Histrionic Personality Disorder Cinthya Rivera Mrs.Marsh,P.5 Psychology

Histrionic Personality Disorder A Mental Disorder Personality Orders -Cluster B A pervasive pattern of excessive emotional and attention-seeking behavior May be diagnosed as mild or severe

Associated Features Symptoms Self-centeredness Discomfort when not the center of attention Interactions that are inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior Shallow expressions of emotions Use of physical appearance to draw attention

Associated Features Symptoms continued… Self-dramatization, theatrically and exaggerated expression of emotion Having low tolerance for delayed gratification Being easily influenced by other people Overly sensitive to criticism or disapproval Being easily bored by routine

DSM-IV-TR Definition: A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts as indicated by 5 (or more) of the following: Is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior

DSM-IV-TR Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expressions of emotions Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail Shows self-dramatization ,theatrically, and exaggerated expression of emotion Is suggestible ;(ex. Easily influenced by others) Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

Associated Features Subtypes Appeasing (Dependent Feature): patch-up troubles; moderating tempers by yielding; sacrifices self for commendation, dependent on others for praise & guidance Vivacious (Narcissistic Feature): vigorous, charming, bubbly, impulsive; wants praise for their “superiority”; exaggerate the intimacy of their relationships Tempestuous(Negativistic Feature): impulsive, out of control; moody complaints, sulking; periodically inflamed ; turbulent

Disingenuous(Antisocial Feature): underhanded, double-dealing, scheming, contriving, plotting; false-hearted; egocentric, insincere; superficial, impulsive Theatrical(Variant of “pure” pattern): affected, mannered, put-on; postures are striking; eye-catching; markets self- appearance, simulates desirable dramatic poses. Infantile (Borderline Feature): high-strung, volatile emotions, childlike hysteria and nascent pouting; self-destructiveness, chronic feelings of deep emptiness

Etiology Potential causes of the disorder are unknown but mental health professionals believe that both learned and biological factors play an important role Biological Possible genetic susceptibility Genes inheritance Psychological Reciprocal determinism: the way people, the environment and thoughts influence their behavior. Defense mechanisms and psychosexual development stages Oral Stage

Etiology continued Defense mechanisms used: Repression. Denial. Dissociation May display two or more personalities. Displacement Rationalization

Prevalence Approximately in 2%-3% of the general population Rates of about 10%-15% in the inpatient and outpatient mental health institution when assessment is used More frequently diagnosed in Hispanic and Latin American cultures Females; but equal prevalence rates for males and females

Treatment Psychodynamic Cognitive-behavioral Several years of therapy Assist patients to become aware of their own feelings Long-term therapy assists patients in decreasing emotional reactivity Cognitive-behavioral Reducing the dysfunctional thoughts (dependent thoughts) Work on impulsive behavior, develop better problem- solving skills Modeling

Treatment continued… Group Family Medication Work on interpersonal relationships Monitor the individuals because they may tend to take over & dominate the conversation Family Support family member dealing with HPD Help them meet their own needs Medication Not as useful as therapy

Prognosis Long-lasting Treatment can take a minimum of 1-3 years or longer As they grow older, the individual’s symptoms begin to decrease Older people have less energy Never stay long enough in psychotherapeutic treatment to make changes Possibility to change into a different type of personality disorder

References Encyclopedia of mental disorders.(n.d.). Histrionic personality disorder. Retrieved from http://www.minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/ Histrionic-personality-disorder.html Halgin, R.P.. & Whitbourne, S.K. (2005) Abnormal psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill PyschCentral.(2010). Histrionic Personality Disorder. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx17.htm Theodore, .M.(2006)Personality Subtypes: Histrionic Personality Subtypes. http://www.millon.net/taxonomy/index.htm WebMD.(2009). Mental Health and Histrionic Personality Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/mental- health/histrionic- personality-disorder?page=2

Discussion questions When does modeling apply to individuals that are diagnosed with HPD and can help them treat their disorder? How does histrionic personality disorder cause people to be very sexually seductive or provocative?