Histrionic Personality Disorder

 

A structure of heightened sentimentality and attention-seeking behaviors characterizes a histrionic personality disorder, sometimes called a dramatic personality disorder. Histrionic personality is categorized among the “Cluster B” personality conditions. Examples of cluster B personality disorders are narcissistic, borderline, and antisocial personality disorders.  Those suffering from histrionic personality disorder are frequently described as flirty, attractive, endearing, cunning, reckless, and energetic. 

 

Introduction:

 

A mental illness known as histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is characterized by intense, erratic emotions and a deformed sense of self. The definition of the term “histrionic” is “dramatic or theatrical.” Self-confidence for those with a histrionic personality is based more on validation from others than a genuine sense of self-worth. They have an intense need to be seen and frequently act spectacularly or inappropriately to do so. People with histrionic personality disorder frequently don’t realize how damaging their behavior and manner of perceiving can be. A great need for attention, loud and inappropriate appearances, exaggerated movements and emotions, and a need for stimulation are all characteristics of HPD. They may act in a sexually provocative manner, communicate intense feelings in an impressionistic manner, and be susceptible to peer pressure. 

Egocentrism, self-indulgence, a continual need for approval, and persistent manipulation to get what they want are all associated characteristics. The doctor will take a thorough medical and mental history to start an evaluation if there are any indications of this personality disorder. A physical examination and laboratory testing (such as blood tests or neuroimaging studies) may also be advised if physical signs are present to rule out the possibility of a physical illness being the source of any symptoms. The patient may be sent to a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified behavioral health expert if the doctor cannot identify a physical cause for the symptoms. These professionals can utilize specially created interview and assessment methods to determine whether the patient has a personality disorder.

Histrionic personality disorder may impact relationships in both the social and romantic spheres. The person might not be able to handle setbacks or failures. They might switch occupations frequently because they can’t handle their frustration and get bored quickly. They might be drawn to novelty and excitement, putting them in dangerous situations. The likelihood of depression or suicidal thoughts may increase due to these variables.

 

Causes:

 

Histrionic personality disorder’s specific cause is unknown; however, many behavioral professionals think that learned and hereditary elements contribute to the disorder’s emergence. In particular, the tendency of histrionic personality disorder to occur in households suggests that there could be a hereditary predisposition to the condition. However, a child whose parent has this disease may only replicate learned behavior. Other external variables that could be at play include parental attention that is inconsistent and unpredictably given to the child and a lack of praise or punishment as a child. All of these things can make it unclear what behaviors parents accept.

• Genetics: Since histrionic personality disorder frequently runs in families, researchers speculate there may be a hereditary genetic component.
• Traumatic events that happen to children, such as child maltreatment or the passing of a loved one, might affect how they subsequently deal with life and contribute to personality disorders as adults.
• Parenting: Histrionic personality disorder may be more likely to develop in children with parents who lack limits, are too indulgent, or are inconsistent. Additionally, children are at risk for acquiring this syndrome if their parents engage in dramatic, impulsive, explosive, or inappropriate sexual behavior. According to several experts, issues in parent-child relationships contribute to HPD-specific low self-esteem. 

 

Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder:

 

Histrionic personality disorder can make its sufferers appear overly dramatic, theatrical, and approval-seeking. Although they appear to be the life of the party, they can be humiliating if they exhibit excessive public displays of affection, scream, or have tantrums. Histrionic personalities typically exhibit the following traits:

• Whenever they happen to be the center of scrutiny, they feel uncomfortable.
• Provocative behavior, improperly appealing clothing, and flirty behavior
• Swift emotional transitions
• Act passionately, as if performing for an audience, with heightened emotions and facial expressions, yet without seeming sincere
• Disproportionate care for looks
• Always look for affirmation or approval
• Be gullible and susceptible to peer pressure.
• Being overly sensitive to feedback or rejection
• Possess a low threshold for annoyance and get bored quickly by everyday life, frequently starting projects then abandoning them or jumping from one activity to another.
• Make snap judgments
• Focusing on oneself and hardly displaying empathy for other people
• Have a hard time building relationships and can come off as artificial or superficial in their interactions with other people

 

Homeopathic Treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder:

 

Homeopathy offers a practical answer for those with histrionic personality disorder, but they are typically challenging to treat for various reasons. Like most personality disorders, people seek therapy only when they have a physical ailment or when stress or another condition in their lives has rendered it impossible for them to function and deal with it. Histrionics seek therapy quickly and overstate their manifestations and functional challenges, unlike others with personality disorders. The counseling with these emotionally fragile people has regrettably ended. Suicidal inclinations are present in those with histrionic personality disorder and should be regularly monitored. Suicidal threats should not be disregarded. The following are a few homeopathic remedies for histrionic personality disorder:

• Nux Vomica
• Hepar Sulph
• Ignatia Amara
• Moschus 
• Chamomilla
• Crocus Sativus
• Staphysagria
• Belladonna
• Valeriana
• Lac Caninum.
• Antimonium Crudum
• Sepia

Continuous psychological counseling is the primary course of action for histrionic personality disorder. Typically, medications have no place in the process of treating it. Some sufferers of histrionic personality disorder struggle with issues including drug or alcohol abuse, anxiety, or depression. These will also require treatment. Individuals with HPD can benefit from group therapy, mainly conducted with other HPD patients.  Examining connections and reactions, or behavior patterns, is part of supportive psychotherapy.