Most people have heard of the term “histrionic”, but many don’t know what the disorder actually entails. Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a mental illness that is characterized by attention-seeking behavior, a need for approval, and an overly dramatic demeanor. People with HPD often seek out attention and approval from others, and they may go to extreme lengths to get it. They may dress provocatively, act out in public, or make themselves the center of attention in any situation.
While histrionic behavior can be seen in both men and women, it is much more commonly diagnosed in women. This is likely due to the fact that our society tends to reward women for being attention-seeking and dramatic, while men are often seen as “jerks” or “players” if they display similar behavior.
Histrionic mothers are women who have HPD and who also happen to be mothers. They may be overly affectionate with their children, dress them in revealing clothing, or put them in situations where they are likely to be the center of attention (such as dance recitals or sporting events). Histrionic mothers may also be very critical of their children, in an effort to get them to meet their high standards.
While histrionic mothers may seem like they are always “on” and may be exhausting to be around, they are usually not dangerous. However