Histrionic personality disorder: symptoms, causes and treatment

The NHS notes that symptoms vary by type of personality disorder, and that someone with a personality disorder may also have other problems such as depression, anxiety or drug and alcohol misuse. MedlinePlus lists features for histrionic personality disorder including acting or looking overly seductive, being easily influenced, being overly concerned with looks, being overly dramatic and emotional, being oversensitive to criticism, believing relationships are more intimate than they are, constantly seeking reassurance, low tolerance for frustration, needing to be the centre of attention, and quickly changing emotions that may seem shallow to others.

These patterns can strain relationships and work. MedlinePlus says people often seek treatment when they have depression or anxiety after failed relationships or other conflicts, and that the condition can affect social and romantic relationships, with a higher chance of depression or suicidal thoughts.

It is worth keeping these descriptions in proportion. Many people are dramatic or seek attention at times, and a personality disorder diagnosis requires a long-standing pattern that causes distress or difficulty in several areas of life, assessed by a trained professional.

The NHS explains that a person with a personality disorder thinks, feels, behaves or relates to others very differently from the average person. There are several types. NHS inform lists histrionic personality disorder as one, and says personality disorders are common mental health problems that usually emerge in adolescence and continue into adulthood.

The US National Library of Medicine describes histrionic personality disorder as a mental condition in which people act in a very emotional and dramatic way that draws attention to themselves. It says people with the disorder are often able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work.

Rethink Mental Illness explains that if you live with histrionic personality disorder you may like being the centre of attention, and you may feel anxious about being ignored. This can cause you to be lively and over-dramatic. You may become bored with normal routines easily, care a great deal about your appearance, and want reassurance that you are seen and appreciated. You might also be open to other people's opinions and easily influenced by those around you, which can sometimes lead to experiencing depression.

The NHS notes that someone with a personality disorder may also have other mental health problems, such as depression and drug addiction.

NHS inform says diagnoses of personality disorders are made by specialist mental health services, which requires a referral from a GP. MedlinePlus says histrionic personality disorder is diagnosed through a psychological evaluation that considers how long and how severe symptoms have been.

The NHS adds that diagnosis in the UK is moving away from labelling specific types, such as borderline or histrionic, towards describing mild, moderate or severe personality disorder with particular personality traits. A mental health professional can explain what a diagnosis means for you.

According to the NHS, treatment for a personality disorder usually involves a talking therapy, and can include other therapies and medicine. In talking therapy you talk to a therapist to better understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and treatment can last several months or years depending on severity and other problems. Therapeutic communities, where people attend or stay for intensive group therapy, may be offered to some.

Medicine does not treat the personality disorder itself but may be prescribed for associated problems such as depression, anxiety or psychotic symptoms; for example, an SSRI antidepressant for moderate to severe depression. MedlinePlus similarly says talk therapy is the best treatment for the condition itself, and medicine may help symptoms.

The NHS stresses that many people recover over time, psychological or medical treatment is often helpful, and sometimes support is all that is needed.

The NHS says it is not clear exactly what causes personality disorders, but they are thought to result from a combination of the genes a person inherits and early environmental influences, for example a distressing childhood experience such as abuse or neglect.

Rethink Mental Illness says it is thought to be a mix of factors including biological factors such as traits passed through your genes and the environment you grew up in, and that many people diagnosed with a personality disorder have experienced trauma, although not everyone who experiences trauma will develop one.

Rethink Mental Illness says personality disorders are usually treated with psychological treatments or talking therapies, that therapy is usually long term and often involves some group therapy, and that you may have to complete the full course to get the most out of it. It says NICE only has guidelines for borderline and antisocial personality disorders, and that there is no recommended medication for personality disorders themselves, though medicines may be offered for anxiety, low mood or psychosis.

NHS inform lists self-help guides on anxiety, problem solving, anger and self-esteem that may help with coping, and points to Mind for guidance for friends and family of someone diagnosed with a personality disorder. If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, the NHS says you may need extra support and can speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor.

The NHS pages on mental health say support is available if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or emergency. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.