What are the Signs of Disinhibited Attachment Disorder?

Key Signs of Disinhibited Attachment Disorder and its potential causes

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED), formerly called Disinhibited Attachment Disorder, is a condition where children show an unusual lack of caution with unfamiliar adults. This can lead to impulsive, overly friendly, and unsafe behaviours. Understanding the key signs of DSED is crucial for early intervention and support. Read on to explore the common indicators of this disorder.

Understanding Disinhibited Attachment Disorder

Disinhibited Attachment Disorder, or DSED, is a condition typically seen in children who have experienced neglect, trauma, or inconsistent caregiving. It is marked by an inappropriate level of comfort and friendliness with unfamiliar adults, showing little hesitation or fear.

These children may seek attention from strangers or display overly familiar behaviour without understanding social boundaries. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to help affected children develop healthy, secure attachments and navigate social interactions appropriately.

Signs of Disinhibited Attachment Disorder

Here is a list of signs that indicate the presence of DSED in children:

No Caution Towards Strangers

Children who have disinhibited attachment disorder are always fearless with strangers and over-eager to befriend them. For instance, they might try to hold the hands of strangers, sit on their lap, try to hug them, etc.

They showcase these behaviours towards strangers even in the presence of their primary caregivers and parents. Children with DSED cannot acknowledge the personal space of strangers.

Wandering Away on Their Own

These children are also very comfortable wandering away from their parents in unfamiliar settings. For instance, these children may venture away on their own in a theme park or mall while beckoning a stranger.

Asking Too Many Personal Questions

If the child is old enough to communicate, they might end up asking strangers questions that can be considered intrusive and be a reason for embarrassment for the stranger or the parent.

Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Children with DSED might also try to hug strangers with whom they are not familiar at all. It is because these children do not have the capacity to differentiate between strangers and people they know. In older children, this condition manifests as a shallow pattern and short friendships.

Causes of Disinhibited Attachment Disorder

DSED can happen to children due to the following reasons:

• A Lack of nurture, care and love while growing up.
• Having negative experiences like trauma and sexual abuse.
• Absence of a parent or a primary caregiver for quite a few years while growing up.
• Growing up in an orphanage or foster care.

All of these factors can make it difficult for children to have a deeper connection with other people. This makes them behave in a carefree and over-friendly manner with strangers, as all they crave is affection.

Understanding the signs of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder is crucial for ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of affected children. Without appropriate care and intervention, these children may continue to struggle with forming healthy relationships.

Early support, consistent caregiving, and therapeutic guidance can make a significant difference in helping them build secure attachments and understand appropriate social boundaries, ultimately fostering healthier emotional and social development.