Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

This overview is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. (Source – Psychology Today)

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a condition which is characterized by a person constantly seeking attention, emotional overreaction, and behaving seductively. People with this tend to over dramatize situations, which in turn negatively impairs their relationships and may even lead to depression. Despite this, they are easily influenced by the people around them.

  • Individuals with this disorder are excessively emotional and they also tend to seek attention.
  •  They tend to feel out of place and underappreciated when they don’t receive attention, and they often act dramatically, theatrically, or seductively in inappropriate settings. 
  • People with this disorder do well in jobs that require imagination and creativity, but struggle with tasks that demand logical or analytical thinking.
  • Individuals with this disorder also tend to cast blame on others when things go wrong as they find it difficult to accept responsibility for failure.

 

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What are the primary symptoms/signs of the condition?

  • Self-centeredness
  • Feeling uncomfortable when not the center of attention
  • Constantly seeking reassurance or approval
  • Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior
  • Rapidly shifting emotional states that appear shallow to others
  • Overly concerned with physical appearance, and using physical appearance to draw attention to self
  • Theatrical, self-focused speech
  • Belief that relationships are more intimate than they really are 
  • Opinions that are easily influenced by other people, but difficult to back up with details
  • Dramatic nature with exaggerated displays of emotion
  • Is highly suggestible (easily influenced by others)

 

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes? 

  • As with most personality disorders, the exact causes of HPD are unknown, but both childhood events and genetics are thought to be involved.
  • HPD occurs more frequently in women than in men, although some experts believe that it is simply more often diagnosed in women as behaviors associated with this disorder are seen as more socially acceptable for men.
  • A lack of discipline in childhood, or positive reinforcement of dramatic behaviour may be risk factors for the development of HPD.

What is the recommended treatment?

  • The recommended form of treatment for histrionic personality disorder is psychotherapy. This can help people with this disorder understand the reasons behind their actions, and develop more positive relationships with other people.
  • Because depression can be associated with failed romantic relationships, patients with histrionic personality disorder often seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of depression.

  • A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose HPD by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
  • The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the histrionic behavior is not caused as a result of other underlying medical conditions, or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
  • The GP/psychologist will then check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for HPD before making a diagnosis.

  • Data from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions estimate that the prevalence of histrionic personality disorder is 1.84 percent of the general population.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional

  • Exercise
  • Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
  • Keep a gratitude journal
  • Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
  • Practice Mindfulness
  • Practice Yoga
  • Engage in a well-balanced diet
  • Maintain a good sleep schedule 
  • Recognise what you can and can’t handle

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