Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a psychiatric disorder where a person's self-esteem depends on attention and the approval of others. It is characterized by dramatic or attention-seeking behaviors, and a need for approval from others. It is categorized as a cluster B personality disorder.
Criteria
This is the diagnostic criteria for HPD as stated by the DSM-V. An easier to understand explanation will be supplemented under each item.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:1. Is uncomfortable in situations in which they are not the center of attention.
When in a situation surrounded by people, whether you know them or not, you may want or expect the group's attention to be on you. If it is, you may feel euphoric or "complete" at that moment. If the attention shifts to someone or something else, you may feel incredibly uncomfortable, be angry, upset, or sad, and may react according to those emotions.2. Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior.
You may be overly flirtatious or flirt in situations that does not suit this behavior. This flirting may not even be intentional or conscious.3. Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions.
This can mean mood swings and undesired emotional reactions that may be inappropriate for the situation.4. Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self.
You may find yourself wearing clothing, hair, or makeup to draw attention to specific parts of your body. This may be sexually, aesthetically, or as a "conversation starter."5. Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail.
This entails speech that is meant to make one seem "cool" or impressive, usually to the one you are speaking to, but can also be meant to be heard by onlookers or anyone who is able to hear you. This may mean you collect "fun facts" to share, or be filled with a seemingly random or unusual collection of information. When you speak about a topic, you have a hard time getting out every detail precisely out of fear of sounding silly or unknowledgeable, even if you do understand the topic. This can result in an impressionistic display.6. Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion.
You may display seemingly dramatic behaviors, especially in situations that it might be deemed inappropriate. Your emotional reactions to situations might also be particularly strong or difficult to handle, and this may result in expression that is atypical for most.7. Is suggestible (i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances).
You may be easily influenced by things that people say or by situations. If something sounds convincing to you, you may change your opinion then and there. You may find that your personal moral compass is erratic and has no "true north," despite how much you try to settle one. Your opinions may be constantly changing, or you may internalize things other say as truth more easily than most.8. Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.
Interpreting situations to be intimate or special even if they are typical for the other party or for most people. You may interpret crushes, flirtation, or special treatment where it is not truly there. This can mean that you see yourself as someone's favorite, or as special in some way. Even if, logically, this feeling is unreasonable, it isn't easily shaken off.
Subtypes
There are six subtypes of HPD identified by Theodore Millon. Appeasing histrionic, vivacious histrionic, tempestuous histrionic, disingenuous histrionic, theatrical histrionic, and infantile histrionicAppeasing
“Including dependent and compulsive features.
Seeks to placate, mend, patch up, smooth over troubles; knack for settling differences, moderating tempers by yielding, compromising, conceding; sacrifices self for commendation; fruitlessly placates the unplacatable.”
Seeks to appease and pacify people and situations, even if it hurts them.Vivacious
“The seductiveness of the histrionic mixed with the energy typical of hypomania. Some narcissistic features can also be present
Vigorous, charming, bubbly, brisk, spirited, flippant, impulsive; seeks momentary cheerfulness and playful adventures; animated, energetic, ebullient.
Outgoing and spirited mannerisms.Tempestuous
“Including negativistic features
Impulsive, out of control; moody complaints, sulking; precipitous emotion, stormy, impassioned, easily wrought-up, periodically inflamed, turbulent.”
Resistance, agitation, impulsion and mood swings.Disingenuous
“Including antisocial features
Underhanded, double-dealing, scheming, contriving, plotting, crafty, false-hearted; egocentric, insincere, deceitful, calculating, guileful.”
Manipulative and self-centered behavior.Theatrical
“Variant of “pure” pattern
Affected, mannered, put-on; postures are striking, eyecatching, graphic; markets self-appearance; is synthesized, stagy; simulates desirable/dramatic poses.”
The “classic example” of HPD. Commonly displayed in media; textbook example.Infantile
“Including borderline features
Labile, high-strung, volatile emotions; childlike hysteria and nascent pouting; demanding, overwrought; fastens and clutches to another; is excessively attached, hangs on, stays fused to and clinging.”
Anxious, clingy, and dependent.It is possible to be a mix of any of these types. It varies from person to person.
Other traits
People with HPD may also show any of the following traits:
- Distorted self-image
- Impulsivity, making rash decisions, poor self control
- Constant seeking of reassurance or approval
- Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval (may experience RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria))
- Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior of a sexual nature
- Craving attention
- Pride of own personality or traits and unwillingness to change, viewing any change as a threat
- Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
- Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others
- Inability to measure the closeness of a relationship (may perceive crushes or favoritism where it is not really there)
- Easily influenced by others, especially those who treat them approvingly
- Using factitious somatic symptoms (of physical illness) or psychological disorders to garner attention (note: faking illness is an intentional act of deception. This does not mean hypochondria, worry, or somatoform symptoms.)
- Being overly dramatic and emotional
- Excitement seeking or easily bored
- Rejection of or discomfort with, or struggle with routine
They may also experience comorbid conditions or symptoms such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other personality disorders.
Notes
People with HPD are very often stigmatized. People with this disorder are seen as drama queens, attention whores, shallow, egotistical, and self-centered.Even though their behavior can seem to be dramatic or over-the-top, this isn't always how they genuinely mean to seem. Their self esteem and self worth rely on the approval of others, but this is not something that they have chosen for themselves.HPD is a personality disorder, and should be given the same respect as any other illness.People with HPD do seek attention. That is the point of the entire disorder. There is no "secretly they don't actually want attention!" here. The identity of a person with HPD tends to be based upon those surrounding them and their approval, and may be structured based on the desires of others. They are more vulnerable to abuse and manipulation than most, given their general need for credit and approval.The word "need" here is not used synonymously with "want." Even if one does not necessarily consciously want to have attention on them at all times, it is important to their own self-worth. This is the nature of the disorder.Often times, attention-seeking behavior can be unintentional. A person with HPD may have particular habits or patterns that are eye-catching in nature, and either are not recognized by them or are difficult to suppress. They might be able to recognize those and attempt to suppress them, but this can lead to even more attention brought upon them as a result of attempting to mask. This behavior varies from person to person.Overall, HPD is a real personality disorder with real impact on the person suffering with it. It is a difficult disorder to accept and recognize, especially given the perception by others.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading. This carrd was made by a person with HPD to give a little more information to others about what it's like to live with this disorder. This is all drawn from personal experiences and evaluation.I was recognized/diagnosed at 14 years old. This affects every day of my life, and is incredibly shameful for me to experience. I have made this in hopes of feeling a little less alone in this world.