1. Extreme Mood Changes and Attention Seeking Is Problematic
Histrionic is a term used to describe someone who is dramatic or theatrical and who fluctuates in emotional expression quite rapidly. An individual with histrionic personality disorder might be crying one minute and laughing the next at a seemingly higher rate than other individuals. Histrionic personalities do not typically delve too deeply into any one emotion, which creates an almost theatrical expression. In addition, a histrionic tendency lends itself to being an attention-seeking and excessively approval-seeking individual who is uncomfortable if they are not the center of attention. Many histrionics display inappropriate provocative sexual behavior to elicit attention.
2. Weigh the Effects Personality Has on Your Life
Like any other personality disorder, symptoms are relative to the amount of complication it is causing in an individual's life. In the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) of psychological disorders, a personality disorder must be causing significant impairment to at least two major areas of an individual's life (e.g. family and work) and be present for a length of time that can determine the disorder's severity. Typically, individuals with histrionic personality disorder will see problems within the family or relationships regarding their emotional displays, impulsiveness or sometimes sexual promiscuity that leads to social embarrassment or interpersonal conflicts.
3. Disorder Manifests in Different Degrees
Personality disorders are statistically quite rare among diagnosed mental conditions. Everyone has met someone who is a bit emotional or dramatic in their presentation, but this alone does not qualify someone as histrionic. A person can display histrionic behaviors and not be diagnosed with a personality disorder. Women seemed to be more prone to developing this particular disorder, but it has been found in men (although the symptoms are showcased quite differently). Research has shown that personality disorders typically are a result of ineffective childhood coping mechanisms that go unchecked for long periods of time.
4. Treatment Can Involve Multiple Types of Therapy
Histrionic personality disorder is a treatable condition, however it is one that takes a good deal of time to overcome. Personality is a difficult thing to deconstruct, and it could take years of psychotherapy and counseling efforts to reorient the person's personality style to a more functional mode. Cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy, psycho-dynamic therapies and family therapy may all be necessary in helping both the patient and the family cope with the complications of HPD.
5. Approach Disorder Delicately
If you believe someone in your life could have histrionic personality disorder, it is best to discuss the situation with her to determine whether she believes her behavior is negatively affecting her life. Personality disorder clients can be difficult to encourage into therapy because they are accustomed to their coping strategies and may not see a problem. Histrionics will most likely be quite dramatic if disapproval or disappointment is expressed, so it must be addressed delicately and empathetically so that they can make the first steps to receiving adequate mental health care.
