Excessive Crying Definition and Relevance
Wessel criteria—Duration over 3 hours in 24-hr. period, at least 3 days per week. (Cry Diary)
Prevalence. Approx. 10% of infants in 1st year of life, open population
Clinical concern. Consultation to manage intense or persistent, excessive crying
Children at risk of maltreatment, physical abuse due to intractable crying
Adds stressors, causes feelings of inadequacy and desperation in the parents