Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder is best defined as which of the following?

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder is characterized by a pattern of overly familiar behaviors with strangers. This condition typically arises in children who have experienced neglect or changes in caregivers, leading to a lack of reticence in approaching unfamiliar adults. Children with this disorder may display an unusual level of comfort and friendliness with strangers, which can sometimes pose safety risks.

The diagnosis focuses on behaviors that are uncharacteristically friendly or engaging for the individual's age and definitely inappropriate in contexts involving unfamiliar people. This stands in contrast to other disorders that may involve withdrawal or fear in social situations, marking it as a unique manifestation of attachment and social engagement deficiencies. Understanding this is crucial in differentiating it from similar disorders related to interpersonal relationships or social anxiety, which focus on avoidance or fear rather than approach behavior.