How to Recognise and Manage Histrionic Personality Disorder

A histrionic personality disorder is a disorder characterised by erratic, emotional, and over-dramatic behaviours. Personality disorders encompass rigid and disruptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Since people with personality disorders often do not realise that their behaviour or thoughts can be harmful, these disorders can be challenging to manage. 

We're here to help you understand more about this mental health condition, and how to recognise its signs. 

Also read: How Will Therapy and Psychiatry Benefit Me?

What is histrionic personality disorder?

According to the ICD-10, Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition characterised by attention-seeking behaviour, superficial and unstable emotions, dramatic behaviour and unpredictable thoughts and behavioural patterns.

Individuals with Histrionic (meaning 'dramatic' or 'theatrical') Personality Disorder display extremely emotional and display attention-seeking behaviour. Others may view them as being manipulative, or having shallow emotions. Signs of this condition become more apparent during one's teenage years or early adulthood when an individual's personality starts to form. 

People with HPD tend to have a distorted or unstable self-image. Since their self-esteem depends on approval from others, they may go to extreme lengths to seek approval from others. Often, this leads to self-centred behaviour, dramatic antics, and a sensitivity to criticism.

While some researchers suggest gender-based differences in Histrionic Personality Disorders diagnosis, researchers believe this is because males tend to report their symptoms less often than females.

Also read: Building A Healthy Self-Esteem

Signs of histrionic personality disorder

Although a few symptoms of this condition can cause strains in personal and professional relationships, individuals with histrionic personality disorder can accomplish daily tasks successfully. 

People who struggle with this mental health condition often show the following signs:

• feeling uncomfortable when they are not the centre of attention in a situation
• being easily influenced by others or extremely suggestible
• having shallow, superficial or quick-changing emotions
• seeking reassurance or approval from those around them
• feeling easily frustrated or bored by routines
• behaving provocatively in inappropriate situations
• believing relationships to be much more intimate than they are
• drawing attention to themselves using their physical appearance

Although this list is not exhaustive, it helps us understand what we can expect. While no specific test or scale helps with diagnosing personality disorder, seeking help as early as possible can be beneficial. Thanks to online therapy, accessing quality care and understanding these conditions is much easier. 

Managing histrionic personality disorder

Working with a mental health professional is the best way to manage your symptoms better. Understanding your personal, medical and psychological history is crucial when it comes to creating a treatment plan. Based on research, however, some treatment approaches can be much more effective than others in treating personality disorders.

Psychotherapy

The primary treatment approach for histrionic personality disorder is psychotherapy. Various approaches, such as supportive therapy, psychodynamic therapy and behavioural therapy techniques can be effective in helping individuals with their symptoms. 

Therapy can help individuals identify the root causes of their thoughts, behaviours, and fears. It helps individuals relate positively to those around them, rather than relying on them for their self-worth. Behavioural therapy techniques, such as modelling, help individuals overcome disruptive behaviours by learning healthy ones. 

Unfortunately, since individuals with this condition do not think they need to seek help, HPD often goes untreated.

Medication

While medication does not directly help with personality disorders, it can help with co-occurring conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Please note, medication can only be prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist based on your condition.

Alternative methods

Besides opting for offline or online therapy, alternate treatment options can help alleviate the emotional symptoms. Yoga, biofeedback, and mindfulness therapies can be quite effective in helping individuals deal with impulsivity and emotional responses.

Also read: Psychiatric Medication: Everything You Need To Know

Understanding the signs and treatments for histrionic personality disorder can help you support yourself or your loved ones better. While individuals with this condition can function effectively, it puts them at an increased risk for other debilitating mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Hence, it is crucial to know how to spot the signs of HPD and when to seek professional help.