What is histrionic personality disorder

We are here to listen compassionately. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment. Skip to content Admissions Search for:. Personality Disorders Histrionic Personality Disorder. Histrionic Personality Disorder. What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder? Facts and Statistics HPD is classified as a Cluster B personality disorder , along with borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Histrionic Personality Disorder Personality disorders in general are marked by an obsessive concern for the self, rigid and uncompromising attitudes, and an inability or unwillingness to adapt to the needs and desires of others. Inappropriate sexual innuendo or otherwise provocative behavior frequently causes interpersonal conflicts.

Rapid changes in emotion are experienced, although feelings often lack depth or texture. Physical appearance is often carefully crafted to attract attention. During interpersonal encounters, exaggerated expressions of emotion are the norm. The person is highly suggestible and easily influenced by others. The person has a habit of misinterpreting the feelings and intentions of others, believing their relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.

Call for a Free Confidential Assessment. Causes and Risk Factors for Histrionic Personality Disorder Mental health experts believe that personality disorders like HPD usually develop as a result of stress, anxiety, and trauma experienced during childhood.

Co-Occurring Disorders It is possible for a person to exhibit the symptoms of more than one personality disorder. Some of the other mental and behavioral health disorders routinely diagnosed in people with histrionic personality disorder include: Depression.

HPD creates strong emotional responses, and when rejection or disappointment is experienced people with histrionic personalities can easily slip into clinical depression. Anxiety disorders. In one study, between 35 and 52 percent of those with various anxiety disorders also met the diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder, usually of a type that affects emotion and stress responses such as HPD.

Eating disorders. About one-third of eating disorder sufferers also have one or more co-occurring personality disorders, often including HPD. Substance use disorders. While different studies have produced varying results, most research has shown as least some relationship between histrionic personality disorder and addiction. However, the association is not as strong as with several other types of personality disorder. Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment and Prognosis If those who have them are truly determined to change their emotional and psychological reactions, personality disorders are amenable to treatment.

Some of the therapies that have proven effective for this condition include: Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT. Through CBT people with histrionic personalities can begin to think and act more calmly and with more deliberation and contemplation. Psychodynamic therapy. Dependent personality disorder Dependent Personality Disorder DPD Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive, excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissiveness and clinging behaviors.

Differential diagnosis for histrionic personality disorder also includes somatic symptom disorder Somatic Symptom Disorder Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by multiple persistent physical complaints that are associated with excessive and maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to those symptoms General treatment Treatment Personality disorders in general are pervasive, enduring patterns of thinking, perceiving, reacting, and relating that cause significant distress or functional impairment.

Little is known about the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and drug therapy for histrionic personality disorder. Psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on underlying conflicts, may be tried. The therapist may start by encouraging patients to substitute speech for behavior, and thus, patients can understand themselves and communicate with others in a less dramatic way.

Then, the therapist can help patients realize how their histrionic behaviors are a maladaptive way to attract the attention of others and to manage their self-esteem. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world.

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Common Health Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes Symptoms. Commonly Searched Drugs. Symptoms and Signs. Differential diagnosis. Personality Disorders. Test your knowledge. Patients with somatic symptom disorder are commonly referred to a psychiatrist even if they have a supportive relationship with their physician.

The primary intervention of the psychiatrist is to provide psychotherapy to the patient. Which of the following types of psychotherapy is most likely used in patients with this disorder?

More Content. Do your best to learn about HPD, including symptoms and treatment, so you can better understand and support your loved one. If you or a loved one are struggling with histrionic personality disorder, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA National Helpline at for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Angstman K, Rasmussen N. Personality disorders: Review and clinical application in daily practice. Am Fam Physician. French JH, Shrestha S. Histrionic Personality Disorder. National Institutes of Health.

Updated November 18, Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed January 23, Historical roots of histrionic personality disorder. Front Psychol. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Merck Manual. Updated Bakkevig J, Karterud S. Is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, histrionic personality disorder category a valid construct? Compr Psychiatry. Sng AA, Janca A. Mindfulness for personality disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind.