Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

Femme fatale
HPD is more often diagnosed in women than men; men with some similar symptoms are often diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.

Definition:
According to the American Psychiatric Association this personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including inappropriately seductive behaviour and an excessive need for approval, usually beginning in early adulthood. People affected by HPD are lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, and flirtatious. HPD affects four times as many women as men. It has a prevalence of 23% in the general population, and 1015% in inpatient and outpatient mental health institutions. People with HPD have a high need for attention, make loud and inappropriate appearances, exaggerate their behaviors and emotions, and crave stimulation. They may exhibit sexually provocative behavior, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and can be easily influenced by others. Associated features include egocentrism, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, and persistent manipulative behavior to achieve their own needs.

Characteristics:
People with HPD are usually high-functioning, both socially and professionally. They usually have good social skills, despite tending to use them to manipulate others into making them the center of attention. HPD may also affect a person's social and/or romantic relationships, as well as their ability to cope with losses or failures. They may seek treatment for clinical depression when romantic (or other close personal) relationships end. Individuals with HPD often fail to see their own personal situation realistically, instead dramatizing and exaggerating their difficulties. They may go through frequent job changes, as they become easily bored and may prefer withdrawing from frustration (instead of facing it). Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing clinical depression. Additional characteristics may include:

Exhibitionist behaviour Constant seeking of reassurance or approval Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval Pride of own personality and unwillingness to change, viewing any change as a threat Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior of a sexual nature Using somatic symptoms (of physical illness) to garner attention A need to be the center of attention Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are Making rash decisions Blaming personal failures or disappointments on others Being easily influenced by others, especially those who treat them approvingly Being overly dramatic and emotional Some histrionics change their seduction technique into a more maternal/paternal style as they age.

The World Health Organization's ICD-10 lists histrionic personality disorder as:

Shallow and labile affectivity, Self-dramatization, Theatricality, Exaggerated expression of emotions, Suggestibility, gullible and easily influenced by others Egocentricity, Self-indulgence, self-centered and rarely show concern for others Lack of consideration for others, Easily hurt feelings, and excessively sensitive to criticism or disapproval Continuous seeking for appreciation, excitement and attention. Make rash decisions Have a low tolerance for frustration and be easily bored by routine, often beginning projects without finishing them or skipping from one event to another Threaten or attempt suicide to get attention

What Causes Histrionic Personality Disorder?

The exact cause of histrionic personality disorder is not known, but many mental health professionals believe that both learned and inherited factors play a role in its development. For example, the tendency for histrionic personality disorder to run in families suggests that a genetic susceptibility for the disorder might be inherited. However, the child of a parent with this disorder might simply be repeating learned behavior. Other environmental factors that might be involved include a lack of criticism or punishment as a child, positive reinforcement that is given only when a child completes certain approved behaviors, and unpredictable attention given to a child by his or her parent(s), all leading to confusion about what types of behavior earn parental approval. Personality disorders also usually develop in relation to individual temperament and psychological styles and ways people learn to cope with stress while growing up.

How Is Histrionic Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

If signs of this personality disorder are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical and psychiatric history. If physical symptoms are present, a physical exam and laboratory tests (such as neuroimaging studies or blood tests) may also be recommended to assure that a physical illness is not causing any symptoms that may be present. If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or she might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, health care professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a personality disorder. Note: The problem here is that both Narcissistic and Histrionic Personality Disorders can overlap at the same time. Please see my article on The Female Narcissist http://www.scribd.com/doc/153363077/The-Female-Narcissist Dr. Celeste Fabrie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histrionic_personality_disorder

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/histrionic-personality-disorder