8 Signs You Might Have Histrionic Personality Disorder HPD
Reviewed By: Nicole Cauchois, LCPC, LADC
Written By: Daniel Mark Hipp
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Histrionic personality disorder is categorized as a Cluster B Personality Disorder. The cluster B category is known for being “dramatic”, “erratic", and “emotional” (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
Other Cluster B personality disorders include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic literally means theatrical. As if you were watching the star in a broadway play.
Histrionic personality disorder is clinically defined as “a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder are known for expressing themselves in ways that draw attention for attention’s sake. They are usually dressed provocatively and are vain (see narcissistic personality disorder for extreme vanity).
They are constantly seeking reassurance and the approval of others. They may act out when they are not receiving the attention or praise they desire. They are also known to be impulsive (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
8 Signs you may have Histrionic Personality Disorder
The 5th edition text revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies 8 signs related to histrionic personality disorder. If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms, please contact The Healing Center if you are located in Nevada or another qualified mental health provider.
“1. Is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention.
2. Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior.
3. Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions.
4. Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self.
5. Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail.
6. Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion.
7. Is suggestible (i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances).
8. Considers relationships to be more intimate that they actually are” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
What Causes Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Surprisingly, the levels of research which have been dedicated to histrionic personality disorder pails in comparison to the other cluster b disorders.
There is an idea circulating that histrionic personality disorder is heavily linked to antisocial personality disorder (Durand & Barlow, 2016). It is possible that with how often they co-occur in patients, they are likely sex-typed expressions of the same base problems (Lilienfeld, 1992).
Histrionic personality disorder is diagnosed 3-1 females to males. Antisocial personality disorder however is diagnosed 3-1 in males to females. The majority of histrionic personality disorder patients qualify for antisocial personality disorder diagnostics (Lilienfeld et al., 1986).
The Healing Center Has Treatment Options for Histrionic Personality Disorder
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder have problems with interpersonal relationships.
There would be two major goals of therapy.
The first would be to modify behavior to be “appropriate” in social situations (Beck et al., 2007). This would include not leveraging sexual appeal for personal gain.
The second goal would be to generate an understanding as to why short-term benefits do not outweigh the long-term consequences in relationships.
The Healing Center in Las Vegas provides tailored mental health services facilitated by a team proficient in addressing diverse cultural backgrounds. Certified therapists deliver in-person or remote sessions, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a mentally healthy community. Our Boutique Psychotherapy Center employs spiritually attuned counselors, employing various techniques to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and foster self-worth.
With holistic approaches, these therapists equip patients with strategies to navigate life's crises effectively.
For further information on our therapies or to schedule a consultation, please visit The Healing Center's website at https://www.thehealingcentervegas.com/.
Contact The Healing Center via phone (702)505-1280 or email TheHealingCenterOperations@gmail.com.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th. ed., text rev. ). Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787