Histrionic Personality Disorder: What is it?

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Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a mental condition characterized by a number of traits, including extreme extraversion, an obsession with personal appearance, and an often inappropriate use of seduction to manipulate others. A person with HPD is most often the life of a party, with an endearing personality and a natural lack of social inhibition. Ironically, the positive traits exhibited by a sufferer correspond to much of what society usually considers ideal behavior. Those with HPD often rise high in social and business circles due to their outgoing personalities and lofty ambitions.

However, HPD is considered a personality disorder for a reason. While sufferers may display all the qualities admired by others, many of them are also plagued by internal thoughts of inferiority. While someone with this condition may express empathy or affection, the actual level of emotional connection often surfaces. Someone with HPD may mimic, or even exaggerate, an appropriate emotional response, but their selfish nature often prevents true bonding with others. A true sufferer might feel lost in a crowd if he’s not constantly the center of attention.

The “histrionic” element of HPD is often shown as dramatic explosions that are rarely commensurate with the inciting incident. An adult with HPD can literally throw a childish tantrum following an argument with a romantic partner. Sufferers tend to revert to childhood emotional manipulations whenever they feel helpless. Many people may have first-hand experience with so-called “drama queens” who tend to lose their temper whenever the slightest hint of conflict arises. Others with HPD may create an atmosphere in which others feel compelled to acquiesce to their needs rather than eliciting emotionally charged responses.

Both men and women are susceptible to developing HPD, which many experts believe has both genetic and social origins. Women with this condition tend to pursue unrealistic relationships, often projecting idealized qualities onto less-than-ideal partners. Sexual promiscuity is also a hallmark symptom of HPD, as is recreational drug use. Women with HPD can also spend hours working on their physical appearance, from excessive workouts to excessive use of cosmetics. Negative emotions are often bottled up in favor of exaggerated smiles and a penchant for hedonistic behavior in public.

Treating HPD can be a difficult process because many sufferers do not see their behavior as problematic. They may only willingly seek treatment after a volatile romantic breakup or complete social ostracism from those who can no longer tolerate the person’s self-centered behavior. Others may be ordered to professional counseling as a result of illegal or immoral acts. Psychologists can prescribe antidepressants to address some of the behavioral issues, and long-term psychotherapy can help HPD sufferers understand how destructive their self-centered lifestyle choices can be for themselves and others.

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