Experiencing trauma, abuse, or neglect during childhood can cause several issues that last a lifetime. Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) is a condition that develops in childhood as a result of early neglect and/or abuse. It can lead to difficulty building healthy relationships, impulsivity, and other negative behaviors. Professional disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment is essential to help teenagers overcome the challenges associated with this condition.
With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, the Family First Adolescent Services team is well-equipped to provide effective DSED treatment for teenagers. We provide personalized, compassionate care for teens 13-18 in South Florida campus. Find out if our adolescent mental health treatment programs are right for your teen by calling 888.904.5947.
Understanding Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
Kids living with DSED—sometimes called attachment disorder—often exhibit impulsive behavior, struggle with boundaries, and may have difficulties forming friendships or trusting others. These children may inappropriately seek out affection or attention from adults, even if they do not know them well. This behavior can put children in dangerous situations and make it difficult for them to form healthy relationships.
DSED is a result of neglectful caregiving during their early stages of development, leading to attachment issues that persist into adolescence and beyond. Without proper disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment, these teens can face challenges in maintaining healthy relationships and making positive life choices.
The Long-Term Effects of DSED
Left untreated, DSED can have significant long-term consequences on teenagers, including:
- Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships
- Impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse or engaging in risky activities
- Problems with authority figures and boundaries
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Development of other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety
This is why seeking professional disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment for teenagers is crucial. Our team at Family First Adolescent Services understands the complexities of this condition and provides evidence-based treatment to help teenagers overcome its challenges.
Professional Treatment for Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder in Teens
At Family First Adolescent Services, we believe in a holistic approach to treating DSED. This means addressing not only the symptoms but also underlying causes and family dynamics.
Adolescent Attachment Disorder Treatment
Our team of licensed therapists and mental health professionals specialize in helping teenagers build healthier attachments with others, including their caregivers. We use evidence-based treatments and experiential therapies to help teens develop healthy coping strategies and improve their social skills.
Our academic program also plays a vital role in our disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment. The curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of each student, providing academic support and helping them reach their full potential.
Support for Families
DSED stems from but also impacts the family unit. We are committed to helping families build safer, more compassionate relationships. Our family therapy sessions provide a safe space for parents and teens to address underlying issues, improve communication, and build a stronger bond.
Regular educational sessions and parental support groups are also available to help families understand DSED and learn how to support their child’s recovery.
Help for Referring Professionals
We welcome referrals from professionals who work with teenagers and may have clients in need of DSED treatment. Our team works closely with referring professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Rare Is DSED?
Disinhibited social engagement disorder is rare, with some studies suggesting it affects 0.9–1.4% of people. Those in high-risk settings—like foster care, group homes, or other types of institutionalized care—may have rates of up to 20%. DSED is still a very real condition, and treatment can help adolescents learn skills that help them have healthier relationships.
What Is the Best Treatment for DSED?
Family therapy and talk therapy are two of the best options for disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment. Since DSED is rooted in attachment issues, teaching those affected by it, especially children, how to build better relationships can manage symptoms effectively. Symptoms of DSED do typically improve later in adolescence and adulthood, but treatment can help them manage the condition more effectively.
Are Medications Used for DSED Treatment?
Medications aren’t usually used to treat DSED, but they may be used to help manage co-occurring conditions. Co-occurring mental health conditions can have symptoms that overlap with DSED and others that make it hard to make progress in treatment if they’re not managed. ADHD and PTSD may co-occur with DSED, and medication can be effective in treating both of those conditions.
What Happens to DSED Over Time?
Disinhibited social engagement disorder typically improves over time, and symptoms may all but disappear by adulthood. However, if adolescents with DSED never learn how to build healthy relationships, they could end up in a cycle of unhealthy ones that affect their mental health. Treatment can help them learn how to break this cycle and build healthier relationships. Since treatment can also address co-occurring conditions, it can also help them manage those as they get older.
Does DSED Go Away? If Not, What Does DSED Look Like in Adults?
Yes, DSED can go away or markedly improve. Adults can be affected by disinhibited social engagement disorder, too, though. They will live with many of the same issues that children do—impulsivity, trouble setting or recognizing boundaries, and challenges with affection, emotions, and attachment. Adults with DSED can also have too much trust in people they don’t really know, which can put them in dangerous situations. The main difference is that social interactions and relationships are very different for adults, which can bring more nuanced challenges.
Call Family First Adolescent Services for Teen DESD Treatment
If your teen is struggling with disinhibited social engagement disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our experienced team at Family First Adolescent Services is dedicated to helping teenagers overcome the challenges of DSED and build brighter futures. Call 888.904.5947 or complete our online form today to find out if our program is right for your teen. Together, we can help your family heal and thrive.