Histrionic Personality Disorder

The main feature of Histrionic Personality Disorder is consistent attention seeking behavior and extreme emotional instability. This disorder typically begins in early adulthood.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), histrionic personality symptoms are as follows…

Five or more of these symptoms need to be present..

• Needs to be the center of attention and will feel very uncomfortable when this isn't the case.
• Interpersonal relationships are focused primarily on inappropriate sexual behavior.
• Difficulty in showing emotions or his/her emotions shift/change quickly.
• Consistently uses his or her physical appearance to gain attention from others.
• His or her speech is "lacking in detail or impressionistic."
• Has the tendency to create drama in his or her life. Will use "exaggerated" emotions to express the drama.
• Will allow others to "easily influence" his or her decisions.
• Believes that relationships are "more intimate than they actually are."

If you feel that you may have an histrionic personality, talk to a local therapist or doctor about your concerns. Keep in mind, in order to be diagnosed with this condition, this disorder has to take up a significant part of your daily living. In other words, if your symptoms haven't caused several problems in your relationships or with your career/job, then it's unlikely that this disorder is an issue.

However, it's not uncommon to have a few of these symptoms at one point in your life! Just remember, it has to be severe enough that it has affected your ability to function in a logical, confident manner.

Resource:

American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association.