Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Rumination Syndrome (CBT-RS)

Rumination syndrome (RS) is a condition characterized by repeated, effortless regurgitation of material (usually food). RS is classified as both a disorder of gut-brain interaction, and as a feeding and eating disorder. Not only can the experience of RS be distressing, it can severely impact a patient's medical functioning and ability to live a full life. RS is unfortunately an overlooked (and thus under-treated) condition, as individuals with RS may often describe their symptoms as "reflux" or "vomiting." RS can also co-occur with other gastrointestinal and eating disorders, further complicating the clinical picture. The good news is that RS can be successfully treated.
This book offers a comprehensive treatment approach for RS, for use with children, adolescents, and adults. With evidence backing its use, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for RS (CBT-RS), is designed for clinicians (behavioral health or medical) to use with patients in their own clinical settings. With case examples and a practical stepwise approach, clinicians are able to take CBT-RS into their own clinical settings to increase treatment access for RS.

Helen Burton-Murray, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She also serves as the Director of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Behavioral Health Program in the MGH Center for Neurointestinal Health. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Drexel University, completing her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral clinical training at MGH/ Harvard Medical School. Adrienne Juarascio, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and a licensed clinical psychologist at Drexel University. She also serves as the Director of Practicum Training for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Director of Training for the WELL Center. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Drexel University, completing her pre-doctoral clinical training at the Medical University of South Carolina. Jennifer J. Thomas, PhD is an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Yale University, completing her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral clinical training at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Preface ForewordIntroduction to the Book Chapter 1: What is Rumination Syndrome? Chapter 2: Symptom-Based Assessment of Rumination Syndrome Chapter 3: Basics of Gastrointestinal Assessment for Complex Presentations (Guest author Dr. Christopher D. Vélez)Chapter 4: Overview of CBT-RS Chapter 5: Step 1-Education and Self-Monitoring Chapter 6: Step 2-"Habit Reversal Training" with Diaphragmatic Breathing Chapter 7: Step 3-Individualized CBT Modules to Address Remaining Symptoms Chapter 8: Step 4-Maintaining Progress and Relapse Prevention Chapter 9: Data to Support the Efficacy of CBT-RS Conclusions and Future Directions Appendix A: Assessment Measures Appendix B: CBT-RS Patient Workbook