unique challenges of this mental health issue and offer specialized care to address its physical and psychological components.
Prevalence of Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder is relatively rare compared to other eating disorders, but its prevalence varies by population. Exact figures are difficult to pinpoint due to underdiagnosis and overlap with other behavioral health conditions, but studies provide some insight:
- Infants and Young Children: Rumination disorder is more common in infants, with estimates suggesting it affects 5-10% of infants in certain high-risk groups, such as those with developmental delays or in institutional settings.
- Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Prevalence is higher among men and women with intellectual or developmental disabilities, ranging from 6-10% in some studies, particularly in institutional or residential care settings.
- General Population: In the general adult population, rumination disorder is rare, with estimates below 1%. However, it may be underreported due to stigma or misdiagnosed as a gastrointestinal issue.
The disorder often co-occurs with other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorder, depression, or autism spectrum disorder, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Our comprehensive assessments at The Summit Wellness Group ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
Signs and Symptoms
The primary symptom of rumination disorder is the repeated regurgitation of food, typically occurring within 30 minutes of eating. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Behavioral: Effortless regurgitation of partially digested food, which may be re-chewed or spit out; attempts to hide or conceal the behavior due to shame or embarrassment.
- Physical: Weight loss or failure to gain weight (especially in children), malnutrition, dental erosion, bad breath, or esophageal irritation.
- Psychological: Anxiety or distress related to eating, social withdrawal, or feelings of guilt and shame about the behavior.
- Social: Avoidance of eating in social settings, strained relationships due to secrecy or embarrassment, and reduced quality of life.
Unlike other eating disorders like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or anorexia nervosa, rumination disorder is not driven by body image concerns or the desire to control weight. Instead, it may be a self-soothing mechanism or an involuntary response to stress, sensory issues, or neurological factors.
Our healthcare team at The Summit Wellness Group is trained to recognize these nuanced symptoms and differentiate rumination disorder from other conditions.
Causes of Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder arises from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors:
- Biological: Neurological or developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities, increase the risk. Alterations in the brain-gut axis or esophageal motility may also contribute to involuntary regurgitation.
- Psychological: Stress, anxiety, or trauma can trigger or exacerbate rumination behaviors, particularly in individuals who use regurgitation as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
- Environmental: Early childhood neglect, institutionalization, or lack of stimulation in infancy may contribute to the development of rumination disorder, especially in young children. In adults, stressful life events or lack of social support can play a role.
- Learned Behavior: In some cases, rumination may begin as a learned behavior that becomes habitual, reinforced by the sensory or emotional relief it provides.
Understanding these causes is critical to developing effective treatment plans. At The Summit Wellness Group, we conduct thorough assessments to identify the underlying factors driving each client’s condition, ensuring a personalized approach to recovery.
Our Treatment Programs: PHP & IOP
The Summit Wellness Group offers specialized Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) designed to address rumination disorder with evidence-based, compassionate care. Our programs are tailored for adults aged 18 and older who require intensive support but do not need 24-hour inpatient treatment.
Partial Hospitalization
Our PHP is a structured, full-day level of care, typically running five days a week. It is ideal for men and women who need intensive interventions or are transitioning from residential treatment but do not need to stay the night.
Our PHP includes a combination of:
- Multidisciplinary Therapy: Our PHP incorporates individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and family therapy, using evidence-based modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and more. CBT often helps clients identify and modify negative thoughts and behaviors related to rumination, while DBT teaches mindfulness and distress tolerance skills to manage triggers and emotions.
- Nutritional Support: Registered dietitians provide meal consultations to help clients establish healthy eating patterns and reduce regurgitation behaviors. Nutritional counseling addresses deficiencies and promotes a positive relationship with food throughout the treatment period for eating disorders.
- Behavioral Interventions: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and habit reversal training interrupt the rumination cycle and replace it with healthier coping mechanisms.
