Gråteanfall

Gråteanfall, or crying fits, are episodes of intense, often inconsolable crying that occur primarily in infancy and early childhood, though less commonly they can be seen in older individuals. They are characterized by abrupt onset of loud crying, visible distress, tearing, flushed face, and difficulty soothing. The episodes may last from several minutes to an hour or longer, and the child may seem inconsolable or overwhelmed during the peak of the episode, with a return to baseline between episodes.

Common triggers and contributing factors include hunger, fatigue, overstimulation, rapid changes in environment, pain or illness (such as earache or gastrointestinal discomfort), and developmental phases related to emotional regulation. In toddlers and older children, emotional distress or frustration can also provoke gråteanfall. While most episodes are benign, they can be exhausting for caregivers and may be misinterpreted as behavioral problems.

Gråteanfall should be distinguished from seizures, breath-holding spells, or serious medical illness. Red flags include fever with a prolonged or unusual presentation, lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, neck stiffness, a bulging fontanelle, or failure to return to baseline after the episode. If episodes are very frequent, unusually prolonged, or accompanied by other concerning signs, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out underlying conditions.

Management focuses on safety, comfort, and routine. For caregivers, soothing techniques such as holding, rocking, gentle patting, pacifiers, white noise, and a calm, reassuring environment can help. Ensuring regular sleep and feeding schedules, addressing potential sources of discomfort, and avoiding punitive responses are advised. Most gråteanfall are self-limiting and improve with age as emotional regulation develops; persistent or atypical episodes in adults should prompt medical or psychological assessment.