Histrionic Personality Disorder (European Description)

The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders
World Health Organization, Geneva, 1992

F60.4 Histrionic Personality Disorder

Personality disorder characterized by at least 3 of the following:

• self-dramatization, theatricality, exaggerated expression of emotions;
  
• suggestibility, easily influenced by others or by circumstances;
  
• shallow and labile affectivity;
  
• continual seeking for excitement, appreciation by others, and activities in which the patient is the centre of attention;
  
• inappropriate seductiveness in appearance or behaviour;
  
• over-concern with physical attractiveness.

Associated features may include egocentricity, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, feelings that are easily hurt, and persistent manipulative behaviour to achieve own needs.

Includes:

• hysterical and psychoinfantile personality (disorder)

Differential Diagnosis

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  
• Somatization Disorder
  
• Borderline Personality Disorder
  
• Substance Abuse
  
• Can co-occur with Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial, and Dependent Personality disorders

Differential diagnosis is the process of distinguishing one mental disorder from other similar disorders. For example, at times, it is difficult to distinguish between HPD and borderline personality disorder. Suicide attempts, identity diffusion, and numerous chaotic relationships occur less frequently, however, with a diagnosis of HPD. Another example of overlap can occur between HPD and dependent personality disorder. Patients with HPD and dependent personality disorder share high dependency needs, but only dependent personality disorder is linked to high levels of self-attributed dependency needs. Whereas patients with HPD tend to be active and seductive, individuals with dependent personality disorder tend to be subservient in their demeanor.

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