Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) causes a person to act in attention-seeking ways that often are irrational. They want the spotlight on them whenever possible, which negatively impacts their ability to have healthy exchanges in relationships with others.
Montare Tucson employs a talented and compassionate staff of licensed therapists who understand the challenges of having a histrionic personality disorder. We offer a menu of therapies that help people understand why they behave the way they do and reduce their symptoms. Our residential program includes access to prescription medications that can help ease the person’s symptoms.
Histrionic personality disorder is a mental illness that falls under the category of personality disorders. Someone who has it often catches those around them by surprise with their mood swings and unstable behavior. People with HPD have an excessive need to be the center of attention and often tell dramatic tales starring themselves. They have an unhealthy reliance on others to validate them because they lack good self-esteem.
Approximately 1% of Americans have a histrionic personality disorder, making it a rare mental health disorder to have.
Everyone enjoys being the center of attention at certain times, but for some, it becomes the only way they can feel good about themselves. For example, a person who has accomplished something at work likely enjoys others complimenting them about it. Someone with HPD will repeat their achievements countlessly to keep the admiration flowing. They will also divert attention from someone else who has achieved something by reminding everyone about their own accomplishments.
When someone has a histrionic personality disorder, it is often unrecognizable as a mental illness by others. It can come across as narcissism or attention-seeking and not appear to have any realistic cause.
The most common signs and symptoms of HPD include:
Having HPD doesn’t always have an obvious source that explains the person’s actions. Like other mental illnesses, if a person’s family tree has relatives who have the disorder, their chances of developing it increase.
Going through childhood trauma also increases the chances someone will have HPD. This includes physical or sexual abuse, neglect, the loss of a loved one, and other influential events that happen to children. Finally, parents who spoil their children excessively and do not provide instructions for proper behavior or boundaries can have children who develop a HPD.
Both histrionic personality disorders and borderline personality disorders (BPD) fall under the same heading of personality disorders. However, there are differences. People with BPD cannot regulate their emotions and often bounce around through multiple mood swings. HPD involves an obsessive need to be the center of attention to fulfill the desire for love and admiration.
Anyone seeking a diagnosis of a HPD should speak to a mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Personality disorders can be tricky to diagnose, which is why only a mental health expert should do it. The clinician will ask questions about the person’s behaviors, thoughts, emotions, past history, relationships, and other important topics.
The majority of people who have it don’t recognize their condition and can be difficult to convince. As well, a diagnosis generally is not made until the individual is at least 18 years old.
Different types of therapy help treat the symptoms of a histrionic personality disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps the individual make a connection between the way they think and feel and how that informs their behaviors. They target unhealthy habits and change them to support healthy new coping skills.
Group therapy can also help by allowing a small group of people with similar mental health disorders to engage in peer support with each other. Finally, psychodynamic psychotherapy helps people focus on the psychological reasons that cause their emotional distress.
Histrionic personality disorder cannot be prevented, but the earlier treatment begins, the more the person can identify their negative behaviors and learn to reframe how they think and act.
Do you know someone who has a histrionic personality disorder and wants to find the most effective treatment available? If you struggle with the disorder yourself, you also want highly structured care to help you improve your behavior. Montare Tucson treats HPD at our cozy residential facility in the scenic Tucson area. In addition, our staff of licensed therapists meets each person where they are in terms of their individual treatment needs. We offer compassionate care and multi-disciplinary therapies that change how people view themselves and the world.
Contact us today and find out what our program can do for you. Life without HPD allows you to feel much calmer and enjoy healthy relationships.
Published: 5/21/2025
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