What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

by Audrey B. Jung, CPC, DCC, NCC

Personality traits are the way we perceive, relate to and consider our world and ourselves. They are what make us uniquely human, and what set us apart from all the other species on this earth. It is only when an individual's personality characteristics are inflexible, and cause repeating patterns of behavior that disrupt his or her relationships with other people that he or she may be diagnosed with a personality disorder.

According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, pp. 657-658), the text used most often by American professionals to diagnose and treat behavioral health disorders, Histrionic Personality Disorder is a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

• person is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
  
• interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually, seductive, or provocative behavior
  
• displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
  
• consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
  
• has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
  
• shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
  
• is suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances
  
• considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

In other words, Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by a person who is always calling attention to themselves, who is lively, and overly dramatic. Minor situations involving this person can cause wild swings in emotions. He or she can easily become bored with normal routines, and crave new, novel situations and excitement. In relationships, a person with this personality pattern form bonds quickly, but the relationships are often shallow, with the person demanding increasing amounts of attention. It is generally because of these relationship problems (personal and occupational) that a person with this kind of disorder might seek counseling.

Treating personality disorders takes a tremendous commitment from the person diagnosed. It takes a desire to see him or herself as a human being who is willing to change. She or he must be willing to work hard toward that end, through all the challenges that may present. Treatment techniques will vary, depending on the theoretical orientation of the therapist consulted. Generally, cognitive therapists will focus on the irrational beliefs that cause the behavior patterns associated with this disorder. The client will then, over time, learn to reassess his or her way of thinking, leading to more healthy, socially acceptable behaviors.

Audrey B. Jung, CPC, DCC, NCC