Histrionic Personality Disorder
A personality disorder marked by pervasive excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior.
Overview
Histrionic personality disorder involves a long-standing pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, including discomfort in situations where a person is not the center of attention.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs can include rapidly shifting or shallow emotional expression, use of physical appearance to draw attention, and considering relationships more intimate than they actually are. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Temperament and early developmental experiences are associated with risk.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy may help address underlying patterns and build more stable relationship skills.
Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder
Building self-awareness of interpersonal patterns through therapy can support healthier relationships over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many people benefit from sustained psychotherapy, though personality patterns generally change gradually.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.