What are some of the signs of someone with a histrionic personality disorder?
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Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is with psychodynamic psychotherapy. Show (See also Overview of Personality Disorders. Overview of Personality Disorders Personality disorders in general are pervasive, enduring patterns of thinking, perceiving, reacting, and relating that cause significant distress or functional impairment. Personality disorders... read more ) Patients with histrionic personality disorder use their physical appearance, acting in inappropriately seductive or provocative ways, to gain the attention of others. They lack a sense of self-direction and are highly suggestible, often acting submissively to retain the attention of others. Estimated prevalence is < 2% of the general population. It is diagnosed more often in women, but this finding may reflect only a greater prevalence among women in clinical settings, where the data were obtained. In some studies, prevalence in women and men was similar. Comorbidities are common, particularly other personality disorders (antisocial Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for consequences and for the rights of others. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral... read more , borderline Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability and hypersensitivity in interpersonal relationships, instability in self-image, extreme mood fluctuations... read more , narcissistic Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for adulation, and lack of empathy. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is with psychodynamic... read more ), suggesting that these disorders share a biologic vulnerability or casting doubt on whether histrionic personality disorder is a separate disorder. Some patients also have somatic symptom disorder Somatic Symptom Disorder Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by multiple persistent physical complaints that are associated with excessive and maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to those symptoms... read more , which may be the reason they present for evaluation. , , and conversion disorder Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Functional neurological symptom disorder, previously known as conversion disorder, consists of neurologic symptoms or deficits that develop unconsciously and nonvolitionally and usually involve... read more may also coexist. Symptoms and Signs of HPDPatients with histrionic personality disorder continually demand to be the center of attention and often become depressed when they are not. They are often lively, dramatic, enthusiastic, and flirtatious and sometimes charm new acquaintances. These patients often dress and act in inappropriately seductive and provocative ways, not just with potential romantic interests, but in many contexts (eg, work, school). They want to impress others with their appearance and so are often preoccupied with how they look. Expression of emotion may be shallow (turned off and on too quickly) and exaggerated. They speak dramatically, expressing strong opinions, but with few facts or details to support their opinions. Patients with histrionic personality disorder are easily influenced by others and by current trends. They tend to be too trusting, especially of authority figures who, they think, may be able to solve all their problems. They often think relationships are closer than they are. They crave novelty and tend to bore easily. Thus, they may change jobs and friends frequently. Delayed gratification is very frustrating to them, so their actions are often motivated by obtaining immediate satisfaction. Achieving emotional or sexual intimacy may be difficult. Patients may, often without being aware of it, play a role (eg, victim). They may try to control their partner using seductiveness or emotional manipulations while becoming very dependent on the partner. Diagnosis of HPD
For a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder, patients must have
This pattern is shown by the presence of ≥ 5 of the following:
Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood. Differential diagnosisHistrionic personality disorders can be distinguished from other personality disorders based on characteristic features:
Differential diagnosis for histrionic personality disorder also includes somatic symptom disorder Somatic Symptom Disorder Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by multiple persistent physical complaints that are associated with excessive and maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to those symptoms... read more and illness anxiety disorder Illness Anxiety Disorder Illness anxiety disorder is preoccupation with and fear of having or acquiring a serious disorder. Diagnosis is confirmed when fears and symptoms (if any) persist for ≥ 6 months despite reassurance... read more . Treatment of HPD
of histrionic personality disorder is the same as that for all personality disorders. Little is known about the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and drug therapy for histrionic personality disorder. Psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on underlying conflicts, may be tried. The therapist may start by encouraging patients to substitute speech for behavior, and thus, patients can understand themselves and communicate with others in a less dramatic way. Then, the therapist can help patients realize how their histrionic behaviors are a maladaptive way to attract the attention of others and to manage their self-esteem. How does a histrionic person act?These personality disorders are commonly described as dramatic, excitable, erratic, or volatile. Specifically, people with histrionic personality disorder are typically characterized as flirtatious, seductive, charming, manipulative, impulsive, and lively.
What are examples of histrionics?Exaggerated crying, unnecessary yelling, and overdone gestures are all examples of histrionics. Unlike real emotional reactions, histrionics are fake and intended to manipulate others.
Who are histrionics attracted to?People with histrionic personality disorder can be attracted to people with narcissistic personality disorder and vice versa. People with one personality disorder are more likely to be attracted to someone with a different personality disorder than their own.
Does histrionic personality disorder get worse with age?Personality disorders that are susceptible to worsening with age include paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, obsessive compulsive, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, and dependent, said Dr.
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