Question
A 17-month-old boy exhibits stubborn and crying behavior, often crying at the slightest inconvenience and showing fear of strangers, accepting hugs only from specific relatives. Does this situation suggest a lack of certain substances in the body?
Answer
An infant’s crying behavior can be categorized into three types: physiological needs, psychological reactions, and pathological conditions. Physiological needs include a wet or dirty diaper, hunger, thirst, overheating or coldness, a noisy environment, or too strong lighting. Psychological reactions may arise from a desire for close contact or fear of unfamiliar environments. Pathological crying is characterized by sharp and intense cries accompanied by body tension and restlessness, which are difficult to soothe. Therefore, an infant’s crying does not necessarily indicate a lack of substances in the body; rather, it should be considered in conjunction with their physiological and psychological state, and professional medical advice should be sought when necessary.