DESCRIPTION
HPD is a personality disorder in which the sufferer has an excessive need for attention and emotional displays. Most histrionic people are overly dramatic and sexually provocative. People with HPD can be clingy and easily influenced.[1]
CAUSES
As with other personality disorders the direct cause is unknown but genetics and childhood experience may be involved. People with this disorder usually work at a high level mentally and can be socially successful.[1][2]
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include constant searching for approval and praise, dramatic and exaggerated behaviour, excessive sensitivity to criticism, seductivity and sexual provocation, obsession with personal appearance, self-centered personality, belief that relationships are closer and more developed than they actually are, rapid emotional changes and easily influenced opinions.[2] Females with HPD are often unrealistic and have impulsive periods of anger, and can be manipulative.[[1] Males often have issues with identity, disturbed relationships and impulsive moments of aggression. They can be immature, shallow and theatrical.[1] Rejection and the constant switching between emotions can lead to depression.[1]
PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY
Histrionic personality disorder is more commonly diagnosed in women than men, though this could be to do with cultural attitudes towards sexual forwardness and attention seeking.
TREATMENT
Antidepressants can be prescribed to deal with the depression that may arise from this order but only short term as dependence may develop.[2] Psychotherapy can take place but group therapy is not a part of this as it gives the patient an audience to seek attention from.[1]
SOURCES
[1] - http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe06.html
[2] - http://psychologytoday.com/conditions/histrionic.html