5 Signs of Histrionic Personality Disorder
“Dramatic or theatrical” is the technical definition for the word “histrionic.” Dramatic and theatrical aptly capture the essence of histrionic personality disorder. Classified as one of the more so “dramatic” personality disorders, histrionic individuals base their self-esteem on the approval of others rather than from any derived sense of self-worth.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with histrionic personality disorders use attention-seeking behaviors as a means for gaining other people’s approval. The majority of those diagnosed with this condition are women, though men may be an under-diagnosed population group. Signs of histrionic disorder typically appear in a person’s late teens or early 20s.
More oftentimes than not, the attention-seeking behaviors used by people with histrionic personality disorder carry inappropriate overtones in terms of being highly dramatic and emotional. Ultimately, a person has an overwhelming desire to be noticed, which drives his or her behaviors.
While many people may display one or more of these characteristics at some time or another, a person would have to display these signs on an ongoing basis in order for histrionic personality disorder to be at work.
Here are the five most common signs of histrionic personality disorder:
1. Uncomfortable When Not the Center of Attention
People with histrionic personalities look to the approval of others for their self worth and self esteem.
The desire or need to be the center of attention leaves histrionic individuals feeling uncomfortable when they’re not the center of attention. Regardless of the group of people involved, someone affected by histrionic personality needs to be the focus of attention. This characteristic often comes out in the way a person dresses, such as extravagant apparel that accentuates their physical attractiveness.
2. Inappropriate Behavior
Histrionic personality disorder may drive a person to behave seductively or provocatively in an inappropriate manner. As with most everything else this person does, seductive behavior works to make him or her the center of attention.
This characteristic also makes it difficult for people with histrionic disorder to form genuine relationships with same-sex friends, as their behaviors tend to threaten their friends’ relationships.
3. Shallow Emotional Displays
People affected by histrionic personality disorder tend to be overly emotional within everyday conversational contexts. A person will use exaggerated expressions and theatrical displays when expressing emotions rather than communicating in a straightforward manner.
Within relationships, this tendency towards exaggeration makes it difficult for them to become emotionally intimate with a partner. In effect, people with this condition are likely to play out roles within relationships, such as victim or “goddess.”
4. Crave Excitement
Someone with histrionic personality disorder has a highly suggestible nature, especially when something new and exciting is involved. This person craves sensory stimulation and can easily become bored with an everyday routine.
Along the same lines, a histrionic personality experiences high levels of frustration in situations that involve delayed gratification. For people with histrionic disorder, new projects and pursuits that provide immediate gratification make for ideal activities.
5. Controlling
A histrionic person’s need for attention can drive him or her to employ manipulative tactics when interacting with others. Within close relationships, a person’s need to hold others’ attention may result in underhanded and/or controlling behaviors. These tactics are designed to elicit praise, admiration or nurturance from others.
