Which disorder is described as the regurgitation of recently eaten food into the mouth followed by either rechewing, reswallowing, or spitting it out?

Which disorder is described as the regurgitation of recently eaten food into the mouth followed by either rechewing, reswallowing, or spitting it out?

• A. Rumination Disorder
• B. Pica
• C. Tic Disorders
• D. ADHD

Answer: (A)

Regurgitation of recently eaten food after meals, followed by rechewing, reswallowing, or spitting it out, is the hallmark of rumination disorder. This pattern involves repeated regurgitation of food that has already been swallowed, and the regurgitated material is then processed further rather than being cleared by typical digestion. It’s not explained by a medical condition like reflux or by other mental disorders. This distinguishes it from the others: Pica involves eating nonnutritive substances; Tic disorders involve motor or vocal tics; ADHD centers on attention and hyperactivity, not regurgitation. In rumination disorder, the behavior persists as a maladaptive eating pattern, and recognizing it points toward appropriate behavioral and medical evaluation and treatment.

Regurgitation of recently eaten food after meals, followed by rechewing, reswallowing, or spitting it out, is the hallmark of rumination disorder. This pattern involves repeated regurgitation of food that has already been swallowed, and the regurgitated material is then processed further rather than being cleared by typical digestion. It’s not explained by a medical condition like reflux or by other mental disorders. This distinguishes it from the others: Pica involves eating nonnutritive substances; Tic disorders involve motor or vocal tics; ADHD centers on attention and hyperactivity, not regurgitation. In rumination disorder, the behavior persists as a maladaptive eating pattern, and recognizing it points toward appropriate behavioral and medical evaluation and treatment.