Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment
Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thompson
Last Updated on:
January 20, 2025
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Individuals living with Histrionic Personality Disorder often experience an overwhelming need to be the center of attention, intense fears of being ignored, and difficulty maintaining authentic relationships, finding themselves caught in patterns of dramatic behavior and emotional expression that can feel impossible to break. Â
At Arbor Wellness, we recognize that recovery from Histrionic Personality Disorder is a journey that occurs in stages, with each individual progressing at their own pace. Â
Learn more about our Personality Disorder treatment programs or call us now at 629-217-2658.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of intense emotionality and attention-seeking behavior.
If you struggle with Histrionic Personality Disorder, you may often feel uncomfortable when you are not the center of attention and may engage in dramatic or inappropriately seductive behavior to draw focus on yourself. This condition significantly impacts daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
Histrionic Personality Disorder Statistics
Histrionic Personality Disorder affects approximately 2-3% of the general population, making it one of the more commonly diagnosed personality disorders. Studies indicate that:
- HPD is diagnosed more frequently in women, though this may reflect gender bias in diagnosis rather than true prevalence
- Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood
- About 15% of individuals in mental health treatment settings meet the criteria for HPD
- The condition often co-occurs with other mental health disorders
Signs and Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder
While everyone may occasionally display attention-seeking behavior or emotional expressiveness, individuals with HPD show a persistent pattern of these behaviors that significantly impacts their daily life and relationships.
Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood and manifest across various situations:
- Constant seeking of approval or attention from others
- Excessive concern about physical appearance
- Rapidly shifting and shallow emotions
- Uncomfortable feelings when not the center of attention
- Highly suggestible and easily influenced by others
- Tendency to believe relationships are more intimate than they actually are
- Dramatic, theatrical behavior and exaggerated emotional expressions
- Using physical appearance to draw attention to oneself
- Speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
- Self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
Diagnosing Histrionic Personality Disorder
Under standards established by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Histrionic Personality Disorder can be diagnosed if an individual shows a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
- Is uncomfortable in situations in which they are not the center of attention
- Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior
- Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
- Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
- Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
- Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
- Is suggestible (easily influenced by others or circumstances)
- Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are
Additionally, these symptoms must cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and the patterns must be stable across time and consistent across situations.
Causes of Histrionic Personality Disorder
The development of Histrionic Personality Disorder is complex and multifaceted, involving an intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.Â
Research suggests that early childhood experiences play a crucial role, particularly in families where emotional expression is either dramatically exaggerated or inconsistently rewarded.Â
Children who grow up in environments where they must compete intensely for attention or where they receive validation primarily for their appearance or dramatic behavior may develop patterns that evolve into HPD.
Genetic predisposition also appears to play a significant role. Studies of families and twins indicate a hereditary component to personality disorders, suggesting that some individuals may be born with a temperamental sensitivity that makes them more susceptible to developing HPD.Â
This genetic vulnerability, when combined with environmental stressors or trauma, can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
Psychological development and attachment patterns in early childhood are particularly significant.Â
Children who experience inconsistent parenting, trauma, or who develop insecure attachment styles may become hyper-focused on securing attention and validation from others. This can lead to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms characteristic of HPD, such as dramatic behavior, emotional volatility, and excessive concern with appearance.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Histrionic Personality Disorder rarely exists in isolation.
Many individuals with HPD experience other dual diagnosis disorders, which can complicate both diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding these co-occurring disorders is crucial for developing an effective, comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of a person’s mental health.
Our experienced team is skilled in identifying and treating these complex combinations of conditions to provide the most effective care possible.
Depression and HPD
People with HPD often experience episodes of depression, particularly when they feel they are not receiving desired attention or validation.Â
Anxiety and HPD
Anxiety frequently co-occurs with HPD, often manifesting as:
- Social anxiety about maintaining attention
- Panic attacks when feeling overlooked
- Generalized anxiety about relationships and social situations
Histrionic vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
While Histrionic Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder involve attention-seeking behavior, key differences include:
- HPD individuals seek attention through emotional expressiveness, while narcissistic individuals seek admiration through achievements and superiority
- HPD features more emotional volatility compared to narcissistic grandiosity
- Different motivations: HPD seeks emotional connection, while narcissistic seeks power and status
Histrionic vs. Borderline Personality Disorder
Important distinctions between histrionic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder include:
- HPD emotions are more theatrical and shallow, while BPD emotions are intense and deeply felt
- HPD relationships seek attention, while BPD relationships fear abandonment
- Different patterns of impulsivity and self-image disturbance
Therapies For Histrionic Personality Disorder
An integrated treatment approach to treating Histrionic Personality Disorder of needed to understand the root causes of behaviors, develop new coping strategies, and build more authentic relationships.
