My Granddaughter Is Acting Bizarrely

Dr. Dombeck, I have a friend whose daughter and granddaughter recently moved back in with her. My friend is extremely worried because her granddaughter, who seemed normal the last time she saw her at age 10 months, is now behaving in a bizarre manner at the age of two. This child refuses to eat, appears panicked whenever someone other than her mother makes eye contact or walks near her, tears out her own hair in clumps and patches, bangs her head against the wall. My friend is fearful for her granddaughter's health, and the well-being and safety of those that are in the household as well. What in the world could be wrong with this girl? Is it too early to get psychiatric help?

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