Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder Treatment

Because disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) can put a child at risk of development delays and predatory adults, it’s crucial to seek treatment.

Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) is an attachment disorder seen in children and teens characterized by overly friendly behavior with unknown adults and lack of fear of strangers. Risk factors for DSED stem from neglect, inadequate care environments (such as orphanages), frequent changes in caregivers (such as foster care) and childhood trauma.

Many times, even when conditions improve and a stable environment and caregiver are present, a child with DSED will continue to display signs of the disorder. Once a stable caregiver and home environment is established, specific care must be given for such a child, including a DSED treatment plan. DSED treatment varies based on the individual and recommendations from a pediatrician or therapist, but it often involves play therapy, art therapy, medications for co-occurring conditions and behavioral management techniques for both child and parent.

Play Therapy

Play is an important part of a child’s healthy development. Play therapy allows a therapist or a caregiver to come to the level of the child and better understand problem areas the child is struggling with through play.

The goal of this therapeutic method is to build a nurturing and safe environment where the child can take the lead in playing with different toys and materials. Play therapy for children can allow adults to better understand the interactions and relationships of a child, including their concerns, likes and dislikes.

Art Therapy

Many mental health professionals praise art therapy as an often underutilized treatment option. Studies have shown art and creativity to be an important factor in a child’s emotional development. According to one study, the relationship between a parent and child can be improved using art as a medium. An art therapist can use creative tools to assist both the parent and the child with difficult emotional processes. Because childhood trauma, such as sexual abuse, can be a cause for DSED, art therapy may be a suitable treatment to reduce the symptoms associated with the condition.

Medications

No research has been done concerning the direct treatment of DSED with the use of medication. However, if a child has a co-occurring condition, such as anxiety disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or mood disorder, administering medication for those conditions may improve the outlook for DSED symptoms.

Behavioral Management

Among the treatments available for attachment disorders, behavioral management is thought to be one of the most promising. This form of treatment can help parents or caregivers focus on the quality of their interactions with their child. Behavior modification strategies for parents can help parents communicate appropriate behavioral expectations and consequences and provide adequate support to their children.

Administering behavioral management training to children with DSED can also help the child have appropriate interactions with unfamiliar adults and reduce potentially problematic or dangerous behaviors.

Treating DSED and Co-Occurring Conditions

To effectively treat DSED, a thorough physical and mental health examination must be conducted by a medical professional. If there are any co-occurring conditions present in a child with DSED, those should also be addressed.

Some co-occurring conditions that can be seen with DSED include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anxiety
• Behavioral problems

It is important to discuss all treatment options for a child with DSED with a licensed professional. A thorough examination can help identify the presence of co-occurring disorders and effective treatment options for children and their caregivers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use in relation to DSED or another co-occurring disorder, give us a call at The Recovery Village. You can speak with one of our representatives about a treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery. Take the first step to a better future now.

Editor – Megan Hull

Megan Hull is a content specialist who edits, writes and ideates content to help people find recovery. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Karen Vieira, PhD

Dr. Karen Vieira has a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Read more