How to Identify Histrionic Personality Disorder

Those suffering from histrionic personality disorder exhibit a tendency to regard things in an emotional manner and they constantly seek attention. It is a pattern of behavior that begins in early adulthood. Learn what characteristics make histrionic personality disorder different from other personality disorders.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand that people with this personality disorder are overly dramatic, reactive, have intensely expressed behavior and have disturbances in interpersonal relationships. They tend to draw attention to themselves, typically in a sexually suggestive manner, and are prone to exaggeration.

• 2

  Know that the desire to be the constant center of attention is one of the aspects that annoys friends and family. Those with histrionic personality disorder use their physical appearance to draw attention to themselves. They are frequently perceived as shallow and lacking genuineness, though superficially charming and appealing.

• 3

  Realize that friendships and relationships are quickly formed but soon become demanding and dependent. When the relationship is threatened, the histrionic quickly becomes manipulative by voicing suicidal threats. To prove their sincerity, suicide gestures or attempts may be made.

• 4

  Understand that individuals with histrionic personality disorder are typically attractive and seductive. Individuals often exhibit sexual seductiveness in inappropriate situations, including social, occupational and professional relationships.

• 5

  Recognize that the outward appearances of self-assuredness, enthusiasm, apparent openness and flirtatiousness are mere charades. People who have histrionic disorder often lack self-esteem and long for genuine, lasting relationships. The excessive drama and theatrical behavior of the individual prevents them from being taken seriously by others.

• 6

  Treat individuals with histrionic personality disorder. The treatments are generally limited to dealing with the symptoms of depression following the break-up of a relationship. This is usually a short-term affair as another relationship is likely to form quickly.