• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): What It Is, Symptoms, & Treatments

Published: August 5, 2021 Updated: November 24, 2022
Published: 08/05/2021 Updated: 11/24/2022
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
  • Symptoms of DSEDSymptoms
  • Causes of DSEDCauses
  • Signs of DSEDSigns
  • Examples of DSEDExamples
  • Risk Factors of Disinhibited Social Engagement DisorderRisk Factors
  • Risks & Consequences of DSEDConsequences
  • Treatment of Disinhibited Social Engagement DisorderTreatment
  • DSED & CaregiversCaregivers
  • Final Thoughts on Disinhibited Social Engagement DisorderConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD

Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) is a relatively rare mental health condition that typically stems from early childhood neglect or inconsistent caregivers. A child with DSED will appear fearless around new adults, seek attention or comfort from strangers, and often wander off with unfamiliar people. Therapeutic interventions can help, but having consistent, caring adults in the child’s life is the best way to reduce DSED symptoms.

Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered By Insurance

Talkiatry offers virtual psychiatry for children and adolescents (age 6 and up). They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management with talk therapy. Complete the online assessment and get matched with a doctor in just days. Free Assessment

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by Talkiatry.

Free Assessment

Symptoms of DSED

Symptoms of DSED will be expressed in the varied interactions and instances of communication between the child and any adults in their life. The child with DSED may have limited insight and understanding into the condition, so their ability to verbalize their thoughts and feelings may be minimal. Caring adults will need to observe their actions and behaviors to identify the presence of disinhibition around strangers.1

Like other mental health conditions, DSED follows a set of diagnostic criteria. To be diagnosed with DSED, two of four specific symptoms must be present.

The four symptoms of DSED are:1

  1. Reduced or absent restraint when approaching or interacting with unknown or unfamiliar adults
  2. An overly comfortable and familiar exchange with the unknown adults, either through verbal or behavioral interactions
  3. Limited interest in checking in with caregiver to gain assurance or allowance for behaviors and actions
  4. A willingness to go to new situations or leave current settings with strangers

Another defining factor of DSED is that the child is at least nine months old. No one under the age of nine months can receive the DSED diagnosis.1 Though there is no upper age limit on the condition, experts rarely observe the disorder into adulthood.

Causes of DSED

Simple impulsivity or spontaneity is not enough to qualify a child with DSED. The child and their disinhibited social interactions cannot be sourced from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or any other mental or physical health condition. Rather, it must stem from the insufficient care they received earlier in life.2

Here are three potential causes of DSED:1

  1. Social neglect or deprivation: The adults were not able to meet the child’s needs related to comfort, attention, or affection
  2. Repetitive changes in caregivers: The people primarily responsible for childcare were frequently shifting or being inconsistent, like in the case of everchanging foster care placements
  3. Being raised in environments with limited access to relationships: Places where the number of children far outweighed the number of adults, so the child could not form a strong attachment (e.g., institutions and residential centers with high child-to-staff ratios)

Signs of DSED

At first, the signs of DSED may be challenging to identify and differentiate from normal childhood behaviors. An adult may benefit from a series of observations to begin noticing patterns of interactions with unfamiliar adults. Initially, a child with DSED may seem outgoing, social, and friendly, which would all be positive qualities, but as time goes on, the observer can note how extreme and atypical the behaviors become.

Potential signs of disinhibited social engagement disorder include:3

  • A willingness to have relationships with any adult or peer without regard of the person’s age, status, or safety level
  • Cuddliness with strangers
  • Seeking comfort from strangers, rather than hoping to be soothed by guardians
  • Asking a list of personal questions to strangers that may be inappropriate, uncomfortable, or rude
  • Entering people’s person space without their consent and ignoring social cues
  • Freely exploring new settings and situations without consulting or checking in with guardians
  • Leaving situations with new people or following strangers around
  • Displaying behaviors that are demanding or attention-seeking

Examples of DSED

A child with DSED could display some or all of these symptoms at any one time. Alternatively, the child’s symptoms could change and evolve over time to incorporate new signs and symptoms of the condition.

Here are three examples of the ways DSED could manifest:

Example 1

A child with DSED may be walking through a park, notice a stranger’s shoes, and comment that they like the shoes. Alone, this comment is not significant, but then the child could try to enter into a long conversation with the adult and ask them a long list of personal or inappropriate questions, despite no prompting or encouragement.3

Example 2

Another child with DSED could meet a new adult at a party or school function and quickly encroach on the adult’s personal space. After no time knowing each other, the child could ask for hugs, kisses, or sit on the adult’s lap. They could even start cuddling with the adult in an attempt to receive the desired level of comfort that they have been unable to achieve in the past.3

Example 3

A third variation of a child with DSED is one that will quickly leave the security of their guardian to be with strangers or struggles to make healthy peer relationships and will spend time with anyone, regardless of their age, danger, or safety.

