Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder

[markdaniel]

A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

* Is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
* Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior
* Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
* Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to themself
* Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
* Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
* Is highly suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances
* Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

As with all personality disorders, the person must be at least 18 years old before they can be diagnosed with it.

Histrionic personality disorder is more prevalent in females than males. It occurs about 2 to 3 percent in the general population.

Like most personality disorders, histrionic personality disorder typically will decrease in intensity with age, with many people experiencing few of the most extreme symptoms by the time they are in the 40s or 50s.

[electra]

Threaten or attempt suicide to get attention

Be gullible and easily influenced by others

Be excessively sensitive to criticism or disapproval

Have a low tolerance for frustration and be easily bored by routine, often beginning projects without finishing them or skipping from one event to another

Not think before acting

Make rash decisions

Be self-centered and rarely show concern for others

Have difficulty maintaining relationships, often seeming fake or shallow in their dealings with others