Histrionic personality disorder is a disorder in which a person acts very emotional and dramatic in order to get attention.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause of this disorder is not yet clear, but childhood events and genes may both be involved. It happens most of the time in women than in men, although it may be more often diagnosed in women because attention-seeking and sexual forwardness are less socially acceptable for women.
Histrionic personality disorder usually begins in early adulthood.
Symptoms
People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work.
Symptoms include:
Being overly concerned with their looks
Needing to be the center of attention (self-centerdness)
Being overly sensitive to criticism or disapproval
Quickly changing emotions, which may seem shallow to others
Constantly seeking reassurance or approval
Being overly dramatic and emotional
Acting or looking overly seductive
Being easily influenced by other people
Blaming failure or disappointment on others
Believing that relationships are more intimate than they actually are
Having a low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
Signs and tests
The health care provider can diagnose histrionic personality disorder by looking at your:
Overall appearance
Behavior
Psychological evaluation
History
There is no formal test to confirm the diagnosis.