Histrionic Personality Disorder

[Trialbyfire]

And in the same vein as the rest of the Cluster B disorders that are relationship killers, here's another one called Histrionic Personality Disorder:

 

 

Symptoms

• Constantly seeking reassurance or approval
  
• Excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotion
  
• Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
  
• Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior
  
• Overly concerned with physical appearance
  
• Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are
  
• Self-centeredness, uncomfortable when not the center of attention
  
• Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
  
• Rapidly shifting emotional states that appear shallow to others
  
• Opinions are easily influenced by other people, but difficult to back up with details
  

Causes

 

The cause of this disorder is unknown, but childhood events and genetics may both be involved. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, although some feel it is simply more often diagnosed in women because attention seeking and sexual forwardness are less socially acceptable for women than for men. People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work. They may seek treatment for depression when romantic relationships end. They often fail to see their own situation realistically, instead tending to overdramatize and exaggerate. Responsibility for failure or disappointment is usually blamed on others. Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing depression.

 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/histrionic.html

[Ross PK]

Wow, again, I have a lot of these symptoms too.

[Posco_Proudfoot]

Disorders are sort of like Astrology. If you look hard enough you'll find they're right for you every time.

[2sure]

Sounds just like every teenage girl I have ever known, Myself and my daughter included. If there are adults like this, they are stunted, stuck in being 15 years old. Hence often heard admonishment "Grow Up!" . Works for most of us.

[Meaplus3]

This disorder sounds so much like NPD. I'm starting to wonder now how these phsycologists come up with all these and how they make a diagnosis when so many of these disorders overlap with the same symptoms. At least with Panic disorder it's pretty cut and dry.

 

Mea:)

[jerbear]

Symptoms

 

* Constantly seeking reassurance or approval

* Excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotion

* Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval

* Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior

* Overly concerned with physical appearance

* Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are

* Self-centeredness, uncomfortable when not the center of attention

* Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification

* Rapidly shifting emotional states that appear shallow to others

* Opinions are easily influenced by other people, but difficult to back up with details

 

Causes

The cause of this disorder is unknown, but childhood events and genetics may both be involved. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, although some feel it is simply more often diagnosed in women because attention seeking and sexual forwardness are less socially acceptable for women than for men. People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work. They may seek treatment for depression when romantic relationships end. They often fail to see their own situation realistically, instead tending to overdramatize and exaggerate. Responsibility for failure or disappointment is usually blamed on others. Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing depression.

 

Sounds like a typical person in executive management.

 

• "People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and at work. "
  
• "Responsibility for failure or disappointment is usually blamed on others."
  
• "Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. "
  
• "All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing depression. "
  

[melodymatters]

Sounds just like every teenage girl I have ever known, Myself and my daughter included. If there are adults like this, they are stunted, stuck in being 15 years old. Hence often heard admonishment "Grow Up!" . Works for most of us.

 

 

Exactly ! I had a conversation just yesterday about a 40 something chick I know who has all the symptoms of BPD and this as well.

 

My take was the same as yours 2sure ! That these were basically very normal TEENAGE personality traits, and the "problem" only occures when some of these people refuse to grow up, grow at all, and stay in their stunted behaviour patterns !!!

[Trialbyfire]

Disorders are groupings of traits that create scenarios of non-viable relationships or an inability to function properly within the existing environment the person lives in. Conceptually, it's magnitude of these traits, how it affects the person and the people around them.

 

If someone is unhappy and moving to/or in depression with a combination of these traits, it's time to do something about it.

 

Everyone has some traits of some disorders. Once again, it's magnitude and impact on self and environment. If they're happy and causing happiness with their close family and friends, then the traits are probably at low or reasonable level, thus not a disorder. If not, such as in borderline, where they're attempting/threatening suicide/self-mutilation, then it's time to see a professional for help.

 

To use one analogy, alcoholism. There are functioning alcoholics and ones that are too far gone. This doesn't mean that the functioning alcoholic, shouldn't seek help. It will only get worse.

[Meaplus3]

 

If someone is unhappy and moving to/or in depression with a combination of these traits, it's time to do something about it.

 

I guess what really baffles me is that so many of these disorders and traits overlap from one disorder to another. I would think that makes it's very tough to conclude which disorder the patient needs treatment for. I wonder how a psychologist does that? How do they decipher?? I would probably fail miserably in this field. It's very interesting but so confusing. I'd probaly be like "I'm sorry to inform you Mr. Jones but you have HPDNPDOCD....your bumming.

[Trialbyfire]

I guess what really baffles me is that so many of these disorders and traits overlap from one disorder to another. I would think that makes it's very tough to conclude which disorder the patient needs treatment for. I wonder how a psychologist does that? How do they decipher?? I would probably fail miserably in this field. It's very interesting but so confusing. I'd probaly be like "I'm sorry to inform you Mr. Jones but you have HPDNPDOCD....your bumming.

