The relationship between rumination and eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Rumination has been described as a symptom in association with eating disorders, but also as a separate disorder.

METHOD: A series of 8 female volunteers who reported rumination were systematically screened for the presence of eating disorders and other psychopathology.

RESULTS

Seven met current or prior criteria for an Axis I disorder and five had a current or prior eating disorder.

DISCUSSION: The importance of screening for eating disorders among women who ruminate, and for screening for rumination among eating disorder patients, is stressed.