Histrionic personality disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of this disorder is unknown. Both genes and early childhood events are thought to contribute. It occurs more often in women than in men, although it may be diagnosed more often in women because attention-seeking and sexual forwardness are less socially acceptable for women.

Histrionic personality disorder usually begins in early adulthood.

Symptoms

People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work.

Symptoms include:

• Acting or looking overly seductive

• Being easily influenced by other people

• Being overly concerned with their looks

• Being overly dramatic and emotional

• Being overly sensitive to criticism or disapproval

• Believing that relationships are more intimate than they actually are

• Blaming failure or disappointment on others

• Constantly seeking reassurance or approval

• Having a low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification

• Needing to be the center of attention (self-centeredness)

• Quickly changing emotions, which may seem shallow to others

Signs and tests

The health care provider can diagnose histrionic personality disorder by looking at your:

• Behavior

• History

• Overall appearance

• Psychological evaluation

Like other personality disorders, histrionic personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.