How Is Rumination Disorder Treated in Children?
Treatment of rumination disorder mainly focuses on changing the child’s behavior. Several approaches may be used, including: • Changing the child’s posture during and right after eating • Encouraging more interaction between mother and child during feeding; giving the child more attention • Reducing distractions during feeding • Making feeding a more relaxing and pleasurable experience • Distracting the child when he or she begins the rumination behavior • Aversive conditioning, which involves placing something sour or bad-tasting on the child’s tongue when he or she begins to vomit Psychotherapy for the mother and/or family may be helpful to improve communication and address any negative feelings toward the child due to the behavior. There are no medications used to treat rumination disorder.
