What is
Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Dear G,
Personality traits
are the way we perceive, relate to and consider our world and ourselves.
They are what make us uniquely human, and what sets 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 Histrionic Personality 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 Histrionic Personality Disorder. The
client will then, over time, learn to reassess his or her way of thinking,
leading to more healthy, socially acceptable behaviors.
G., to answer your
last question, employers do not have the right to access your mental health
records. However, insurance companies can be privy to that information.
Be careful to read all the paperwork presented to you whenever you consult
a behavioral health practitioner. Practitioners are required to fully
explain to you the limits of your rights to confidentiality when seeking
treatment.
Hope this article
was useful.
Audrey B. Jung, CPC,
DCC, NCC
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