home
contents
psychcorner       
family matters
wellness  
this & that
diet & nutrition 
heal the world
spirituality
library
links
about us

 

submit articles  
to CrescentLife

ask the expert

Histrionic Personality Disorder

An Histrionic personality (origins of the word is from Greek and means drama or theatrical) is a disorder that appears to affect women more then men.  It is characterized in emotional imbalance, over reacting, dramatizing personal experience and codependence in others.

Signs and Symptoms

  • uncomfortable in situations in which they are not the center of attention

  • interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behaviors

  • displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions

  • consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self

  • style of speech is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail

  • self-dramatization

  • exaggerated expression of emotion

  • suggestible

  • considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

(DSM IV)

The Histrionic personality tries to draw attention by over-acting. When these people feel good they search for adventure.  When they feel bad, they act as cripples.  They have enriched imaginative lives in which they always appear as the heroes. They stereotype other people as "prince charming" or "witch".  They always blame others for not understanding or loving them enough. Their thought process is not focused, they make decisions fast and they can't explain their decision.  When in relationship with people they are pleasant and tempting.  But once a connection is made, their behavior becomes more and more demanding and manipulative.  If the other wants to leave, the Histrionic cries, threatens suicide (and tries to) in order to keep the relationship going.

Those that suffer from this personality disorder have feelings of high self esteem and day dream about major success and many times they are the objects of flattering.  They demand attention and admiration and they are certain that they deserve special treatment and benefits.