Popular Options For Child & Teen Therapy

Talkiatry – Talkiatry offers virtual psychiatry for children and adolescents (age 6 and up). They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management with talk therapy. Complete the online assessment and get matched with a doctor in just days. Free Assessment


Teen Counseling – Provides online talk therapy to teenagers (13 – 19 years) of age. Serves all 50 states. Learn More


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Talkiatry and Teen Counseling.

Risk Factors of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder

Some mental health disorders have causes and risk factors that are confusing or unclear, but with DSED, the roots of the condition are almost always obvious. Disinhibited social engagement disorder stems from childhood neglect, especially neglect that occurs during the first two years of life.1 The actual roots of this neglect are varied and can arrive from multiple sources.

Here are six causes of DSED that are linked to childhood trauma:

  1. Death of a parent
  2. Parental divorce or separation
  3. Incarceration of parents or guardians
  4. Placement in the foster care system
  5. Being housed in a residential treatment center
  6. Limited attention from parents due to substance use, low intellectual functioning, or mental health concerns

Whatever the source of the neglect, children with DSED routinely try to overcompensate for the limited attention, comfort, and connection by forming new bonds with other adults and strangers. Since the children are typically young, they will not have the memory, insight, or understanding to put this need into words, but their behaviors will show how they are desperately looking for love and attention.

An interesting aspect of DSED is that not all children who endure severe neglect during childhood will develop this condition. In fact, the incidence of DSED is so rare that true prevalence rates are difficult to measure.1 Among children who are neglected to the point that residing in foster care or another out-of-home placement is necessary, only about 20% of them will meet criteria for the DSED diagnosis.1 2

DSED vs. Normal Development

Typical childhood behavior will stand in sharp contrast to children with DSED. These children will require no time to appear comfortable and confident in a new setting around new people. For a moment, they may simply appear friendly or outgoing, but the complete lack of social, emotional, and physical boundaries will become obvious over time.

How Does a Child With DSED Develop Over Time?

When someone experiences neglect and high levels of inconsistent caregiving before age two, they have increased risk of DSED. Once symptoms of DSED emerge, they tend to be fairly consistent over time, especially when neglectful conditions persist.1

Younger children and toddlers may express their DSED through overly familiar social interactions with strangers and a lack of hesitation with unknown adults. In preschoolers, the symptoms may shift towards more attention-seeking behaviors. Children from this age group may act in intense or exaggerated ways to gain more concern and affection from adults around them.1

School aged children with DSED will show overfamiliarity with new adults in verbal and physical ways. They could ask inappropriate questions or be quick to sit on their laps or ask for hugs. Rather than expressing emotions in an authentic way, they may use emotional reactions as a way to manipulate others.1

During adolescence, people with DSED will struggle with peer interactions. They tend to have chaotic and inconsistent relationships with other kids their age.1

Experts have not observed symptoms of DSED in adults, but it is unlikely that the condition simply alleviates spontaneously. It’s more likely that the disorder shifts and morphs into other mental health diagnoses more associated with adulthood like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.4

Risks & Consequences of DSED

Based on their inability to discriminate between safe and threatening adults and caregivers, children with DSED may find themselves exposed to a list of dangerous risks and consequences. These risks may not end with childhood and could extend well past adolescence and into adulthood.

Possible risks and consequences of DSED are:

  • Increased likelihood of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Higher risk of exploitation and manipulation
  • Danger of becoming injured due to wandering off into unsafe situations like walking into traffic, falling, or entering a swimming pool without being able to swim
  • Feeling disenfranchised and pessimistic about people and the world, which can lead to mood disorders
  • Higher likelihood of experimenting with alcohol and other drugs as a way to connect with peers or self-medicate

DSED seems to create lifelong complications, so the risks and consequences of the condition are endless. Worse, the person with DSED may not identify these situations as risky as they feel compelled to act in these ways.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

Treatment of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder

Treatment for disinhibited social engagement disorder is a complicated and uncertain process as even the best professional treatment can not undo the symptoms caused by ongoing instability. With a combination of therapeutic interventions and parent training, the child, their guardians, and their treatment team may begin to notice symptoms of DSED improve.

To produce any helpful change with DSED, the first step is ensure that the child has an emotionally available attachment figure. Ideally, this attachment would come from a parent or guardian who is available in the home. Without consistency and stability at home, the treatment of DSED will be severely hindered.2

Medication

At this point, there is no medication recommended or prescribed to children with DSED.2 Some children with DSED may also have ADHD, anxiety, or depressive disorders and could benefit from medications to address these symptoms. By treating these co-occurring conditions, the overall treatment of DSED can improve. Medical professionals like primary care physicians (PCPs), psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners may offer medications to address other mental health disorders.

Therapy

With the limited ability of medications to directly address symptoms of DSED, therapy will be the primary form of treatment. Options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, expressive arts therapy, and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) will be helpful in reducing symptoms of DSED.

