Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD):
« Back to Glossary IndexHistrionic personality disorder (HPD) involves excessive emotional and attention-seeking behavior. People with HPD lack a sense of self-worth and depend on attracting the attention and approval of others for their wellbeing. They often seem to be dramatizing or “playing a part” to be heard and seen (histrionic derives from Latin histrionicus, or “pertaining to the actor”). As they crave excitement and act on impulse or suggestion, they’re at risk of accident or exploitation. They care for their appearance and act over charming or seductive, and seem insincere or superficial—affecting relationships. This distresses them, as they’re sensitive to criticism and rejection and react badly to loss or failure. It’s a vicious circle—the more rejected they feel, the more histrionic they become, the more rejected they feel. Also see Personality Disorders. HPD symptoms:
- Attention-seeking, feeling uncomfortable when not the center of attention, may use physical appearance or seductive behavior to gain attention.
- Emotional lability: Shallow and rapidly shifting emotions, expressing themselves in a dramatic way.
- Suggestibility: Easily influenced by others and situations.
- Relationships: Difficulty maintaining stable relationships, misperceiving intimacy.
- Impulsivity: Struggle with impulse control, leading to rash decisions.
Low frustration tolerance: Easily bored, with trouble completing tasks or projects
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