Parental overprotection

This code represents a pattern of excessive parental control, supervision, or involvement that hinders a child's normal development of autonomy, independence, and problem-solving skills. It describes a situation where parents may excessively shield a child from age-appropriate challenges, risks, or social interactions, often stemming from anxiety or a desire to prevent perceived harm.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates that a child's psychological or developmental issues are attributed to or exacerbated by parental overprotection. This may be identified during assessments for anxiety disorders, social phobias, or developmental delays where the parental dynamic is a significant contributing factor. It is appropriate when the overprotective behavior is a primary focus of clinical attention or intervention.

• Ensure the medical record explicitly links the patient's condition or presenting problem to parental overprotection.
• This code is typically used as a secondary diagnosis, supporting a primary mental health or developmental diagnosis.
• Avoid using this code without clear documentation of the impact of parental behavior on the child's health or development.