Histrionic Personality Disorder, or HPD for short, is a 'Cluster B' (dramatic type) personality disorder. Typically HPD will be present along with other mental health concerns such as other personality disorders (very common), Bipolar Disorder, clinical depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and panic/anxiety disorders.
The diagnostic criterion (as seen in the DSM) for Histrionic Personality Disorder is as follows:
Five or more of the characteristics/behaviors/symptoms below must be present-
1. is uncomfortable in situations when he/she is not the center of attention
2. interaction with others is often characterized as overly 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 which is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
6. shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotions
7. is suggestible i.e. is easily influenced by others or circumstances
8. considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are
Along with these diagnostic criteria, there are other traits of someone with HPD. Some other symptoms are:
-exhibitionist behavior
-constant seeking of reassurance or approval
-pride in own personality and unwillingness to change; viewing any change as a threat
-inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior of a sexual nature
-using somatic symptoms (physical) to garner attention
-a need to be the center of attention
-low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
-rapidly shifting emotional states that may seem superficial or exaggerated to others
-making rash decisions
-blaming personal failures or disappointments on others
-being easily influenced by others; especially those who treat them approvingly
-being overly dramatic and emotional
*some Histrionics will change their seductive and sexual techniques into a more maternal/paternal style as they age
A mnemonic that is used quite frequently to remember the characteristics of HPD is "PRAISE ME".
Provocative (or seductive) behavior
Relationships are considered more intimate than they actually are
Attention seeking
Influenced easily
Speech style wants to impress; lacks detail
Emotional shallowness
Makeup, physical appearance used to draw attention to self
Exaggerated emotions; theatrical
Only about 1%-3% of the general population had HPD, but between 10%-20% of patients in mental health inpatient and outpatient programs have been diagnosed with it. Women are typically diagnosed much more often with HPD, it is actually uncommon (but possible) for males to have it. The disorder tends to become apparent usually between the ages of 16 and 25, though this can and does differ dramatically.
*NOTE*
I will be posting information on the causes and treatments of HPD very soon, but wanted to wait and make one large post including other personality disorders as well.
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