Histrionic Personality Disorder

The term “histrionic”, meaning “theatrical or dramatic”, captures the essence of histrionic personality disorder, or HPD, a mental health condition that invokes unstable, intense emotions and a distorted self-image. It is known to be a “Cluster B” personality disorder, and people with HPD base their self-esteem on outside approval, with an overwhelming desire to be noticed, often going to the extent of behaving dramatically or inappropriately for this attention. However, they don’t realize the problems this behavior causes, or even that it is occurring at times.

Histrionic personality disorder is a rare condition, affecting 1% of the population. The disorder is typically diagnosed in the late teens and early 20s, mainly in females. However, recent research reveals that males may be underdiagnosed.

How is histrionic personality disorder diagnosed?

Histrionic personality disorder evolves throughout childhood and adolescent development, so diagnoses are provided after the patient turns 18. As with many other personality disorders, histrionic personality disorder is difficult to diagnose, as the diagnosed perceives their behavior as normal. However, some common questions asked to diagnose correctly include broad, general questions about past history, impulse control, previous work history, reality testing, and relationships. Then, other family members and friends may be asked for additional information. Inhibiting five or more of these behaviors can lead to a diagnosis:

• Easily influenced by others

• Impressionist & vague speech

• Shifting & shallow emotions

• Seductive/provocative behavior

• Uncomfortable when not center of attention

• Overjudges intimacy of relationships

• Dramatic/exaggerated emotions

• Uses appearance to draw attention

  
  

What are some signs and symptoms of histrionic personality disorder?

• Having a “larger than life” presence

• Having rapidly shifting/shallow emotions

• Feeling underappreciated/depressed when not the center of attention

• Being dramatic and extremely emotionally expressive, even embarrassing friends/family in public

• Being persistently charming & flirtatious

• Using their physical appearance to draw attention (bright-colored or revealing clothing)

• Acting in a sexual way inappropriately with people they meet, even without feeling sexual attraction

• Speaking dramatically and expressing strong opinions without facts or details to support their opinions

• Being gullible and easily influenced by other people, especially those they admire

• Overestimating the intimacy of relationships

• Having difficulty maintaining relationships, seeming fake/shallow in interactions

• Needing instant gratification

• Becoming bored/frustrated very easily

• Constantly seeking reassurance/approval

What causes histrionic personality disorder?

The causes of histrionic personality disorder is unknown as of date. However, reserachers have identified many factors that may lead to the development of this disorder. Genetics, childhood trauma, parenting styles, and more can lead to a personality disorder like histrionic personality disorder.

How is histrionic personality disorder treated?

Psychotherapy tends to be a treatment method for those with histrionic personality disorder. This includes group therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

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Works Cited

Cleveland Clinic. “Histrionic Personality Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 29 Apr. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9743-histrionic-personality-disorder.