Histrionic Personality Disorder Essay

Histrionic Personality Disorder (abbreviated often as HPD) is a personality disorder in the classification of Cluster B. This group is defined as the dramatic, emotional, and erratic cluster. It includes Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and the personality disorder that will be further explained: Histrionic Personality Disorder. There are many characteristics that define the group of HPD.

The main point of this group is that they are extremely attention-seeking. They always want to be under the spotlight no matter what the circumstance. They will often feel very uncomfortable when they are not fulfilling this role, when someone else has stolen their spotlight. Not surprisingly then, they will do whatever it takes to have all eyes on them. This leads to issues like inappropriately behaving dramatically and flamboyantly, as if they were on a stage in theater. In fact, the word histrionic means “dramatic or theatrical.” They have an overwhelming desire for others to notice them all of the time. They will often use exaggerated emotions and expressions to draw eyes while they seem to be much less than genuine. They also will dress and behave in sometimes very provocative ways to gain attention.

They will use seductive or overly flirtatious behavior, even in settings that would be inappropriate for such or with new acquaintances or casual friends. This could embarrass friends of the person, and potentially hurt a romantic relationship. For example they might become excessively emotional over a small matter, crying for attention. Although they have these qualities, those with HPD often do have good social skills, however they use them in a way to manipulate others ...

... middle of paper ...

...nt subsections do have variation, and are somewhat distinguished by what sexes tend to gravitate towards them.

In a study performed by Jeffrey D. Baker, PhD, Earl W. Capron, PhD, and Julian Azorlosa, PhD recorded in the Journal of Personality Disorders. It studied the family environments of histrionic, dependent, and control samples. The study gave novel evidence of family environment and HPD. It showed that “family background that is high in control and high in intellectual-cultural orientation was found for persons with histrionic personality disorders.” Also, those studied also “tended to have family environments high in achievement orientation.” That trend for high achievement orientation and stimulation scores is probably showing that the family most likely enforces behaviors that will encourage a child to stand out in the crowd or be the life of the party.