Histrionic personality disorder, or HPD, is a mental health condition characterized by unstable emotions, a distorted self-image, and an overwhelming desire to be noticed by others. People with HPD often behave dramatically to get attention, as their self-esteem depends on approval from others. However, these individuals often don’t realize that their behavior is problematic.
Like other mental health disorders, undiagnosed and untreated HPD can put a person at risk for substance use. This happens because people with the disorder often struggle to feel as if they are normal, and everyone else is overreacting to their behavior. Fortunately, there are ways to identify and treat histrionic personality disorder.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder and Who Gets It?
HPD is part of a larger group of psychological conditions called Cluster B personality disorders. Disorders in this category tend to carry dramatic, emotional or erratic behaviors. People also tend to have a distorted mental image of themselves. They rely on the approval of others to feel good about themselves, and this creates the need to be noticed.
It’s more common for women to have HPD. Usually, this disorder presents symptoms in the late teens or early 20s. And while you might know a handful of people who crave attention, HPD is actually quite rare, affecting 1 percent of the population.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of HPD?
HPD is not a debilitating psychological disorder. Most people with the disorder function normally in society and work. In fact, they tend to have great people skills because they are not shy. However, they tend to use these people skills to manipulate others and get what they want.
The signs and symptoms of HPD are:
- Craves being the center of attention
- Acts dramatically and emotionally expressive, sometimes embarrassing others
- Overly concerned about their physical appearance
- Believes their relationships are closer than they are
- Has difficulty maintaining relationships
- Needs constant gratification
- Becomes bored or frustrated easily
- Constant need for reassurance or approval
Why Some People with HPD Turn to Substances
Even though people with histrionic personality disorder are often successful in their lives, they can still struggle internally. That’s because HPD makes it difficult to maintain genuine relationships, and this can cause people to think negatively of themselves. And, if a person with HPD isn’t the center of attention, they often become uncomfortable and depressed.
Due to these distressed feelings, people with HPD may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of inadequacy. Unfortunately, these substances only complicate things and can progress into an addiction. When a person has both a mental illness and a substance use problem, they are diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder and can benefit from dual diagnosis rehab in California.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Agoura Hills CA
Awakenings Treatment Center is a holistic treatment facility that provides dual diagnosis care. We work with all types of personality disorders, including Cluster B personality disorders. The key with HPD is to recognize your need for help. Contact our admissions department to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment in Agoura Hills CA and how it can benefit you.
