Histrionic Personality Disorder

This results in a desire to be noticed. People suffering from histrionic personality disorder may engage in inappropriate or dramatic behavior to receive attention. The disorder's name comes from a term meaning "theatrical". Women are more likely to suffer from this disorder than men, and the problem usually shows up by the time they reach adulthood.

Much of the time, sufferers of histrionic personality disorders have excellent social skills, but use those skills to manipulate others. The end goal is to be the center of attention at all times. Symptoms of this problem include discomfort when the sufferer is not the center of attention, inappropriately seductive or flirtatious clothing or behavior, rapid emotional shifts, dramatic behavior that seems lacking in sincerity, and great attention to physical appearance.

People with this problem may also look for approval and reassurance constantly, and be easy for others to influence. They may easily believe untrue statements and be extremely sensitive to the disapproval or criticism of others. Routines often bore them, and they have a low tolerance for frustration. They may begin many projects, but will rarely finish any. Skipping from one thing to the next is extremely common.

Rash behavior and a lack of consideration before acting are common. People who have histrionic personality disorder are also often very self focused and show little concern for others. They may seem shallow or insincere in their dealings with others and can have difficulty staying in relationships in the long term. Threats and attempts of suicide to gain the attention of others are not uncommon.

We don't know exactly where this disorder comes from, but inherited factors may be involved as much as learned ones. This disorder tends to run in families, suggesting either repetition of learned behavior or genetic tendencies. Environmental factors that can be an influence include the type and amounts of punishment and criticism received as a child, positive reinforcement given for histrionic behaviors, and unpredictable levels of attention from parents and others. This can lead to confusion about which behaviors are desirable.

Treatment of this disorder can be difficult, since most sufferers do not believe they need therapy and dislike routine. They may seek help if depression is a factor, however. The treatment of choice is usually psychotherapy, which can help discover the fears and motivations for the problem behaviors. This can take a long time, however. There is no real medication for this disorder, since it does not seem to be chemical in nature. Most personality disorders respond better to counseling and similar alternative treatments. Cognitive and behavioral therapy may also help people with this problem, provided the sufferer is willing to engage in them. As this is a personality disorder, recovery can be quite difficult.

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