It has been reported 1 in 125 people in the general population experience rumination syndrome, but the actual number is likely to be underestimated as it is an under recognised condition.
Rumination syndrome is a rare problem. However, it may be underdiagnosed because it is mistaken for another problem. Although still rare, rumination is being diagnosed more often in both children and adults. Experts think this may be happening because healthcare providers are now able to spot the problem.
Rumination disorder most often occurs in infants and very young children (between 3 and 12 months), and in children with intellectual disabilities. It is rare in older children, adolescents, and adults. It may occur slightly more often in boys than in girls, but few studies of the disorder exist to confirm this.
While rumination syndrome itself is not life-threatening, the problems that develop around the rumination are quite debilitating. Some of these problems include: Heightened GI sensitivity resulting in severe abdominal pain, nausea, bloating and/or pressure that makes having food or fluid in the stomach intolerable.
Rumination disorder happens most often in babies and very young children (between 3-12 months), and in children with cognitive impairments. It's rare in older children, adolescents, and adults.
State rumination is more common in people who are pessimistic, neurotic, and who have negative attributional styles.
A key difference between worry and rumination is that worry is concerned with danger whilst rumination is concerned with loss, hopelessness and failure. Rumination occurs in the context of sadness, disappointment, loss and depression.
Indeed, research has linked this tendency toward overthinking with numerous harmful behaviors, particularly overeating and drinking too much alcohol, as well as health consequences such as an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure and other toxic effects.
Rumination is a behavior and not a mental health condition. It's a common symptom in anxiety and mood disorders, though. But it doesn't have to be permanent. You can learn to manage it.
Rumination involves repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings and distress and their causes and consequences. The repetitive, negative aspect of rumination can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety and can worsen existing conditions.
Rumination Disorder Mortality Rate
Rumination is the direct cause of death in between 5–10% of people with the condition.
The main treatment for rumination syndrome is behavioral therapy to stop regurgitation. The behavioral therapy that is usually prescribed for rumination syndrome is diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs.
Myth: Rumination gets worse with age.
From there, rates of rumination increase, with the highest levels of ruminators being under the age of 25. Rates of rumination then begin to decline with age. Older adults, those 63 and older, ruminate the least.
Therapies for conditions like O.C.D., anxiety and certain types of depression — which can include cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, light therapy or writing out your feelings — are all useful in reducing rumination, he said.
Trauma-related rumination refers to perseverative thinking about the trauma and its consequences; such consequences may include an individual's PTSD symptoms (see Ehlers & Clark, 2000). A feature common to both rumination and re-experiencing symptoms is that they are difficult to control.
The cycle of rumination can lead to depression and anxiety, which can lead to addiction in some cases.
Rumination is one of the co-occurring symptoms found both in anxiety disorders and depression. It is often a primary symptom in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. When people are depressed, the themes of rumination are typically about being inadequate or worthless.
Obsessing and ruminating are often part of living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). No matter how hard you try to ignore them, those negative thoughts just keep coming back, replaying themselves in an infinite loop.
Some of the long-term complications may include: Increased risk of dehydration, malnutrition and weight loss. Poor school attendance and involvement in activities. Emotional issues such as anxiety, stress and depression.
Untreated, rumination syndrome can damage the tube between your mouth and stomach (esophagus). Rumination syndrome can also cause: Unhealthy weight loss. Malnutrition.
Finding a pleasurable activity or distraction often helps break the cycle of rumination. Using some of your own unique interests or self care can help find something that works for you. Mindfulness is a mediation practice that focuses on paying attention to your thoughts.
Importantly, however, rumination is not only related to depression, but is involved in the development and/or maintenance of a broad range of disorders, including post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, insomnia, eating disorders, somatic symptom disorder, and substance use disorders2, 3.
Ruminative thoughts are obsessive in nature and can be divided into two subtypes: reflective and brooding.
Most of these negative outcomes of rumination are associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a severe and prevalent condition characterized by intense negative affect, interpersonal difficulties, and maladaptive impulsive behaviors (APA, 2000).