Each type of therapy offers distinct benefits, and when combined, they provide a powerful framework for recovery.
Psychiatry
While medication isn’t typically the primary treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder, it can help treat co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety.Â
Psychiatrists work closely with clients to provide comprehensive medication management when needed, carefully monitoring effectiveness and making adjustments based on individual response. Medication can help stabilize symptoms that might otherwise interfere with therapeutic progress.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy serves as a cornerstone of treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder. In one-on-one sessions, clients work with experienced therapists to explore patterns of behavior, understand their origins, and develop healthier ways of relating to others. Therapists help clients build self-awareness, develop authentic self-expression, and learn to form more genuine connections.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides an invaluable opportunity for individuals with HPD to practice new skills and receive immediate feedback in a safe, structured environment. In group therapy, clients learn to moderate attention-seeking behaviors, develop empathy, and understand how their actions affect others.Â
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals with HPD identify and modify distorted thought patterns that drive their attention-seeking behaviors. Through CBT, clients learn to recognize negative thought patterns, understand their impact on emotions and behaviors, and develop more balanced ways of thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is especially effective for individuals with HPD who struggle with emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. DBT helps clients develop mindfulness skills, improve emotional regulation, build distress tolerance, and enhance interpersonal effectiveness.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy often complements traditional treatments by addressing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Through practices such as mindfulness meditation, art therapy, movement therapy, and stress reduction techniques, you can develop greater self-awareness and find healthy ways to express yourself.
Our Mental Health Treatment Programs for Histrionic Personality Disorder
At Arbor Wellness, we recognize that recovery from Histrionic Personality Disorder is a journey that occurs in stages, with each individual progressing at their own pace.Â
Our comprehensive continuum of care offers multiple levels of treatment intensity, allowing us to meet clients wherever they are in their healing process and adjust the level of support as their needs change.
Our programs are designed to provide the right amount of structure and support at each stage of recovery, from intensive residential treatment to ongoing aftercare support.
Each of our programs incorporates evidence-based therapies, skill-building opportunities, and comprehensive support, all tailored to address the specific challenges of Histrionic Personality Disorder.Â
Residential Treatment Program
Our residential treatment program provides the highest level of care for individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder. In this structured, supportive environment, clients receive round-the-clock care and comprehensive treatment. The immersive nature of residential treatment allows for intensive therapeutic work, with daily individual and group therapy sessions, skill-building workshops, and holistic healing activities.Â
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a step-down option from residential care or an intensive alternative to residential treatment. Clients attend treatment during the day while returning home in the evenings, allowing them to begin practicing new skills in their home environment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides flexible yet comprehensive care for individuals who are ready for a lower level of support or who need to maintain work or school commitments. Meeting three to five days per week, IOP allows clients to continue their therapeutic work while gradually returning to their daily routines.
Aftercare Program
Our aftercare program ensures continued support and success after completing initial treatment. This program includes regular check-ins, ongoing therapy sessions, and support group meetings to help maintain progress and prevent relapse.
If You are in need of immediate assistance...
Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.
Begin Mental Health Treatment At Arbor Wellness Today
At Arbor Wellness, we’re committed to helping you overcome the challenges of Histrionic Personality Disorder. Our comprehensive mental health treatment programs are tailored to your unique needs and circumstances
Contact us today at (629) 217-2658 to schedule a confidential consultation with our caring team. Your journey to better mental health begins here.
Arbor Wellness is a leading mental health treatment center in Nashville, Tennessee providing evidence-based care for personality disorders and related conditions. Our experienced team of professionals is here to support you every step of the way.
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