Histrionic Personality Disorder Program

People with histrionic personality disorder (HPD) tend to be lively and colorful. They have an insatiable need to be the center of attention. When they aren’t the focus of attention, they feel uncomfortable. They demand reassurance from others. Deep down they feel helpless and out of control. They crave admiration and approval. To get it, they may resort to inappropriate behaviors such as seductiveness and manipulation. HPD is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Some describe people with HPD as “drama queens” because they over-dramatize situations. They have a distorted self-image, which causes their feelings of worth to depend on the approval of others. This condition poses many challenges for friends and loved ones. A person with HPD may crave novelty, stimulation, and excitement. Women are more likely to have histrionic personality disorder, but experts think men may be underdiagnosed. Histrionic personality disorder is a mental health disorder that often starts in the teens or early 20s. It causes emotional instability in 2-3% of those affected.

Getting Help from Mental Health Professionals

People with HPD are sometimes misdiagnosed with narcissistic personality or bipolar disorders. It’s important to find the right provider for diagnosing histrionic personality disorder. Promises provides comprehensive treatment for histrionic personality disorder. We also help with co-occurring issues like substance abuse. Clients often arrive in residential treatment after failed relationships. They have depression or anxiety because of what they’ve lost. Our therapists establish rapport and help them regain a sense of balance. The aim is to help people with HPD have normalcy in their lives by:

• Taking part in solution-focused therapy to work on alleviating short-term difficulties
• Examining interactions and clarifying emotions
• Engaging in individual and group therapy to work on interpersonal skills
• Learning what healthy relationships look like
• Counseling and activities that help develop resiliency and self-esteem
• Learning to feel less dependent on the approval of others to feel worthy
• Addressing underlying issues like past trauma, relationships problems and attachment issues

Signs and Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder

People with histrionic personality disorder often function at a high level. They may be successful in their work and social lives. But because they lack self-confidence, they sometimes land in toxic relationships. Warning signs of histrionic personality disorder include:

• Acting on impulse, without thinking
• Behaving or dressing in a seductive manner
• Blaming others for failures or disappointments
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Easily influenced by others
• Believing that relationships are more intimate than they are
• Hyper-sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
• Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
• Making snap judgments, resulting in rash decisions
• Emotional and dramatic
• Preoccupation with looks
• Constant need for reassurance or approval
• Self-centered, always needing to be the center of attention
• Changing emotions
• Threatening or attempting suicide

Relationship Challenges Associated with HPD

People with HPD don’t like being alone. They try to make friends and influence people. They may be too generous with compliments and appreciation. Someone with a personality disorder may desire their polar opposite. For example, a stoic, meticulous obsessive-compulsive person might like someone with HPD. They may be attracted to the chaos. The person with HPD may become dependent, and the partner may be controlling. People with HPD can be inspirational leaders. But because they can be impulsive, they may also make rash business decisions. They revitalize companies and provide the necessary momentum for start-ups, mergers, and acquisitions. Yet, they can also create instability and chaos in the workplace.

Causes of Histrionic Personality Disorder

No one knows the exact cause of HPD. Many experts believe that learned and inherited factors play an important role. It tends to run in families, indicating possible genetic and environmental origins. Other possible factors may include lack of discipline as a child or unpredictable parenting. This can cause confusion about what kinds of behavior will earn parental approval.

Get Help Today

Promises provides histrionic personality disorder treatment. We also treat co-occurring disorders like substance abuse. Our trained staff can help you manage your mental health disorder symptoms. We’ll help you develop healthy coping skills and repair your relationships. Create the life you’ve always wanted. Call us for a free, confidential consultation: 1.713.528.3709