OverviewA person with histrionic personality disorder constantly seeks attention and behaves dramatically. Emotions often seem exaggerated, childish, and false. This is done to get sympathy or attention from others.
What is going on in the body?Histrionic personality disorder is a pattern of excessive emotionalism and attention seeking. The person with this disorder is usually immature. He or she is dependent on others, is self-centered, and often vain. The person's behavior is intended to gain attention. The person may not even be aware of the abnormal behavior.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?A person with histrionic personality disorder:
• is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
• many act in a sexually seductive or provocative way
• has exaggerated emotions
• uses his or her physical appearance to draw attention
• is easily influenced by others
• is constantly seeking reassurance or approval from others
• is sensitive to criticism or disapproval
• considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The cause of histrionic personality disorder is unknown. It may be that learned and inherited traits play a role. The disorder is more common in women than in men.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
There is no known prevention for histrionic personality disorder.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder is usually made based on the pattern of symptoms. A full physical examination should be done to rule out physical causes. Psychological testing is sometimes used to help make the diagnosis.
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