Haha...from what I understand, people can have multiple disorders, particularly Cluster Bs. Why does the letter F, keep popping into my head?

[Meaplus3]

Haha...from what I understand, people can have multiple disorders, particularly Cluster Bs. Why does the letter F, keep popping into my head?

 

I'm not following you with the letter F question? But ok.. the cluster bs make sense.

 

Mea:)

[Taramere]

I had lunch with a friend who's a psychologist today. I wouldn't normally raise my message board poasing activities with a professional, but I really wanted her take on personality disorders (I also wanted to know if I'm OCD for posting here so much. Her response "probably. I'm OCD about the Internet too. Aren't we all?")

 

So, as much as I can remember....her take. First, she said that there's frequently a lack of consensus amongst professionals as to whether or not a particular individual is suffering from a personality disorder. No surprises there. She said that the things that mark a disorder from (for want of a better term) bad or poor behavioural habits is

 

a) the presence of fear as a factor motivating disordered behaviour

b) the rigidity of disordered behaviour. Very entrenched, extremely difficult to treat and to change.

 

If someone genuinely has a disorder, then according to her the chances of them ever improving significantly aren't that great. Often it's more a case of the person learning to "manage" the disorder with professional help.

 

I asked what she thinks of the pros and cons of giving names to, and diagnosing people with, behavioural disorders as opposed to simply identifying problematic behaviours and addressing them without grouping them under a name.

 

She said that on the negative side, when you diagnose someone with a disorder it's pretty serious and could be perceived as dehumanising. Writing them off as a person. They may become a walking set of diagnostic criteria in the eyes of people treating them...particularly in view of the standardised approach to treatment. The standardised approach also tends to ignore the complexity of people and variations in the factors causing the intense fear that she says underlies personality disorders.

 

On the positive side, standardising the diagnostic and treatment procedures is seen as faster and more efficient. It also promotes consistency in the treatment a patient will receive (if, for instance, they can't be guaranteed the same doctor or therapist each time).

 

Finally, going back to the "fear factor", she said that one fairly reliable indicator that someone may be suffering from an actual disorder (rather than possessing personality traits which are common in certain disorders, is that they will often react very badly to hypnotherapy. By which she means that they're very liable to become panicky, short of breath and swallow repeatedly.

 

Hypnotherapy is the most effective method she knows of to treat common phobias, but not if the phobia is linked to an underlying disorder. Going back to the theory that every disorder is underpinned by intense fear and anxiety, people with common phobias tend to be able to identify the causes and triggers.

 

For instance "the sight of a spider is a trigger.....the thought of a spider falling on one's face in the night, running up a trouser leg etc is a cause of anxiety on sight of a spider." That kind of isolated and specific anxiety can be addressed rapidly, effectively and permanently in one hypnotherapy session.

 

A mass of anxieties, underpinned by a jumbled network of causes (events in early childhood, causing anxiety exacerbated by a continuing pattern of chaos and uncertainty throughout life) can't, however, be treated simply by a hypnotherapy session. That's partly why the person with the disorder could react so badly to hypnotherapy. The therapist would be tapping into too much, too soon...and far too blindly.

 

I don't know if there are psychologists who read this site. Surely it's the sort of thing that would attract a few. It would be interesting to hear some of the perspectives.

[Trialbyfire]

If someone genuinely has a disorder, then according to her the chances of them ever improving significantly aren't that great. Often it's more a case of the person learning to "manage" the disorder with professional help.

This is exactly it. My ex-H with his NPD. He's still in therapy almost two years later. It will never go away but from what I've seen, there have been improvements.

[shadowplay]

this "disorder" is kind of BS from what I understand, or so I've heard from people in the psychological profession.

[shadowplay]

This is exactly it. My ex-H with his NPD. He's still in therapy almost two years later. It will never go away but from what I've seen, there have been improvements.

 

You can't really treat somebody with NPD. Some people are just born more selfish than others.

[Trialbyfire]

You can't really treat somebody with NPD. Some people are just born more selfish than others.

Are people born more selfish or are they made more selfish by their environment? I don't think experts know for certain if it's nature, nurture or a combination of both.

 

As for negating any disorder, people can disbelieve anything. Groupings of traits that cause dysfunctional relationships to the point where viability isn't possible, is worthwhile to compartmentalize and treat accordingly. If it makes people feel better, they can call it a "purple thing". Regardless, the same treatments can help.

[shadowplay]

Are people born more selfish or are they made more selfish by their environment? I don't think experts know for certain if it's nature, nurture or a combination of both.

