Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder

The symptoms include:

1. Constant seeking of reassurance or approval

2. Excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotions

3. Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval

4. Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior

5. Excessive concern with physical appearance

6. A need to be the center of attention (self-centeredness)

7. Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification

8. Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear shallow to others

9. Opinions are easily influenced by other people, but difficult to back up with details.

10. Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are.

The person’s appearance, behavior, and history, and a psychological evaluation are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis. There is no test to confirm this diagnosis. Because the criteria are subjective, some people may be wrongly diagnosed as having the disorder while others with the disorder may not be diagnosed. Treatment is often prompted by depression associated with dissolved romantic relationships. Medication does little to affect this personality disorder, but may be helpful with symptoms such as depression. Psychotherapy may also be of benefit.

Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines histrionic personality disorder as a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

* is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
* interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior
* displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
* consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
* has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
* shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
* is suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances
* considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and life coach. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Get more free tips like this when you subscribe to the GirlShrink newsletter .

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