This retrospective analysis describes adolescent patients seeking treatment for rumination syndrome (RS) in an inpatient medical setting. It is the first study to examine clinical outcomes of patients involved in such an intensive multidisciplinary program. The analysis also explores factors that may be related to patients’ progress in the program. A chart review was conducted of 55 adolescents admitted to our program with RS over the course of 5 years. At admission, none of the patients was able to keep down enough caloric content by mouth to maintain weight. Variables examined included demographics, aspects of their illness (e.g., somatic symptoms, duration of illness), and progress with regard to rumination and ability to retain oral intake. By the end of treatment (Mdnlength of stay = 9.0 days), 87% of patients were able to successfully retain at least 80% of their daily caloric requirement by mouth. Patients who were not able to achieve this goal were more likely to have a comorbid mental health disorder. Anxiety disorder and depression were the 2 most common diagnoses. This analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of an multidisciplinary inpatient approach in the treatment of RS in what is likely a group of patients with challenging clinical presentations. It also highlights the importance of evaluating mental health concerns and conceptualizing the disorder in terms of a biopsychosocial framework.

No abstract

No abstract

Over the past few decades, pediatric obesity has become a national epidemic. Up to one third of American children and adolescents currently meet criteria as overweight or obese, placing them at risk for obesity into adulthood. Multiple acute and chronic medical conditions are increasing in prevalence among youth due to their overweight status. In addition, obesity can result in serious problems related to psychosocial functioning. Efforts at prevention and treatment must address the multifactorial causes and consequences of pediatric obesity. Though many programs have been proposed, more work is needed in this area to successfully combat the problem of pediatric obesity.

Overweight and obesity have risen substantially in the last few decades. Recently, food addiction has gained attention as a possible explanation for this increase. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for food addiction and its role in the rise of overweight and obesity in youth. Diagnostic symptoms, prevalence, and neurobiology of food addiction are reviewed. An overview of treatment options for youth is provided. Additional research on the nature of food addiction in youth as well as continued investigation of factors related to the rise in obesity is warranted.