What characterizes Rumination Disorder in individuals?

Rumination Disorder is characterized by the repeated regurgitation of food, which is then either re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This behavior occurs in the absence of any medical condition and is not due to a developmental disorder, eating disorder, or any other mental health issues. The act of regurgitating and re-ingesting food can occur repeatedly and may not be associated with any distress initially, which distinguishes it from other eating-related disorders that involve more complex psychological factors.

In contrast, recurrent overeating typifies binge eating disorders, where there is an evident loss of control during eating episodes. Inability to swallow food properly relates more to physiological issues, such as dysphagia, and does not align with the behavioral patterns seen in Rumination Disorder. Lastly, while anxiety can influence eating behaviors in various ways, Rumination Disorder itself is specifically focused on the regurgitation and manipulation of previously consumed food, rather than being driven by compulsive eating behaviors associated with anxiety.