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Histrionic Personality Disorder

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The term histrionic means theatrical in manner, and individuals with this disorder often tend to be overly dramatic and may appear to always be acting. Those with this disorder express their emotions in an exaggerated fashion and tend to be vain and self-centered. They are unconfortable if they are not constantly in the spotlight.

They are generally seductive in both appearance and behavior, and are typically very concerned about their physical appearance and clothing. They often seek approval and reassurance constantly, and may become upset or angry when others do not attend to their needs or praise them. Those with this disorder also tend to be impulsive and have great difficulty delaying gratification.

Some believe there is a relationship between histrionic and antisocial personality disorder. There is evidence that these disorders co-occur much more often than chance would account for. Roughly two-thirds of people with histrionic personality also meet the criteria for antisocial personality disorder, and iIt has been suggested that histrionic personality and antisocial personality may be sex-typed alternative expressions of the same underlying condition. Females may be predisposed to to exhibit predominately histrionic behavior patterns, while males with the same underlying condition may be predisposed to exhibit a predominately antisocial pattern.

Diagnostic Criteria for Histrionic Personality:

A. A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(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 than they actually are

Treatment of Histrionic Personality:

A significant portion of therapy for individuals with histrionic personality disorder focuses on the problems they have with interpersonal relationships. These individuals often manipulate others through emotional crises, using charm, sex, or complaining to get what they want. The goal of therapy is to show them how the short term gains of these behaviors result in long term costs, and they need to be taught more appropriate ways of expressing and negotiating their wants and needs.

Personal Stories of Histrionic Personality:

If you would like to share your story of living with this disorder, or if you are a loved one of a histrionic individual and would like to tell your tale - please email me and I will include it on this page.