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Histrionic personality disorder - Symptom

Symptoms:

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

Signs and tests:

The health care provider can diagnose histrionic personality disorder by looking at your:

  • Behavior
  • History
  • Overall appearance
  • Psychological evaluation

There is no formal test to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/15/2009
  • Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Histrionic Personality Disorder (DSM-IV-TR#301.50). In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Moore & Jefferson: Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Mosby Elsevier;2004:chap139.
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