Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder

Joseph Gary, M.D., Andrew Halls, M.D., Carisa Perry-Parrish, Ph.D.

DEFINITION

  • Rare childhood disorder of social functioning marked by culturally inappropriate, overly familiar behavior toward unfamiliar adults. Typically, it occurs in a child who has experienced profound neglect (e.g., institutional upbringing, frequent foster care changes)
  • Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) is classified under the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)[1]. This is a new diagnosis in DSM-5, previously considered a subtype of reactive attachment disorder.

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Last updated: August 22, 2025