If a person is suffering from Histrionic Personality Disorder or HPD then they may show signs of constant attention seeking and dramatic emotional reactions. The person may feel uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention. People with HPD may show manipulative behaviors towards people present in their surroundings. Histrionic Personality Disorder is usually developed in a person’s late teenage years or early adulthood. This mental disorder is of such a kind that it may continue to affect you throughout your life.
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) belongs to the Cluster B personality disorders, which are characterized by dramatic, emotional behavior. Treatment methods for HPD commonly involve a combination of therapy sessions to address underlying issues and medication to manage symptoms effectively.
The American Psychiatric Association defines histrionic personality disorder (HPD) as a personality disorder marked by a pattern of excessive attention-seeking behaviors, including improper seduction and an obsessive need for acceptance. These behaviors typically start in early adulthood. Individuals who have been diagnosed with this disease are described as outgoing, flirty, vibrant, dramatic, and exuberant.
Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder
People with HPD or Histrionic Personality Disorder have symptoms which include:
- Extreme need of constant attention.
- Not feeling at ease if they are not the center of attention.
- People with HPD show relatively stronger emotions compared to normal people.
- People suffering from HPD usually appear more charming and wanting to stand out in the room due to their attention seeking personality traits.
- acting in a seductive or provocative manner for a sexual audience.
- Being extremely manipulative to others.
- Having constant mood swings or often having an imbalance in their emotions.
- Having a strong body image and being overly worried about their looks.
- Being credulous and susceptible to the influence of others, particularly those they look up to.
- Consider their interpersonal interactions to be closer than they typically are.
- Having trouble sustaining connections and can come across as shallow or artificial when interacting with others.
- Seeking validation or affirmation all the time.
Characteristics
People who exhibit certain traits that are common in personality disorders can often continue to lead functional lives without fitting the diagnostic criteria for a specific disorder. These traits become a cause for concern when they manifest as long-standing patterns in behavior, cognition, and emotional responses that disrupt the individual’s well-being or affect those in their social circle.
Consequently, individuals with personality disorders encounter considerable challenges in adjusting their conduct or responding effectively in various circumstances. This difficulty can lead to struggles in building enduring, positive connections with others and maintaining occupational stability.
As a result, they may face recurrent obstacles in securing employment or nurturing healthy relationships due to persistent patterns of behavior that hinder their ability to adapt to social norms and expectations. The persistence of these patterns often makes it arduous for individuals with personality disorders to function optimally in typical day-to-day situations.
Cluster B, or the dramatic cluster of personality disorders, includes HPD. In addition to exaggerating their actions and emotions, making loud and inappropriate appearances, and requiring constant stimulation, people with HPD have a strong need for attention.
Causes
The main or the real reason to the development of HPD is still not known to us. Although, some factors can be taken into consideration for the development of Histrionic Personality Disorder. These factors include both environmental and genetic factors.
Research indicates that the propensity for histrionic personality disorder can be traced back through family lines, hinting at a probable genetic connection. Therefore, experts in the field speculate that inherited traits may contribute to its prevalence among certain individuals.
The chances to develop HPD become highly like if you can relate to the following:
- Confusion about what behaviors will get approval from parents.
- Getting praise from parents is contingent upon exhibiting specific actions that they find acceptable.
- not receiving any discipline or criticism as a child.
- parents’ erratic and inconsistent attention.
A personality disorder may emerge as a result of your temperament, psychological make-up, and the coping mechanisms you developed as a child.
RELATED: Schizoid Personality Disorder
Are histrionics manipulative?
People with HPD are commonly exceptionally great at social interactions. And yes, they may use their skills to manipulate others and be the center of their attention.
What is an example of a histrionic person?
Someone who continuously engages in dramatic or exaggerated acts in an attempt to gain attention and affirmation could be considered a histrionic. They might frequently do attention-seeking behaviors including acting out emotions theatrically, making large gestures, or controlling circumstances in order to command attention.
Can HPD be cured?
HPD isn’t a condition that has a definite cure or treatment to it. Psychotherapy can really effect and bring a positive change to an individual suffering from HPD