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Things to know about Histrionic Personality Disorder
In the world of personality disorders, one character craves the spotlight like no other, and they go by the name of Histrionic Personality Disorder, or HPD for short. HPD is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviour. People with HPD strongly desire to be the centre of attention and often engage in dramatic behaviours to achieve this. I
In simple terms, HPD is a mental health condition where someone becomes a bit of a “drama queen” or “king,” always trying to be the show’s star. They’ll go to great lengths to be the centre of attention, often using dramatic gestures, emotions, or flirtatious behaviours to steal the spotlight.
But here’s the catch: behind all the theatrics, people with HPD struggle with an overwhelming need for validation and love. They’re like actors on a stage, giving a stellar performance. Still, off-stage, they may feel lost, insecure, and anxious when not in the limelight.
The Essentials of Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder is one of the ten personality disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is essential to differentiate HPD from normal attention-seeking behaviour. People with HPD exhibit chronic patterns of behaviour that impair their ability to maintain healthy relationships and function effectively in daily life. Here are some critical characteristics of HPD:
- Attention-Seeking: Individuals with HPD have an insatiable need for attention and validation. They may resort to excessive flirting, provocative dressing, or exaggerating emotions to draw people’s attention.
- Emotionally Labile: HPD individuals experience rapid emotional shifts and may display intense but short-lived emotional reactions. This can make them appear shallow or insincere.
- Highly Suggestible: People with HPD are easily influenced by others and may adopt the opinions, values, and feelings of those around them to gain approval.