Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder is best described as:

Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) is characterized by behaviors that involve a lack of typical apprehension around unfamiliar adults, leading to overly familiar and indiscriminate social interactions with strangers. Individuals with DSED will often approach and engage with strangers in a manner that is overly familiar, which is indicative of a disruption in the typical social and emotional responses expected in a child-caregiver relationship.

This response style is reflected in a pattern of behavior where the child may exhibit a lack of fear or hesitance, which can present as seeking proximity to, and even venturing away from the caregiver in favor of interacting with unknown adults. This behavior often raises concerns about safety and appropriate social boundaries.

The other options describe conditions that do not align with the characteristics of DSED. Fearful behavior around strangers, for example, would be more indicative of social anxiety or a different attachment-related disorder. Keeping to oneself in social situations reflects social withdrawal rather than the active engagement seen in DSED. Development of strong attachments to caregivers would be a sign of secure attachment, which contrasts with the behaviors seen in Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder that suggest a disorganization or breakdown in the attachment process. Thus, indiscriminate social interaction with strangers is the defining feature