Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Self-Induced Vomiting at 17 Months | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
Is it normal for my 17-month-old son to make himself vomit after eating any little thing?— MAMI2000 in Woonsocket | | | ANSWER |
November 7, 2001 | | | Dear Mami,
No. This behavior is a sure sign that there is something wrong.
A child's main job is to grow; a child who causes himself to vomit is working against this primary need to grow. This behavior, which is sometimes called rumination, is considered by most child behavior specialists to be a sign of psychological difficulties. Vomiting or excessive spiting up can also be a symptom of physical illness, which may not be obvious except to a doctor. In any case, there is no question that this behavior must be evaluated by a doctor who understands both physical and emotional development. You might begin with your child's general pediatrician. A developmental-behavioral pediatrician would be a good choice. Many child psychiatrists are also skilled in treating this problem.
While it is terribly scary to think that there might be something wrong with your child, it is important that you face up to this problem and don't avoid it. The longer it goes on, the more difficult it is likely to become. Also, repeated vomiting is not good for a child. By dealing with the problem right away--taking your child to see the doctor, and any specialists he or she suggests--you make it much more likely that your child will get better soon.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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