Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is primarily characterized by exaggerated displays of emotional reactions, approaching theatricality, in everyday behavior. Emotions are expressed with extreme and often inappropriate exaggeration. Persons with this disorder are prone to sudden and rapidly shifting emotion expressions.

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV™)

Pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, as indicated by at least five of the following:

-Uncomfortable if not the center of attention.

-Interaction with others in a inappropriate provocative or seductive manner.

-Shallow and rapid changing of emotion.

-Uses appearance to draw attention.

-Speech that lacks in detail and excessively impressionistic.

-Theatrical, self dramatization, or out of proportion expression of emotion.

-Easily influenced, suggestible.

-Feels even a sociable relationship is intimate.