More Than Just a Drama Queen/King?

Sometimes we come across people in our lives that seems wherever they go, there is always arguing and drama. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what, or I should say who is suddenly causing your life to be in an uproar. Do we know why though? More than just plain immaturity? That is a very possible reality.

The Basics of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are separated into three different types, called clusters. They are labeled as Cluster A, Cluster B and Cluster C. The very basic signs that a person may have a personality disorder are as follows*:

Frequent mood swings
Angry outbursts
Suspicion and mistrust of others
A need for instant gratification
Poor impulse control
Alcohol or substance abuse

Classic Symptoms of a Person With Histrionic Personality Disorder

Many of the above symptoms apply. Unfortunately there is more to it than that. A person with Histrionic Personality Disorder may have some or all of the following signs in addition to the above listed symptoms:

Acting or looking overly seductive at inappropriate times, or with inappropriate people
Extremely concerned with their looks
Being overly dramatic and emotional
Quickly changing emotions
Some may perceive relationships more serious than they really are, like seeing a friendship as
an intimate situation
Constantly seeking approval
Needing to be the center of attention

Classification of Histrionic Personality Disorder

This personality disorder is classified as a Cluster B disorder. Other personality disorders in this group include Borderline personality and Narcissistic personality disorder, among others. The disorders in this category are considered dramatic disorders. Unfortunately there is no actual "test" for this disorder, but the mental health adviser can evaluate present actions along with history and accurately come up with a diagnosis of Histrionic Personality Disorder.

Treatment of Histrionic Personality Disorder

Treatment can be very successful. Unfortunately though, the person suffering this disorder have no idea they are, even after being evaluated and diagnosed. They will rarely seek out treatment. Sometimes they will participate, but mainly just to get the attention. Because of this, they do not utilize the tools given to them once they are out of treatment. There is a difference Between Histrionic Personality Disorder and Drama Queens/Kings. There are some people for whatever reason just get a kick out of causing drama occasionally. Then there's those types who cry when they break a nail or something. These people do not have a personality disorder. They may be a little immature, or maybe even a little passive aggressive. People with Histrionic Personality Disorder thrive on drama and are always causing it. Drama is not an occasional thing for them, unfortunately it is almost a necessity to them. They need constant attention and will do and say almost anything to get it.

What You Should Do

If a loved one has this disorder, the family should do everything they can to help them. If the person is not in your family, and is constantly causing trouble, it is of my opinion one should stay away. This sounds harsh, but it really isn't. They will not change their behavior and have been known to even break up families and long-standing friendships just to get that need they have filled. So you may want to help, but you would do that person more harm than good by enabling them. Let them know that in no uncertain terms will you allow them to undermine your life in any way. If you really want to help them, sit down with a family member of theirs and explain what you know, and just how far that person is willing to go to get that attention, as it can even get dangerous.

*http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/personality-disorders/DS00562/DSECTION=symptoms
**http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001531.htm
http://www.alwaysyourchoice.org/ayc/articles/histrionic_personality_disorder.php