Before any discussion of therapy choices for DSED, it is essential to understand how unhelpful and potentially damaging some treatment styles could be. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children with DSED should never be exposed to these interventions:2

  • Therapeutic holding or compression holding
  • Rebirthing therapy
  • Reattachment therapy

Not only is there no evidence to support the use of these interventions, but these “treatments” have been linked to serious harm, including death.

CBT

CBT is one of the best therapy styles for addressing a wide range of conditions. It should come as no surprise then that it is helpful for DSED as well. Other versions of CBT focus on training the client to understand that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected in their influence.

CBT can also focus on:

  • Communication skills
  • Relaxation
  • Stress reduction
  • Mindfulness
  • Problem-solving skills

With DSED, much of the CBT treatment will be focused on training the parent or guardian to use behavior management skills. Behavior management training (BMT) helps give the caregiver skills to establish reasonable expectations and boundaries for the child.5

Play Therapy & Expressive Art Therapy

Play therapy and expressive arts therapy allow the young child to communicate their experiences, struggles, and feelings without the use of verbal disclosure. By playing with toys, drawing, creating projects out clay, making music, or writing a poem.

Therapists work to interpret and praise this level of communication. The child benefits from expressing and processing the thoughts that may be unable or unwilling to put into words.

These treatments are especially helpful since the child may not have conscious memory of their neglectful situations. They may only experience thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that they do not fully understand.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a highly-structured treatment protocol that emphasizes the relationship between the child and their caregivers. PCIT involves a therapist observing the interactions between the client and their guardians through a two-way mirror, while giving feedback to the adult through an earpiece.

Through teaching, prompting, and encouragement, the therapist helps the adult shift their relationship with the child towards one based on respect, trust, and support. This move towards a healthier relationship is just what a child with DSED needs the most.5

DSED & Caregivers

Issues between a child and their caregivers are both the cause and effect of DSED. Caregivers dealing with the effects of DSED will endure many frustrations and periods of confusion, but they should always focus on doing their best to remain consistent, stable, caring, patient, and understanding. Without these qualities, the child with DSED will struggle to improve.

Like with other conditions that stem from a form of trauma, it may be challenging to continue seeing the child as the victim as they are consistently breaking the rules by wandering off and spending time with strangers. Caregivers can improve the situation tremendously by focusing on the condition and how the condition significantly impacts the child well after the neglect ends.

Final Thoughts on Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder

If your child has DSED, you know the struggle that exists for them, but you also see how the condition affects the people around them. Take action as soon as possible to receive treatment for the entire family from a treatment team who is skilled in the rare condition. Progress with DSED may be slow, but it is always possible.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Talk Therapy

Online-Therapy.com – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. Online-Therapy.com provides 45 minutes weekly video sessions and unlimited text messaging with your therapist for only $64/week. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Anxiety Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Learn Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy Directory

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Online-Therapy.com, Hims / Hers, and Mindfulness.com. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
5 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

  • Zeanah, Charles H., Chesher, Tessa, and Boris, Neil W. (2016, November). Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(16)31183-2/pdf

  • Minnis, Helen. (n.d.). Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder Assessment. Retrieved from https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_641104_smxx.pdf

  • Mirza K, Mwimba G, Pritchett R, Davidson C. (2016, June 6). Association between Reactive Attachment Disorder/Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder and Emerging Personality Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Scientific World Journal. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27366788/

  • Cassie R. Dickmann & Brian Allen. (2017). Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for the Treatment of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder: A Case Report, Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/23794925.2017.1286959

Recent Articles

Scarcity Mindset: What It Is, Causes, & How to Overcome It
A scarcity mindset is characterized by a belief that one has limited resources or is unable to provide for...
';
Agoraphobia: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Agoraphobia: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
People with agoraphobia avoid specific public places or situations because they anticipate having anxiety or a panic attack and...
';
Obsessive Love Disorder Symptoms_ Causes _ Treatment
Obsessive Love Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Obsessive love disorder is an informal term used to describe one's unhealthy sexual or romantic fixation on another person....
';
Reactive Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Reactive Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Reactive depression describes depression that occurs in response to an external problem or stressor. Reactive depression is not a...
';
Ophidiophobia (Fear of Snakes): Symptoms, Treatments, & How to Cope
Specific Phobias: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Specific phobias are fears about specific objects or situations. People with specific phobias experience intense anxiety in response to...
';
Fear of the Unknown: Causes, Signs, & How to Overcome
Fear of the Unknown: Causes, Signs, & How to Overcome
Fear of the unknown is a normal human experience to a degree, until it interferes with daily tasks and...
';
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
  • Symptoms of DSEDSymptoms
  • Causes of DSEDCauses
  • Signs of DSEDSigns
  • Examples of DSEDExamples
  • Risk Factors of Disinhibited Social Engagement DisorderRisk Factors
  • Risks & Consequences of DSEDConsequences
  • Treatment of Disinhibited Social Engagement DisorderTreatment
  • DSED & CaregiversCaregivers
  • Final Thoughts on Disinhibited Social Engagement DisorderConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept