Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of emotional expression and excessive dramatic, attention-seeking behaviors in multiple situations and settings.
Prevalence
The onset of HPD is in early adulthood, and the male to female ratio is 1:4, although it is suspected that many men are undiagnosed. HPD affects approximately less than 2% of the general population; however, rates can be as high as 15% in mental health settings.
Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Associated traits of HPD include:
People with HPD can initially be fun to be around because they seem happier and more “alive,” but relationships can become difficult once their excitement in the newness of it all wears off.
Diagnosing Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Once a physical exam has ruled out the possibility of any medical issues, according to the DSM-5, at least five of the following symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of HPD:
People with HPD are often high-functioning, both socially and occupationally. They usually possess good communication skills, although they tend to use them to manipulate others to make themselves the center of attention.
Risk factors for Histrionic Personality Disorder:
People with HPD crave excitement, novelty, and stimulation, and this can often lead them into risky situations. It can also cause them to impulsively quit jobs, friendships, and relationships without thinking of the long-term results such as depression or eviction.
Causes of Histrionic Personality Disorder:
The exact cause of HPD remains unknown; however, brain chemistry, genetic traits, unconscious mental processes, and environmental factors have all been implicated in the development of this condition.
Environmental factors – It has been suggested that parenting styles that lead to confusion about what types of behavior are acceptable — such as unpredictable punishment given to a child by his or her parent(s), or approval only being given for performance — contribute to the development of HPD in adulthood.
HPD often coexists with other mood, personality, eating, and substance use disorders, but particularly antisocial, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorder.
Treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder:
A person’s HPD symptoms can improve with a combination of talk therapy and medication for any coexisting mental health disorders.
Because of the person with HPD’s constant need for change and their being prone to exaggeration, long-term therapy can be difficult, so therapy should be focused on solutions and support for change.
Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Associated traits of HPD include:
People with HPD can initially be fun to be around because they seem happier and more “alive,” but relationships can become difficult once their excitement in the newness of it all wears off.
Diagnosing Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Once a physical exam has ruled out the possibility of any medical issues, according to the DSM-5, at least five of the following symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of HPD:
People with HPD are often high-functioning, both socially and occupationally. They usually possess good communication skills, although they tend to use them to manipulate others to make themselves the center of attention.
Risk factors for Histrionic Personality Disorder:
People with HPD crave excitement, novelty, and stimulation, and this can often lead them into risky situations. It can also cause them to impulsively quit jobs, friendships, and relationships without thinking of the long-term results such as depression or eviction.
Causes of Histrionic Personality Disorder:
The exact cause of HPD remains unknown; however, brain chemistry, genetic traits, unconscious mental processes, and environmental factors have all been implicated in the development of this condition.
Environmental factors – It has been suggested that parenting styles that lead to confusion about what types of behavior are acceptable — such as unpredictable punishment given to a child by his or her parent(s), or approval only being given for performance — contribute to the development of HPD in adulthood.
HPD often coexists with other mood, personality, eating, and substance use disorders, but particularly antisocial, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorder.
Treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder:
A person’s HPD symptoms can improve with a combination of talk therapy and medication for any coexisting mental health disorders.
Because of the person with HPD’s constant need for change and their being prone to exaggeration, long-term therapy can be difficult, so therapy should be focused on solutions and support for change.