Histrionic Personality Disorder

HPD is characterised by long lasting pattern of attention seeking behaviour and intense emotionality. People with histrionic personality disorder always want to be the centre of attention and they feel uncomfortable when they are not. They are lively, interesting and sometimes dramatic. Individuals with this disorder often have difficulty achieving emotional intimacy in romantic or sexual relationships. They tend to have impaired relationships with the same sex friends because their sexuality provocative interpersonal style may seem a treat to their friend's relationships.

A persistent pattern of extreme emotionality and attention seeking behaviour, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts are indicated by five or more of the following:

• Feels uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the centre of attention
• Interaction with other people if often characterized by inappropriate sexually provocative or seductive behaviour
• Being highly suggestible i.e., easily influenced by others
• Shows a great deal of self-dramatization, theatricality as well as exaggerated expression of emotion
• Constantly uses physical appearance to draw attention to them self
• Displays quickly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
• Tends to have a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
• Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

An individual must be at least 18 years old before he or she can be diagnosed with this disorder. People with this disorder do not believe that they need therapy and tend to exaggerate their feelings and dislike routine. Some might seek help if depression is associated with a loss or failed friendship or any other problem that is caused by their actions that leads to distress.

Prevention of HPD might not be possible, but treatment can allow a person who is prone to this disorder to learn productive ways of dealing with situations!