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What Is Histrionic Personality?

Formerly known as the hysteric personality, Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and an overwhelming need to be noticed. HPD is characterized by traits such as excessive emotional expression, attention-seeking behavior, and a tendency to be easily influenced by others.

HPD is not just about seeking attention for vanity. It’s often rooted in a deep need for approval, love, and validation. Many individuals with HPD grew up in environments where they felt valued only when performing or being special.

Diagnostic Criteria: Symptoms and Examples

To receive a diagnosis of HPD, an individual must meet specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Here are the 8 DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Histrionic Personality Disorder, indicated by at least 5 of the following:

Feeling uneasy or unappreciated when they're not the center of attention

It's common for Histrionics to associate attention with self worth. As a result, they dislike sharing the spotlight and may make up stories or create scenes when they aren't the center of attention. This personality type is usually the life of the party and meets criteria for extroversion- getting energy from socializing. They may initially charm new people with their enthusiasm or flirtatiousness.

In a group setting, if someone else is being praised or talked about, a person with HPD might interrupt, shift the topic to themselves, or suddenly act out emotionally. They may feel slighted or unimportant if they don't receive compliments, recognition, or engagement even in situations where that reaction isn't expected.

2. Interactions with others are often inappropriately sexual or provocative

This doesn’t necessarily mean overt sexual behavior. It’s more about using flirtation, seduction, or suggestive behavior in ways that feel excessive or out of place. Someone with HPD might not truly want a romantic or sexual relationship but the performance of being desirable matters. As a result, they may flirt or have sexual relations even with those they have no real interest in.

They may be seductive in inappropriate situations like flirting with a boss or standing in line at a retail store, not just in bars or clubs where a little provocativeness is normalized. This symptom happens in contexts where the behavior is not warranted.

3. Displays rapidly shifting and shallow emotions

Shallow in this context doesn't necessarily mean fake, but their emotions may seem to be turned on and off too frequently or be overly reactive to small events. It's more about the appearance of emotion than feeling it deeply.

For someone with Histrionic Personality, their emotions don’t seem well established or firm. These emotions may look intense but lack depth, meaning they don't last very long. Their emotional displays can be a way to draw attention or engage others. The feelings aren't necessarily fake, but they may be exaggerated or expressed dramatically without the internal experience to match.

4. Consistently uses appearance to draw attention to him or herself

People with HPD might dress in ways that are overly provocative or inappropriate for the situation, such as wearing revealing clothing to formal or professional settings. They may spend a lot of time and energy on grooming and changing their appearance, often aiming to be seen as exciting, dramatic, or seductive.

It’s important to understand that this behavior isn't simply about vanity. It usually reflects a deeper need for approval and a discomfort with not being the center of attention. In many cases, the person may not even realize that they rely on their appearance in this way. It can be an automatic part of how they interact with others. However, not everyone who enjoys dressing up or being admired has HPD.

5. Has a style of speech that lacks in detail but is impressionistic

Simply put, someone with this disorder may speak in ways that are emotionally charged but lacking in detail. Strong opinions can be expressed with dramatic flair but underlying reasons are usually vague and diffuse without supporting facts.

For example, they might describe something as “the most amazing experience ever” or say “it was just terrible” without giving specific details about what actually happened or why it felt that way. This kind of speech is sometimes described as impressionistic, meaning it gives a general feeling or mood, but not much factual content.

Their language tends to be colorful and exaggerated, often relying on emotional buzzwords, but it can lack the precision or logical structure that helps others understand their experience in depth. Over time, others may find it hard to connect deeply because conversations don’t always go beyond surface-level emotion.

6. Shows self dramatization and theatrical emotional expression

For Histrionics, the world is their stage. The more of an audience they have, the more of an identity they have. It’s as if they might lose all sense of self when they’re alone. This symptom, additionally, refers to a communication and behavior style that’s over-the-top, exaggerated, and often resembles acting or performance rather than a natural emotional response.

People with HPD may express their emotions in ways that seem excessive for the situation. Their facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice can feel intense and performative, almost as if they’re on stage rather than having a normal conversation. This behavior isn't necessarily manipulative in a conscious way, it’s often just how they’ve learned to connect with others or get their needs met. The person with HPD may not even realize their expressions come across as exaggerated because they often believe their reactions are totally justified.

7. Is easily influenced by others or circumstances

People with HPD often seek approval from others, and as a result, they may adopt beliefs, preferences, or emotional reactions that mirror those of the people around them. For instance, they might strongly agree with someone’s opinion in one conversation, then completely switch their stance when talking to someone else who disagrees without seeming aware of the contradiction.

Since they desire to be the center of attention, Histrionics may do anything to remain in the spotlight or to feel accepted. This can include drinking, drugs, following through on risky dares, or sex. They could pretend to like certain things if it means being a part of the group they’re currently in. The level of authority a person has may also be relevant to how much the Histrionic trusts them (for example, a boss or a teacher).

Eventually this can lead to difficulties in decision-making or maintaining long-term goals, since their direction in life can shift depending on who they’re trying to please or what they feel in the moment.

8. Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

People with HPD may see casual acquaintances or new connections as close friends, or believe that someone is romantically interested in them when that may not be the case.

For example, they might say things like, “We’re best friends now!” after just one or two conversations, or assume that a co-worker who is friendly is secretly in love with them. They often perceive emotional intimacy where there is little or none, and may feel hurt or confused when others don’t reciprocate that level of closeness. This can be driven by their strong need for affection and validation. To meet those emotional needs, they may idealize others quickly and form fast attachments, often without a realistic understanding of the relationship’s actual depth.

Fictional Case Study

Cynthia, 25, enters therapy because of multiple short-lived romantic relationships, often marked by intensity and rapid deterioration. During sessions, Cynthia arrives in bold makeup and eccentric outfits. She presents as energetic, animated and socially engaging. Her emotional responses are intense but seem superficial or quickly changeable.

She reports that her emotional ups and downs have been interfering with her ability to maintain relationships. She frequently posts emotionally intense content online and sometimes shares personal experiences in conversation that others have described as “overly dramatic” or “inappropriate.”

Cynthia reports being desperately alone, with complaints of having sexual relations or flirting with people that she doesn't even like. All of her past relationships are described in grandiose terms (“He was my soulmate,”) but she often contradicted herself or lacked detail in her descriptions. Her friends mention that Cynthia seems bored or even depressed if the conversation topic isn't on her.

After a thorough assessment, Cynthia is diagnosed with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD).

Self Assessment

The following statements are based on traits often associated with HPD. Note: this is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as one- for yourself or others around you. A proper diagnosis should only be made by a qualified mental health professional. These statements may, however, help an individual reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This inventory is provided for educational and entertainment use only.

I oftentimes use my appearance to get attention from others.
I tend to act very emotional or dramatic, even in situations that don’t seem that serious to others.
Being flirty or seductive is a good way to get what I want.
Sometimes I exaggerate things to make them sound more interesting or dramatic.
If I'm not the main focus in a group setting, I feel hurt or offended.
I tend to mirror the opinions of people around me to gain approval.
I often feel like I need to perform or “put on a show” in social situations.

Next: Antisocial Personality

Back To: Personality Disorders

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