Histrionic personality disorder

View Library

Search Library

Hi there!

You’re looking at a short reference article from Explain Medicine (one of four distinct learning formats available in Clinical Odyssey). Try it out, and have fun improving your clinical skills.

Psychiatry

Last updated on:
August 20^th, 2020

Psychiatry

Last updated on:
August 20^th, 2020

Hi there!

You’re looking at a short reference article from Explain Medicine (one of four distinct learning formats available in Clinical Odyssey). Try it out, and have fun improving your clinical skills.

Clinicals - History

Fact	Explanation
Introduction	Histrionic personality disorder (HBD) falls under cluster B personality disorders. It is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. A personality disorder is defined as a collection of fixed, persistent personality traits that cause impaired self-interpersonal function.
Center of attention	People with HPD will impulsively find ways to become the center of attention. Not being the center of attention can cause significant anxiety.
Seductive behavior	People with HPD exhibit overtly seductive behavior in inappropriate settings, such as in the workplace. They may impulsively attempt to seduce people without feeling attracted to them.
Rapidly shifting, shallow emotions	People with HPD tend to show exaggerated, yet shallow displays of emotions that often seem insincere.
Bizarre or flamboyant appearance	People with HPD may adapt a bizarre or excessively flamboyant appearance or style. This is done solely in order to be the center of attention.
Impressionistic speech pattern	People with HPD often speak in a pattern that is overly impressionistic yet lacking in detail. This includes showering an acquaintance with flattering yet non-specific compliments.
Self-dramatization	People with HPD act excessively dramatic and show unreasonable displays of emotions that often seem inappropriate or disingenuous.
Suggestibility	People are with HPD tend to be highly suggestible, meaning that their opinions can easily be influenced by others.
False sense of intimacy	People with HPD tend to overestimate the intimacy of their relationships. This can lead to getting attached to people they don't know very well and feeling rejected.

Introduction

Histrionic personality disorder (HBD) falls under cluster B personality disorders. It is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. A personality disorder is defined as a collection of fixed, persistent personality traits that cause impaired self-interpersonal function.

Center of attention

People with HPD will impulsively find ways to become the center of attention. Not being the center of attention can cause significant anxiety.

Seductive behavior

People with HPD exhibit overtly seductive behavior in inappropriate settings, such as in the workplace. They may impulsively attempt to seduce people without feeling attracted to them.

Rapidly shifting, shallow emotions

People with HPD tend to show exaggerated, yet shallow displays of emotions that often seem insincere.

Bizarre or flamboyant appearance

People with HPD may adapt a bizarre or excessively flamboyant appearance or style. This is done solely in order to be the center of attention.

Impressionistic speech pattern

People with HPD often speak in a pattern that is overly impressionistic yet lacking in detail. This includes showering an acquaintance with flattering yet non-specific compliments.

Self-dramatization

People with HPD act excessively dramatic and show unreasonable displays of emotions that often seem inappropriate or disingenuous.

Suggestibility

People are with HPD tend to be highly suggestible, meaning that their opinions can easily be influenced by others.

False sense of intimacy

People with HPD tend to overestimate the intimacy of their relationships. This can lead to getting attached to people they don't know very well and feeling rejected.

Want to continue reading?

Subscribe to Clinical Odyssey today.

Enjoy unlimited access to 700+ games.
Safely improve your skills, anytime and anywhere.
Get answers to your follow-up questions from practicing physicians.

Learn more ➜