The histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is one that is characterized by what the layman would refer to as classic attention seeking behaviour. The individual that falls into this personality disorder is known for excessive emotional episodes and behaviour that is used to seek and obtain attention from just about anyone that will give it.
This disorder is classified as one that is embodied by a persistent need for approval and for seductiveness that is inappropriate. Most individuals suffering from HPD are women, and onset generally occurs in early adulthood. The average person will find these individuals flirtatious, dramatic, lively, and enthusiastic over life. They are often sexually provocative, and will be easily influenced by the attention of others.
The DSM IV defines HPD as:
“A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.”
Brief History of Histrionic Disorder
Histrionic Disorder is in fact one of the earliest known disorders, and was written about and diagnosed as early as the days of Freud. Wilhelm Reich also discussed HPD, then known as conversion hysteria. Early versions of conversion hysteria and hysteria strongly resemble today’s version of Histrionic Personality Disorder.
The former version of today’s clinical bible, the DSM IV, was the DSM III, and histrionic personality was defined as hysteria (conversion type) or hysterical neuroses with both a dissociative and conversion reaction. By the DSM IV, the hysterical personality was converted to the histrionic personality disorder through the hallmark case of Ruth E.
Symptoms of HPD
Primary symptoms of HPD include but are not limited to the following:
- Exhibitionism
- Approval or attention seeking behaviour on a regular and consistent basis
- Excessive dramatic behaviour in every day life
- Easily has their feelings hurt, or extremely sensitive to criticism
- Extreme concern with physical and outward appearance
- Always needs to be the center of attention
- Low tolerance for gratification that may be delayed
- Rapid shifts in emotional states that present as exaggerated or superficial
- Believes that current or existing relationships are more intimate than they actually are
- Rash decisions made frequently
Diagnosing HPD
A diagnosis of HPD will be made following a psychological evaluation that will include an assessment of the client’s behaviour, appearance, and personal history. Treatment of this disorder is often sought after a depression occurs with the dissolution of a romantic relationship.
A DSM IV diagnosis will occur when the above mentioned definition presents, and is indicated by a minimum of five of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort in situations where the individual is not the center of attention
- Interaction with others will be characterized by inappropriate and provocative or seductive behaviour
- Rapid shifting of both positive and negative emotions
- Consistent use of physical appearance in order to obtain attention
- Speech lacks detail and is excessively impressionistic
- Self dramatizes frequently
- Easily suggestible or influenced by others
- Must satisfy the set of general personality disorder criterion
References
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
"Histrionic Personality Disorder". Histrionic Personality Disorder. The Cleveland Clinic.
"Histrionic Personality Disorder". Histrionic Personality Disorder - Choice of Treatment. Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders - Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation.
