Histrionic Personality Disorder

If you listen to the always wonderful Superego podcast, you may have heard of this disorder, probably attributed to PFT’s Sir Dame Andrew Lloyd Webber and Herve Villechaize. 

I never really bothered to look it up until recently, so here’s what it is:

People with HPD are usually able to function at high levels and can be successful socially and professionally. They usually have good social skills, though they tend to use these skills to manipulate other people and become the center of attention.^[4] Furthermore, histrionic personality disorder may affect a person’s social or romantic relationships and their ability to cope with losses or failures. They may seek treatment for depression when romantic relationships end.

Individuals with HPD often fail to see their own personal situation realistically and instead dramatize and exaggerate their difficulties. They may go through frequent job changes, as they become easily bored and have trouble dealing with frustration. Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing depression. ^[5] Additional characteristics may include:

• Exhibitionist behavior
• Constant seeking of reassurance or approval
• Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
• Pride of own personality and unwillingness to change, viewing any change as a threat
• Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior
• Using somatic symptoms (of physical illness) as a means of garnering attention
• A need to be the center of attention
• Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
• Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others
• Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are
• Making rash decisions^[4]