 

As for negating any disorder, people can disbelieve anything. Groupings of traits that cause dysfunctional relationships to the point where viability isn't possible, is worthwhile to compartmentalize and treat accordingly. If it makes people feel better, they can call it a "purple thing". Regardless, the same treatments can help.

 

But it's unclear whether there even is an effective way of treating certain personality "disorders." The problem is some, like NPD, may just be temperamental styles.

 

When the validity of personality disorders is so controversial even with the psychological profession, it makes you wonder.

[shadowplay]

I had lunch with a friend who's a psychologist today. I wouldn't normally raise my message board poasing activities with a professional, but I really wanted her take on personality disorders (I also wanted to know if I'm OCD for posting here so much. Her response "probably. I'm OCD about the Internet too. Aren't we all?")

 

So, as much as I can remember....her take. First, she said that there's frequently a lack of consensus amongst professionals as to whether or not a particular individual is suffering from a personality disorder. No surprises there. She said that the things that mark a disorder from (for want of a better term) bad or poor behavioural habits is

 

a) the presence of fear as a factor motivating disordered behaviour

b) the rigidity of disordered behaviour. Very entrenched, extremely difficult to treat and to change.

 

If someone genuinely has a disorder, then according to her the chances of them ever improving significantly aren't that great. Often it's more a case of the person learning to "manage" the disorder with professional help.

 

I asked what she thinks of the pros and cons of giving names to, and diagnosing people with, behavioural disorders as opposed to simply identifying problematic behaviours and addressing them without grouping them under a name.

 

She said that on the negative side, when you diagnose someone with a disorder it's pretty serious and could be perceived as dehumanising. Writing them off as a person. They may become a walking set of diagnostic criteria in the eyes of people treating them...particularly in view of the standardised approach to treatment. The standardised approach also tends to ignore the complexity of people and variations in the factors causing the intense fear that she says underlies personality disorders.

 

On the positive side, standardising the diagnostic and treatment procedures is seen as faster and more efficient. It also promotes consistency in the treatment a patient will receive (if, for instance, they can't be guaranteed the same doctor or therapist each time).

 

Finally, going back to the "fear factor", she said that one fairly reliable indicator that someone may be suffering from an actual disorder (rather than possessing personality traits which are common in certain disorders, is that they will often react very badly to hypnotherapy. By which she means that they're very liable to become panicky, short of breath and swallow repeatedly.

 

Hypnotherapy is the most effective method she knows of to treat common phobias, but not if the phobia is linked to an underlying disorder. Going back to the theory that every disorder is underpinned by intense fear and anxiety, people with common phobias tend to be able to identify the causes and triggers.

 

For instance "the sight of a spider is a trigger.....the thought of a spider falling on one's face in the night, running up a trouser leg etc is a cause of anxiety on sight of a spider." That kind of isolated and specific anxiety can be addressed rapidly, effectively and permanently in one hypnotherapy session.

 

A mass of anxieties, underpinned by a jumbled network of causes (events in early childhood, causing anxiety exacerbated by a continuing pattern of chaos and uncertainty throughout life) can't, however, be treated simply by a hypnotherapy session. That's partly why the person with the disorder could react so badly to hypnotherapy. The therapist would be tapping into too much, too soon...and far too blindly.

 

I don't know if there are psychologists who read this site. Surely it's the sort of thing that would attract a few. It would be interesting to hear some of the perspectives.

 

My mother, a psychologist, is also skeptical about the treat-ability of some personality disorders. Maybe I'll ask her to post here. I always value her opinion.

[Trialbyfire]

But it's unclear whether there even is an effective way of treating certain personality "disorders." The problem is some, like NPD, may just be temperamental styles.

 

When the validity of personality disorders is so controversial even with the psychological profession, it makes you wonder.

Can't argue for or against. I do know that the exes treatment is helping him, in his own coping tools and how he impacts on others. It's cool to see, especially when it's a consistently different way to address issues. People who are close to him, have also noticed the difference and appreciate it too. Total win/win, for everyone involved.

 

Now if he were trapped in denial, disbelieving that NPD exists, this wouldn't have been possible. As it stands, it's an uphill battle for him. I'm impressed that he continues with it.

[shadowplay]

Can't argue for or against. I do know that the exes treatment is helping him, in his own coping tools and how he impacts on others. It's cool to see, especially when it's a consistently different way to address issues. People who are close to him, have also noticed the difference and appreciate it too. Total win/win, for everyone involved.

 

Now if he were trapped in denial, disbelieving that NPD exists, this wouldn't have been possible. As it stands, it's an uphill battle for him. I'm impressed that he continues with it.

 

Was he very resistant to the idea of having NPD at first?

[Trialbyfire]

Was he very resistant to the idea of having NPD at first?

He was highly resistant to having any reason to go to therapy and yes, to having anything.