A way out histrionic personality disorder
At some point, we must have all known someone who seems to constantly crave attention. They may dress in a way that’s flashy and provocative, or they might speak in an overly dramatic tone that draws everyone’s attention. For some people, this behavior is more than just a personality quirk. It’s a disorder known as a histrionic personality disorder.However, their behavior is often not sustainable and can lead to problems in personal relationships and work.
According to one of the disorders listed, histrionic personality disorder DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) shows that it affects around 1-2% of the general population, with women being diagnosed more often than men. It is believed that the disorder stems from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as childhood trauma or neglect.
So what is histrionic personality disorder (HPD) exactly? Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect the way people perceive, think, and behave. It is a condition where a person constantly seeks attention, approval, and admiration from others through excessive emotional expressions, dramatic behavior, and seductive actions.
Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder
- Excessive Emotionality: People with HPD may exhibit very loud emotions and may have quick temper, cry or laugh. They may also be overly dramatic and theatrical in their expressions of emotion.
- Attention-seeking behavior: They seem to seek constant attention and validation from others and are often uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention.
- Provocative behavior: They may dress or act in a way that draws attention to themselves, such as wearing revealing clothing or being overly flirtatious.
- A shallow or rapid change in feelings: They experience a broad range of emotions, and often have a sudden switch from one emotion to another in no time. They may seem insincere or exaggerated in their emotions.
- Speech patterns: They may use dramatic, vague, or overly descriptive language to draw attention to themselves.
- Impressionistic and self-centered: They may have a tendency to view themselves as the center of attention and may overestimate the intimacy of the relationships than reality.
- Difficulty with close relationships: They may have difficulty maintaining close relationships due to their intense emotional needs and attention-seeking behavior.
- Overly concerned with appearance: People with HPD may be obsessed with their appearance and may spend an excessive amount of time on grooming and dressing.
Causes of histrionic personality disorder
The exact causes are uncertain, but studies suggest that histrionic personality disorder causes are mainly due to hereditary reasons.
Some researchers believe that HPD may be related to childhood trauma, lack of attention or praise from parents, or growing up in an environment where there was a lot of drama or instability.
Others believe that HPD may be linked to a biological or neurological imbalance in the brain.
Treatment for histrionic personality disorder
- One of the treatments for histrionic personality disorder is psychotherapy or talk therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the most common forms of therapy used to treat HPD.In CBT, individuals learn how to identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to their behavior. They also learn how to adopt healthier coping skills and behaviors.
- DBT combines elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques and skills training. This helps people learn to regulate their emotions and their need for attention which can bring a sense of balance and a new sense of comprehension.
- Medication: Along with cognitive reconstructing, medication may also be used to treat certain symptoms of HPD, such as anxiety or depression. However, medication alone is not typically considered an effective treatment for this disorder.
- Group therapy: Group therapy may be helpful for individuals with HPD as it provides an opportunity to interact and understand the root causes of their behavior and also learn new social skills.
- Family therapy: Family therapy can be useful in addressing issues that may have contributed to the development of HPD, such as childhood trauma or family conflicts. Family therapy can help improve communication and heal relationships among family members.
Histrionic personality disorder treatment can help put your life in order. HPD can be a challenging treatment process, but with the right care from a mental health professional, you can find relief and feel complete.
Remember you are not alone in this mission, there’s help out there waiting, to guide you on your journey to start new. Talk to an expert at +1 (917) 267 8635 for a confidential conversation and treatment guidance.
