Other Eating & Feeding Disorders

Pica

Pica involves the persistent eating of non-food substances (such as dirt, chalk, paper, hair, or ice) for a period of at least one month. The substances consumed are not considered food in the cultural context, and the behavior is not part of a culturally supported practice. Pica can occur across the lifespan but is most common in children, pregnant women, and individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.

Rumination Disorder

Rumination disorder involves the repeated regurgitation of food after eating. Food may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This is not caused by a medical condition like reflux, and the individual may not experience nausea. Rumination disorder can occur in infants, children, adolescents, and adults, and can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and dental problems.

Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

UFED is diagnosed when an eating or feeding disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment but does not meet the full criteria for any specific eating disorder diagnosis. This category exists to ensure that individuals can still receive treatment and support even when their symptoms don't fit neatly into a defined category.