Histrionic Personality Disorder

What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

The term ‘histrionic’ refers to a presentation that is overly dramatic and theatrical. The root word ‘histrio’ is Latin for ‘‘actor’ and was applied as a way to capture what has been described as “attention-seeking”, self-dramatization and exaggerated emotional displays of behaviour. People struggling with HPD tend to be emotionally sensitive, more self-focused, and frequently seek reassurance and approval from others.

The disorder is also defined by the following symptoms:

• A desire to be the centre of attention; feeling uncomfortable when not the centre of attention
• Inappropriately seductive appearance or behaviour
• Rapidly shifting emotional states that appear shallow to others
• Overly concerned with physical appearance, and using physical appearance to draw attention to self
• Opinions are easily influenced by other people, highly suggestible
• Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are

How is Histrionic Personality Disorder Treated?

In order to help a person manage emotion and impulsivity, we typically use DBT as the treatment of choice.

Treatments

DBT

Learn More About Other Personality Disorders