Z62.3: Hostility towards and scapegoating of child

Z62.3 refers to the condition known as "Hostility towards and scapegoating of child." This indicates a situation where an individual, typically an adult caregiver or parent, persistently targets a particular child with aggressive behavior or unfairly blames them for various problems. The hostility may appear as verbal abuse, physical violence, or emotional torment, which can cause considerable harm. Symptoms are usually psychological and behavioral in nature, including signs of fear, anxiety, depression, and sudden changes in school performance or social behaviors in the affected child. The progression of this condition greatly depends on the intensity and frequency of the hostile behavior, the resilience of the child, and whether there are interventions to mitigate the harm. In the absence of intervention, it can lead to a wide range of mental, social, and even physical health issues for the child.