Personality disorders are mental health conditions that are long-lasting and affect a person's sense of self, identity, and personality. There are three “clusters” of personality disorders: Clusters A, B, and C. Histrionic Personality Disorder is one of the lesser-known Cluster B disorders, which include commonly talked about disorders such as Borderline Personality, Narcissistic Personality, and Antisocial Personality disorders.
These Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior that is outside the social norm. They have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors.
Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by excessive attention-seeking behavior. Although it is a lifelong disorder, there are treatments that can minimize distressing symptoms and promote healthy well-being.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
The word “histrionic” means dramatic or theatrical. Someone with histrionic personality disorder relies on other people’s opinions of them for their self-worth. This means they will act in whatever ways they need to in order to be the center of attention. Their sense of worth and emotions are highly variable and shift based on what’s happening around and to them.
Histrionic Personality Disorder usually appears in the late teens and early 20s. Women are more likely to be diagnosed than men, but researchers believe men are under-diagnosed.
Is Histrionics a Form of Narcissism?
Both Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are part of the Cluster B disorders and involve excessive attention-seeking. However, they are not the same, and Histrionic Personality Disorder is not a form of narcissism. The key difference is that those with Histrionic Personality Disorder seek attention of any kind, whereas those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder seek admiration and adoration. For example, a person with Histrionic Personality Disorder would be okay seeming weak and fragile in order to get attention, but a person with narcissistic personality disorder would not.
What Is the Difference Between Histrionic Personality Disorder and BPD?
BPD, Borderline Personality Disorder, is another Cluster B personality disorder that shares a lot in common with Histrionic personality Disorder. However, the main difference between these two is that Histrionic Personality Disorder is fueled by a need for attention whereas BPD is fueled by a fear of abandonment and rejection.
Cluster B Personality disorders have a lot in common, but what sets them apart is their core drive.
Histrionic Personality Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include:
- Seeking Attention: Constantly seeking attention and approval, and feeling uncomfortable when not the center of attention.
- Excessive Emotionality: Displaying exaggerated emotions for the purpose of drawing attention or to control others' reactions.
- Appearance-Centered: Placing a high level of importance on physical appearance and using it to draw attention.
- Impressionable: Easily influenced by others or by the situation.
- Dramatic Speech and Expression: Speaking in an overly dramatic manner and using theatrical gestures to express emotions.
- Shallow Relationships: Having relationships that are easily formed but lack depth and intimacy.
- Easily Bored: Quickly becoming bored with routine activities and constantly seeking new experiences.
- Sensitivity to Criticism: Being highly sensitive to criticism or disapproval, and becoming upset or angry when attention is not on them.
These symptoms will have a distressing and negative impact on their life and the lives of the people around them.
Histrionic Personality Disorder: Causes
Researchers aren’t quite sure what causes personality disorders, although they believe that genetics plays a big role in them. Childhood trauma likely also plays a role, with many people who have a personality disorder having a history of childhood neglect or abuse.
Finally, parenting style may have something to do with it. A parenting style that is overly indulgent and inconsistent can help cause Histrionic Personality Disorder. A child may also learn behavior from a parent who models dramatic, volatile, and erratic behavior.
Treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder
There is no cure for personality disorders. It is often a lifetime disorder, although symptoms can decrease with the right treatment.
Treatment for Histrionic Personality disorder includes a mixture of talk therapy, support groups, coping mechanisms, and sometimes medication to help manage co-morbid disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to help individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By fostering self-awareness and challenging distorted beliefs, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers a compassionate and structured approach to treating Histrionic Personality Disorder. By combining validation and acceptance with skill-building techniques, DBT helps individuals regulate emotions, improve relationships, and enhance distress tolerance.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic Therapy delves into unconscious patterns and past experiences that may contribute to histrionic personality traits. By fostering insight and self-awareness, psychodynamic therapy facilitates a deeper understanding of underlying emotions and relational dynamics.
- Medication: In some cases, medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
- Support Groups: Joining support groups or group therapy sessions can provide a sense of community, understanding, and shared experiences, fostering growth and healing.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage emotions, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
- Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding substances like alcohol or drugs can support mental health and emotional stability.
Treatment is effective at helping people manage symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Contact Lifebulb to meet with a licensed therapist and get on the path to healing today.
