Histrionic Personality Disorder - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

A histrionic personality disorder is 1 of the 10 primary forms of personality disorders that a psychiatrist might identify in a patient. These personality disorders are long-term behavioural patterns and inner experiences that deviate dramatically from what is often expected.

In this regard, the present article explains the symptoms, causes and treatments of histrionic personality disorder in detail.

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What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

A histrionic personality disorder, also known as Cluster B personality disorder. People with histrionic personality disorder act in an extremely emotional and theatrical way to gain attention to themselves. This disorder is marked by excessive attention-seeking, emotionality, improper flamboyance behaviour, and a continuous fixation with one's looks.

What Are the Causes of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

You may be more susceptible to developing histrionic personality disorder due to various causes. This may consist of the following:

HPD can be genetically inherited. However, experts are unsure whether the cause of HPD is the result of inheritance, children learning the behaviour from their parents, or a combination of the two.
Having your parents chastise you unpredictably or inconsistently as a child may involve rewarding you for acting out dramatically.
Suffering trauma as a youngster, such as abandonment or neglect.

Additionally, despite some specialists' assertions, more women than men suffer from HPD. These professionals believe that HPD for men is underreported and often deprived of medical attention.

What Are the Risk Factors of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

The following factors may influence the chance of having a histrionic personality disorder:

Family history.
Depression.
Effect on brain's chemistry and structure.
Childhood experiences in an abusive, unstable, or chaotic home.

How to Diagnose Histrionic Personality Disorder?

A psychological assessment is used for the diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder. The medical professional will consider how long and severe the patient's symptoms have been.

The following factors can help the doctor determine whether a patient has a histrionic personality disorder:

General Appearance.
Behaviour.
Psychological assessment.

How to Treat Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Most often, individuals with histrionic personality disorder (HPD) don't think their actions demand medical attention. Instead, they often exaggerate their emotions and detest regularity, which makes it challenging to adhere to a treatment plan.

However, if depression is connected to a loss, a failed relationship, or another issue accompanied by thoughts and actions that cause them grief, they might seek help. Regardless, histrionic personality disorder treatment includes:

1. Group Therapy

In group therapy, under the guidance of a therapist or psychologist, a group of people meets to describe and talk about their issues. People with HPD may benefit from group therapy, especially if it is conducted with other HPD patients. Hence, seeing their actions reflected in them can help someone with HPD.

2. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This kind of therapy is systematic and goal-oriented. In this treatment method, a therapist or psychologist will assist you in closely examining your thoughts and feelings. Also, you'll learn how your thoughts impact your behaviour, and you can unlearn negative thoughts and behaviour patterns to develop better views and behaviour patterns.

3. Supportive Psychotherapy

This therapy reduces symptoms while preserving, regaining, or enhancing self-esteem and coping mechanisms. Also, examining relationships and emotional responses or behaviour patterns is part of supportive psychotherapy.

4. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

The psychological causes of emotional distress are the main emphasis of this kind of therapy. This therapy assists the person receiving therapy examines their life's dysfunctional relationship patterns through self-reflection and self-examination.

5. Medication

Since no drug has been licenced by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for HPD, medication may not be effective in treating HPD itself. However, depression and mood fluctuations are frequent side effects of HPD, which can be treated using medications.

When to See a Doctor?

You should inform a medical professional right away if you think you may have a personality disorder. A person with HPD may experience significant anxiety, self-harm or suicide if they do not receive attention.

Also, individuals may experience destructive thoughts, relationships, and behaviour patterns if the condition is serious. These patterns also make relationships with others difficult for the person and those close to them.

How to Manage and Prevent Histrionic Personality Disorder?

You can perform a few self-management actions, such as:

Get at least 8 hours of sleep.
Regular exercise.
Try mindfulness.
Eat a nutritious diet.

So, it's crucial to seek professional assistance if you or someone you know exhibits histrionic personality disorder. In this regard, self-awareness and a willingness to change are essential for averting this disorder's destructive character.

FAQs about Histrionic Personality Disorders

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Is histrionic personality disorder genetic?

Yes. Medical professionals do believe that histrionic personality disorder can be genetic.

At what age a histrionic personality disorder can start?

In most cases, histrionic personality disorder usually begins in the late teens or early 20s.

Do patients with histrionic disorder showcase empathy?

Since people with histrionic disorder face difficulties in identifying emotions or in recognising them, they may appear as people with less empathy.