Personality is a multifaceted concept that defines who we are. Although unique, it can be shaped by the environment, experiences, and biological factors like genetics. However, when one develops a pattern of thinking that deviates from the norm and inflicts harm, such a person has a personality disorder.
Personality disorders are mental health conditions typified by an erratic pattern of behaviors that causes impairment in social and occupational functioning. These behaviors cause significant distress, emptiness, and uncontrollable anger and could put the person in conflict with their true self. Personality disorders have several types, such as borderline disorder, narcissistic disorder, antisocial disorder, and histrionic disorder. These are called “Cluster B” personality disorders because of excitable and erratic manifestations.
According to the National Institutes of Health, it affects about 3% of the world’s population.
Satori Health is a mental health treatment in the San Fernando Valley that offers comprehensive mental health treatment. Contact us today to learn more.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
This is a psychiatric disorder characterized by attention-seeking behaviors that result in an exaggerated sense of self-worth and grandiosity. Also called a dramatic personality disorder, people with histrionic disorder are volatile, erratic, flirtatious, manipulative, and social.
People diagnosed with this disorder always want to be the center of attention and may feel underappreciated if they aren’t one. They are typically the life of the party, vibrant and overly seductive in an inappropriate manner. They try to grab the attention of everyone by wearing brightly-colored or revealing outfits. Additionally, they may also demonstrate shallow emotions that others may perceive as insecure.
Furthermore, they seek the approval of others to feel worthy. Their self-esteem doesn’t arise from their inner self. They try to be theatrical and may be overly expressive in their emotions in a way that embarrasses their friends and family. Sometimes, they are gullible, easily influenced by those they feel are their idols, and speak vaguely. More importantly, they consider relationships and friendships closer than they usually are.
This disorder has a more prevalence in women and is most evident in the adolescent stage or in early adulthood.
Causes of Histrionic Disorder
The exact causes of this order are not explicit. However, some hypothesis suggests it develops due to genetics/heredity and trauma. Children are at risk of developing this psychiatric disorder in families with a history of personality disorders and psychiatric illnesses. People with a history of substance use disorder are also susceptible to this disorder since drugs and alcohol chemically alter the brain structure and tamper with personality.
Trauma due to accidents or child abuse can also cause this disorder. Children who refuse therapy may cope with their trauma in ways that affect their personality. For example, they may indulge in an affluent lifestyle to subdue their past troubling memories.
Parenting style may also increase the risk of developing this disorder. Parenting that overindulge inappropriate behaviors may influence the likelihood of their children developing this disorder.
Symptoms of Histrionic Disorder
Typically, people with this psychiatric disorder have a pervasive pattern of behavior that manifests as manipulativeness, erratic, and social. They exhibit the following symptoms;
- Uncomfortable when they aren’t acknowledged or appreciated in public
- Dress inappropriately or become flirtatious to attract others
- Act dramatically with exaggerated emotions, as though being sincere
- Overly expressive and concerned about their physical appearance
- Constantly seeking to impress others
- Gullible and easily influenced
- Sensitive to disapproval
- Easily frustrated by routine, thus never finishes any project or task
- Acts irrationally
- Have challenges maintaining relationships
Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment
A doctor will evaluate if the patient has this personality disorder before recommending treatment. They will conduct physical exams and laboratory tests like blood tests and neuroimaging to ensure proper diagnosis. If confirmed during the evaluation, treatment will follow up.
People with this disorder don’t believe they have one. Even if they come to terms with their condition, recommending therapy will be challenging since they dislike routine. However, they mostly agree if depression sets in or they are distressed beyond their control.
Psychotherapy is the best treatment for histrionic disorder. It helps the individual discover the triggers of their behaviors and helps the person relate to others more positively. It reduces emotional distress and improves self-confidence through active listening.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, another form of psychotherapy, can help treat patients with histrionic disorder. It alters the person’s dysfunctional personality by addressing all the important developmental milestones the patient may have missed during emotional maturation. It resolves any underlying conflict that leads to maladaptive behaviors to enable the patient to understand themselves better.
Satori Health Can Treat Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic disorder can negatively impact an individual’s social, professional, and romantic life. It’s important you contact a health center like Satori Health capable of handling this disorder.
Satori Health boasts of experienced and exceptional healthcare professionals that address the underlying causes and symptoms of histrionic disorder. Our well-equipped therapy programs ensure patients live better lives.