Can DSED be Cured?

Can Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) be Cured?

Many parents wonder why their children's behaviour is difficult to comprehend. They see their children as being over-friendly with a stranger, whereas these children do not feel as close to their parents. Please do not take this lightly, as it could be a sign of Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED).

DSED is an attachment disorder that occurs when a child has a long history of trauma and neglect. DSED may increase a child’s vulnerability to unsafe situations due to impaired social boundaries, particularly with unfamiliar adults.

Can DSED be Cured?

There is no single standardized treatment or medication that cures DSED; however, symptoms can significantly improve with consistent caregiving and appropriate psychosocial interventions. Usually, medical research suggests that DSED is a serious issue since this disorder directly links with how a child is bonding with its caregiver at an early stage.

A stable and nurturing caregiving environment can reduce symptom severity, but some features of DSED may persist over time, particularly if early deprivation was severe or prolonged. Talking to the child's healthcare professional is necessary to establish a stable treatment plan that could work.  

Symptoms of DSED

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has talked about the symptoms of DSED. These are as follows:

1. Inappropriate behaviour when children with DSED meets a stranger. They become overly friendly and talkative, which is neither age nor culturally appropriate.
2. Children are willing to leave with a stranger, ignoring the safe and secure place.
3. Lack of interest or willingness to get approval from a trusted adult before leaving a safe space.
4. Lack of reticence with strangers
5. Violation of social boundaries
6. Absence of checking back with caregivers

Causes of DSED

Multiple factors are responsible for the development of DSED. The following are some significant causes:

1. The most significant one is the absence of a long-term caregiver.
2. If children go through abuse, trauma and neglect from an early age, they are prone to DSED.
3. Children who come from institutionalised settings like an orphanage are diagnosed with DSED. Research has found a similar trait for children who belong at foster homes, too.

Diagnosing DSED

Not necessarily every child who shows over-friendliness with strangers has DSED. Children with outgoing personalities are naturally over-enthusiastic to meet strangers. Unlike typical extroversion, DSED behaviours are persistent, developmentally inappropriate, occur across settings, and are linked to a documented history of neglect or insufficient caregiving.

If a child is showing signs of DSED, a mental health professional can help. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to evaluate the child’s existing mental state, emotional development, medical history and life history.

Treatment of DSED

Treatment of DSED requires a thorough treatment plan. A doctor might conduct a physical and mental health examination before starting the plan.

1. Attachment-focused family therapy

It is a therapeutic approach rooted in attachment theory, designed to help families especially those with children who’ve experienced trauma or disrupted bonding to rebuild trust and emotional connection.

2. Play therapy

In the context of a child's healthy development, there is no alternative to play. A therapist conducts play therapy by coming to the child's level to understand a child's problems. This therapy aims to ensure the child has a secure and nurturing environment.

3. Behavioural Management

Behavioural management strategies may help reduce risky behaviours and improve day‑to‑day functioning, but evidence supports a combination of caregiver‑based and psychosocial interventions. During this treatment, a caregiver or a therapist focuses on the type of interactions they have with the child. They try to apply different behaviour management strategies to guide the child. This helps the child to meet the behavioural expectations.

4. Medications

There is no specific medication for DSED, but for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or mood disorder, administering medication is necessary.

To cure DSED, it is crucial to consider all treatment options suggested by a licensed professional. With thorough examination, identifying the presence of co-occurring conditions is possible. However, since treating DSED is possible through creating a stable environment, caregivers need to try to opt for that plan first.

Reader Information: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder is a complex condition that requires individualized assessment and care. Symptoms, causes, and treatment responses may vary from child to child. Readers should not use this content to self‑diagnose or to make decisions regarding a child’s mental health without consulting a licensed mental health professional, pediatrician, or psychiatrist.

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