View source for Histrionic personality disorder

{{More medical citations needed|date=June 2025}}
{{Self-contradictory|article|about=the prevalence of HPD|date=July 2025}}{{Short description|Personality disorder involving excessive emotionality and attention-seeking}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| image = Drama-icon.svg
| image_size = 180px
| caption = Dramatic behavior is a key marker of histrionic personality disorder
| field = [[Clinical Psychology]], [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms = Persistent [[attention seeking]], [[drama|dramatic behavior]], rapidly shifting and shallow emotions, [[Human sexual activity|sexually provocative]] behavior, undetailed [[style of speech]], and a tendency to consider relationships more intimate than they actually are
| onset = Symptoms typically do not fully develop until late teens or early 20s
| duration = Lifelong
| causes = [[Authoritarian parenting]], highly responsive noradrenergic systems, [[genetics]], childhood trauma
| diagnosis = Based on symptoms
| differential = [[Personality disorders|Other personality disorders]], [[substance abuse disorders]], and personality change due to another medical condition
| treatment = [[Functional analytic psychotherapy]], functional ideographic assessment template, and coding client and therapist behaviors
| name = Histrionic personality disorder
| alt = Two masks, one is white and smiling, the other is black and depressed
}}
'''Histrionic personality disorder''' ('''HPD''') is a [[personality disorder]] characterized by a pattern of excessive [[attention-seeking]] behaviors, usually beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, including inappropriate [[seduction]] and an excessive desire for approval. People diagnosed with the disorder are said to be lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, [[extroverted]], and [[flirtatious]].

HPD is classified among [[Cluster B]] ("dramatic, emotional, or erratic") personality disorders in the [[DSM-5-TR]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR™ |date=2022 |publisher=American Psychiatric Association Publishing |isbn=978-0-89042-575-6 |editor-last=American Psychiatric Association |edition=Fifth edition, text revision |location=Washington, DC}}</ref> People with HPD have a high desire for attention, make loud and inappropriate appearances, [[exaggerate]] their behaviors and emotions, and crave stimulation.<ref name="WebMD2">{{Cite journal |last=Bienenfeld |first=David |year=2006 |title=Personality Disorders |url=http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3472.htm |url-status=live |journal=Medscape Reference |publisher=WebMD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208045336/http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3472.htm |archive-date=2007-02-08 |access-date=10 January 2007}}</ref> They very often exhibit pervasive and persistent sexually provocative behavior, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and can be easily influenced by others. Associated features can include [[egocentrism]], [[self-indulgence]], continuous longing for appreciation, and persistent [[Manipulation (psychology)|manipulative]] behavior to achieve their own wants.{{Personality disorders sidebar}}

== Signs and symptoms ==
People diagnosed with HPD may be [[drama]]tic.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kuzman |first1=Martina Rojnic |last2=Jovanovic |first2=Nikolina |last3=Vukelja |first3=Dinko |last4=Medved |first4=Vesna |last5=Hotujac |first5=Ljubomir |date=2008 |title=Psychiatric symptoms in idiopathic intracranial hypertension |journal=Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences |language=en |volume=62 |issue=3 |page=367 |doi=10.1111/j.1440-1819.2008.01810.x |pmid=18588604 |s2cid=38221625 |issn=1323-1316|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=French |first1=J. |last2=Shrestha |first2=S. |date=2020 |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder |journal=Definitions |doi=10.32388/lqk9fy|s2cid=212809271 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="ADAM2">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Histrionic personality disorder |encyclopedia=A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia |publisher=PubMed Health |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002498/ |access-date=17 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829223434/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002498/ |archive-date=2012-08-29 }}</ref> They often fail to see their own personal situation realistically, instead dramatizing and exaggerating their difficulties. Patients with this disorder can have rapidly shifting emotions and a decreased ability to recognize the emotions of others.<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=30248486 | year=2018 | last1=Ritzl | first1=A. | last2=Csukly | first2=G. | last3=Balázs | first3=K. | last4=Égerházi | first4=A. | title=Facial emotion recognition deficits and alexithymia in borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders | journal=Psychiatry Research | volume=270 | pages=154–159 | doi=10.1016/j.psychres.2018.09.017 | s2cid=52876012 }}</ref> Their emotions may appear superficial or exaggerated to others. This disorder is associated with [[extraversion]],<ref name="Cleveland2">{{cite web |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder |url=http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3700/3795.asp?index=9743 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003045057/http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3700/3795.asp?index=9743 |archive-date=2011-10-03 |access-date=23 November 2011 |publisher=The Cleveland Clinic}}</ref> a lower tolerance for frustration or [[delayed gratification]],<ref>{{Cite book |last1=First |first1=Michael B. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jyXxmyysU7gC&dq=%22Histrionic+personality+disorder%22+%22delayed+gratification%22&pg=PA503 |title=Clinical Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders |last2=Tasman |first2=Allan |date=2010-02-08 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-470-74520-5 |page=503 |language=en}}</ref> and [[Openness to experience|openness to new experiences]]. People with HPD may have little self-doubt and often appear egocentric.<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=25280168 | year=2014 | last1=Furnham | first1=A. | title=A bright side, facet analysis of histrionic personality disorder: The relationship between the HDS Colourful factor and the NEO-PI-R facets in a large adult sample | journal=The Journal of Social Psychology | volume=154 | issue=6 | pages=527–536 | doi=10.1080/00224545.2014.953026 | s2cid=7592361 }}</ref>

