Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder by Emily Burdett

2025-02-24 15:40:58 UTC

The prevalence of disinhibited social engagement disorder is unknown. Nevertheless, the disorder appears to be rare, occurring in a minority of children, even those who have experienced severe early deprivation. In low-income community populations in the United Kingdom, the

prevalence is up to 2%.

2025-02-24 16:02:27 UTC

A pattern of behavior in which a child actively approaches and interacts with unfamiliar adults with minimal restraint and checking in with caregiver.

Behaviours must be persistent for longer than 12 months, not be due to impulsivity and the child must've experienced some form of extreme insufficient care like neglect, frequent changes of primary care givers or rearing in unusual settings (institutions with high child-to-caregiver ratios).

There must be the assumption that the behaviour pattern is due to the insufficient care, and the child must have a developmental age of at least 9 months.

2025-02-24 16:05:53 UTC

Social neglect often occurs within the first few months of life for children diagnosed with disinhibited social engagement disorder. the clinical features of the disorder are moderately stable over time, especially if the conditions of social neglect persist.

Traits or signs of disinhibited social engagement can usually be seen from 2 years old through to adolescence/ young adulthood for those raised in institutional settings.

Young children with the disorder often are not reserved in their approach towards unfamiliar adults and will engage with them without hesitation. this has found to include... in pre-school age: physical contact with the stranger, middle childhood: verbal and physical over-familiarity, adolescence: indiscriminate behaviour can be extended to peers.

Adolescents with the disorder often have more superficial peer relationships and more peer conflicts. adult manifestations are similar but can include excessive self-disclosure and a reduced awareness of strangers.

2025-02-24 16:13:31 UTC

The child may approach and interact with unfamiliar adults without hesitation.

They may display inappropriate levels of comfort with strangers (e.g., hugging, sitting on their lap)

They do not show the usual wariness or caution expected in children of their age.

Unlike securely attached children, those with DSED do not strongly prefer familiar caregivers over strangers.

They may wander away easily and do not seek comfort from specific caregivers when distressed.

They do not differentiate between trusted adults and unfamiliar people.

The child may engage in dangerous or risky interactions, such as leaving with a stranger or ignoring safety cues.