Histrionic personality disorder (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

# Overview
Histrionic personality disorder is a condition in which people act in a very emotional and dramatic way that draws attention to themselves.

# What are the symptoms of Histrionic personality disorder?
- People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work.
- Symptoms include:
- Acting or looking overly seductive
- Being easily influenced by other people
- Being overly concerned with their looks
- Being overly dramatic and emotional
- Being overly sensitive to criticism or disapproval
- Believing that relationships are more intimate than they actually are
- Blaming failure or disappointment on others
- Constantly seeking reassurance or approval
- Having a low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
- Needing to be the center of attention (self-centeredness)
- Quickly changing emotions, which may seem shallow to others

# What causes Histrionic personality disorder?
- The cause of this disorder is unknown. Both genes and early childhood events are thought to contribute.
- It occurs more often in women than in men, although it may be diagnosed more often in women because attention-seeking and sexual forwardness are less socially acceptable for women.
- Histrionic personality disorder usually begins in early adulthood.

# When to seek urgent medical care?
- Call your health care provider if you think you may have symptoms of histrionic personality disorder.
- It is important to call if this condition is affecting your sense of well-being, relationships, or ability to keep a job.

# Diagnosis
- The health care provider can diagnose histrionic personality disorder by looking at your:
- Behavior
- History
- Overall appearance
- Psychological evaluation
- Like other personality disorders, histrionic personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.

# Treatment options
- People with this condition often seek treatment when they experience depression or anxiety from failed romantic relationships or other conflicts with people.
- Medication may help the symptoms, but talk therapy (psychotherapy) is the best treatment for the condition itself.

# When to seek urgent medical care?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Histrionic personality disorder

# What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Histrionic personality disorder can improve with psychotherapy and sometimes medications.
- If left untreated, it can cause conflict in people's personal life and prevent them from reaching their potential in their work life.

# Possible complications
- Histrionic personality disorder may affect your social or romantic relationships, or your ability to cope with losses or failures.
- You may go through many job changes as you become easily bored and have trouble dealing with frustration.
- Because you tend to crave new things and excitement, you may put yourself in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to a greater risk of depression.

# Prevention
Mental health treatment may help you learn better ways of understanding and dealing with your needs.

# Source