- Holistic Therapies: Mindfulness, yoga, and expressive therapies (art therapy) address the emotional and sensory components of rumination, promoting relaxation and self-awareness.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Our IOP is a flexible, step-down option for individuals transitioning from PHP or those requiring less intensive care. It typically involves between 9 and 15 hours per week, offered at various times of the day to accommodate work, school, or family obligations.
IOP includes:
- Skill-Building Focus: IOP emphasizes practical skills for managing rumination, such as mindfulness techniques, stress management, and relapse prevention strategies, enabling patients to integrate recovery into daily life.
- Individualized Care: Each client receives a tailored treatment plan, developed by our multidisciplinary team, addressing their unique needs and triggers.
- Family Involvement: Family therapy educates loved ones through in-person sessions about rumination disorder and equips them to support recovery, addressing family dynamics that may influence the condition.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Our programs are trauma-informed, creating a safe, inclusive space for all clients, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Both programs integrate medical monitoring to address physical complications like malnutrition or dental issues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Our Experienced Staff
The Summit Wellness Group’s treatment team is composed of highly trained professionals with expertise in both eating disorders and rumination disorder, as well as personal experience in some cases. Our staff includes:
- Licensed Therapists: Our clinicians are skilled in CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based therapies, with specialized training in treating rumination disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or trauma.
- Registered Dietitians: We partner with dietitians who have extensive experience in nutritional rehabilitation. They help clients address physical complications and develop healthy eating habits tailored to their sensory or psychological needs.
- Psychiatrists: Our board-certified psychiatrists provide medication management for co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which may exacerbate rumination behaviors.
- Support Staff: Our compassionate support staff, including case managers and recovery coaches, provide ongoing encouragement and guidance, ensuring clients feel supported throughout their journey.
Our team’s collaborative approach ensures that each client receives cohesive, individualized treatment options, drawing on the expertise of multiple disciplines to address the complexities of rumination disorder.
Our Luxurious Facilities
At The Summit Wellness Group, we believe a healing environment is critical to recovery. Our newly renovated facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, offer a luxurious, welcoming atmosphere to make clients feel like they are part of the family. We offer:
- Comfortable Spaces: Our treatment rooms are spacious, modern, and designed to promote relaxation, with calming decor and natural light to create a soothing environment.
- Holistic Amenities: On-site yoga studios, meditation rooms, and art therapy spaces support our holistic approach, providing clients with tools to manage stress and emotional triggers.
- Private and Group Settings: Our facilities balance private therapy rooms for individual sessions with communal spaces for support groups, fostering personal reflection and community support.
- Safe and Inclusive Environment: Our trauma-informed facilities ensure all clients feel respected and supported, regardless of background.
Unlike the sterile, hospital-like setting of some treatment centers, our luxurious facilities prioritize comfort and dignity, enhancing the therapeutic experience and promoting engagement in treatment.
Financial Accessibility
At The Summit Wellness Group, we are committed to making treatment accessible to those in need. We understand financial concerns can be a barrier to care, and we strive to provide flexible payment options.
- Insurance: We work with many major insurance providers to cover PHP and IOP services, reducing clients’ out-of-pocket costs. Our staff assists with insurance verification and pre-authorization to streamline the process.
- Sliding Scale Fees: We offer sliding scale fees based on financial need for those without insurance or with limited coverage, ensuring that cost does not prevent access to care.
- Payment Plans: We provide flexible payment plans to spread out the cost of treatment, making it more manageable for clients and families.
- Transparent Billing: Our team provides clear, upfront information about costs and works with clients to explore all available options, ensuring no surprises.
Clients can contact our admissions team for specific details on insurance coverage or payment options. We aim to remove financial barriers and make high-quality care accessible to all.
Find Help Today
Rumination disorder is a challenging condition that requires specialized, compassionate care to address its physical, psychological, and social impacts. At The Summit Wellness Group, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome this disorder through our evidence-based PHP and IOP programs, delivered by an experienced team in a luxurious, supportive environment.
With flexible payment options and a commitment to accessibility, we ensure that every client has the opportunity to pursue recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with rumination disorder, contact us today at (770) 790-4510 to take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.