So, what is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition where people are very emotional and always looking for reassurance and attention.
It changes how people think and feel about, and relate to others.
This article will explain its symptoms and causes and how it can be treated so you can understand and support yourself or those around you who have it.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder is a condition where people are very emotional and feel like they need constant attention.
People with HPD often seek approval from others, using dramatic or provocative behavior to get it.1
This can hurt their ability to bond with people and their self-esteem, so treatment and support are needed for them to improve their lives.2
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Histrionic Personality Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include extremely emotional reactions to things and a need for attention to feel reassured.
They may display inappropriate seductive or provocative behavior to get reassurance.
They find it hard to have close relationships with people as they focus on appearance and approval, so they tend to struggle with personal and social interactions.
Histrionic Personality Disorder Causes and Risk Factors
HPD causes are complex.
Some people may be genetically predisposed and have a family history of personality disorders.
Environmental factors like trauma from childhood or unstable family dynamics and other surrounding factors that reward or reinforce attention-seeking behavior may also contribute to the condition.
Diagnosing Histrionic Personality Disorder
Diagnosing Histrionic Personality Disorder involves thorough assessments by mental health professionals.
The diagnosing process uses the DSM-5 criteria for HPD to assess someone’s behavioral and emotional patterns.
Accurate diagnosis is needed in order to rule out other personality disorders and create a treatment plan that works for each individual’s needs.
Quick Tip: Get Help for Histrionic Personality Disorder
Please get professional help if you think you have Histrionic Personality Disorder. Therapy can exponentially change the way you handle your emotions and relationships. There is no need to feel ashamed.
Treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder
The treatments for HPD are usually different types of therapy and sometimes medication.
One type of therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches you about regulating your emotions and changing your behavior patterns.
Also, therapy sessions with family and group therapy can be helpful for people with HPD.
Sometimes, medication can be prescribed for things like anxiety and depression, which are often experienced alongside HPD.
Therapy for Histrionic Personality Disorder
Therapy for HPD is very important for managing symptoms and relationships.3
CBT helps you work on attention-seeking behaviors and emotional regulation.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps you learn how to deal with intense feelings and emotions in healthier ways.
Personalized therapy is important for your long-term progress and overall well-being.
Supporting Someone with Histrionic Personality Disorder
You can support someone with HPD by:
- Setting and talking about healthy boundaries with them
- Getting professional help for both the person with HPD and those around them
- Learning more about HPD to understand their behavior
- Creating a positive, judgement-free space to build trust with them
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder?
The main symptoms of histrionic personality disorder are being very emotional, constantly attention-seeking, and inappropriate seductive or provocative behavior. They have trouble with close relationships because they’re always looking for validation and approval, which can be a problem in both personal and social situations.
What causes Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder may be caused by a combination of factors. This includes genetic predisposition (having a family history of personality disorders), environmental factors like childhood trauma, and harmful social and family influences that reward dramatic or attention-seeking behavior.
How is Histrionic Personality Disorder treated?
The treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder usually involves psychotherapy (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help them learn emotional regulation and change their attention-seeking behavior. Medication may be prescribed for co-occurring conditions. Group therapy and family therapy are also helpful and can improve their relationships.
How can I support someone with Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Support someone with Histrionic Personality Disorder by being there for them but also setting healthy boundaries. Educate yourself about HPD so you can understand them better and support them to make the decision to get professional help. Being patient and openly talking with them will help you strengthen the honesty and trust in your connection with them.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- People with HPD have extreme emotions and a deep need for attention and validation.
- Symptoms include extreme reactions, needing validation always, and having trouble with relationships.
- Causes can be due to genetics, environment, and cultural influence.
- Therapy and medication can help manage symptoms.
- Professional help is necessary to manage HPD and healthier relationships.
Get Started with Mental Health Treatment at Cornerstone
Recognizing and addressing Histrionic Personality Disorder is needed in order to have emotional well-being and relationships.
Getting help can give you the tools you need to manage your symptoms.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we offer both virtual and residential therapy services for many mental health conditions.
Start your healing today—reach out today.
