Characteristics of Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder is in a group of conditions that are called dramatic personality disorders. It begins in early adulthood and may present itself in many different ways. The word histrionic means "dramatic or theatrical".

A person with Histrionic Personality Disorder has intense, unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. Their self-esteem depends on the approval of others. They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed and they will behave inappropriately to get attention.

The diagnosis of Histrionic Personality Disorder is based on the following criteria.

1. A person is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention.

2. A person displays inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior when interacting with others.

3. A person's expressions of emotions rapidly shift and are shallow.

4. A person will draw attention to self using their physical appearance by dressing provocatively.

5. A person's speech is excessively impressionistic and lacks in detail.

6. A person will show an exaggerated expression of emotion and self-dramatization.

7. A person is easily influenced by others.

8. A person perceives relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.A person with Histrionic Personality Disorder also is overly concerned with their physical appearance and is overly sensitive to disapproval. They do not think before they act. They are self-centered and rarely show concern for others. They also may threaten or attempt suicide in order to get attention.

The character traits of Histrionic Personality Disorder may change with age. For example, a younger person may use seductiveness more often than an older person. Older persons may shift form using sexual seductiveness to a paternal or maternal seductiveness. Symptoms such as attention seeking may become more noticeable as the person ages.

Most people with Histrionic Personality Disorder have good social skills, but they have the tendency to use these skills to manipulate others in order to become the center of attention.

Histrionic Personality Disorder is the only personality disorder that is connected to a person's physical appearance. The disorder appears mostly in men and women who have an above average appearance.

The cause of Histrionic Personality Disorder is unknown. Childhood events and genetics may be involved. The disorder occurs more frequently in men than in women.

Treatment of Histrionic Personality Disorder can be difficult for many reasons. A person with the disorder will only seek treatment when they can longer function normally. When they do seek treatment they will exaggerate their symptoms. They are often reluctant to terminate treatment because of their emotional neediness.

Treatment is usually prompted by depression that is associated with the end of a romantic relationship. Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice. Group and family therapy is not recommended. Medication isn't very helpful in treating the disorder, but it may be helpful with some symptoms such as depression.

Histrionic Personality Disorder usually doesn't affect the person's ability to function in a work or social environment, but problems may arise in intimate relationships where deeper involvement is required.