Research has also shown those with histrionic personality have a greater desire for social approval and reassurance and will constantly seek it out, making those with HPD more vulnerable to social media addiction.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Savci |first1=Mustafa |last2=Turan |first2=Mehmet Emin |last3=Griffiths |first3=Mark D. |last4=Ercengiz |first4=Mustafa |date=2021 |title=Histrionic Personality, Narcissistic Personality, and Problematic Social Media Use: Testing of a New Hypothetical Model |journal=International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction |language=en |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=986–1004 |doi=10.1007/s11469-019-00139-5 |issn=1557-1874 |s2cid=204887310|doi-access=free }}</ref> People with this disorder often display excessive sensitivity to [[criticism]] or disapproval.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sperry |first=Len |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VSQ1cDjxsPkC&dq=%22Histrionic+personality+disorder+AND+%22sensitive%22&pg=PA135 |title=Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV Personality Disorders |date=2013-05-13 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-95083-5 |page=135 |language=en}}</ref> They will work hard to get others to pay attention to them,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) - Psychiatric Disorders |url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/histrionic-personality-disorder-hpd?ruleredirectid=382 |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=MSD Manual Professional Edition |language=en-GB}}</ref> possibly as a method of testing the stability of relationships.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Babl |first1=Anna |last2=Gómez Penedo |first2=Juan Martín |last3=Berger |first3=Thomas |last4=Schneider |first4=Noemi |last5=Sachse |first5=Rainer |last6=Kramer |first6=Ueli |date=2022-07-06 |title=Change processes in psychotherapy for patients presenting with histrionic personality disorder |journal=Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy |volume=30 |issue=1 |language=en |pages=64–72 |doi=10.1002/cpp.2769 |pmid=35776063 |pmc=10084191 |s2cid=250174275 |issn=1063-3995}}</ref> They may enjoy situations in which they can be the center of attention, and may feel uncomfortable when people are not paying attention to them.<ref name="Cleveland2" /> People with this disorder may wear flamboyant clothing, try [[body modification]]s,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Malick |first1=Farah |last2=Howard |first2=Josie |last3=Koo |first3=John |date=2008 |title=Understanding the psychology of the cosmetic patients |journal=Dermatologic Therapy |language=en |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=47–53 |doi=10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00169.x |pmid=18318885 |s2cid=20474746 |issn=1396-0296|doi-access=free }}</ref> and [[Factitious disorder imposed on self|fake medical conditions]] in an attempt to draw others' attention.<ref name="Cleveland2" /><ref>{{cite journal | pmid=17048160 | year=2006 | last1=Ritvo | first1=E. C. | last2=Melnick | first2=I. | last3=Marcus | first3=G. R. | last4=Glick | first4=I. D. | title=Psychiatric conditions in cosmetic surgery patients | journal=Facial Plastic Surgery | volume=22 | issue=3 | pages=194–197 | doi=10.1055/s-2006-950177 | s2cid=260138417 }}</ref> They may be inappropriately sexually provocative,<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Klonsky, Jane, Turkheimer, Oltmanns |first=E. David, J. Serrita, Eric, Thomas |year=2002 |title=Gender Role and Personality Disorders |journal=J Pers Disord |volume=16 |issue=5 |pages=464–76 |doi=10.1521/pedi.16.5.464.22121 |pmc=4364134 |pmid=12489312}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=White |first1=Robert Douglas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rHLqtIm71cAC&dq=Histrionic+personality+disorder+%22realistically%22&pg=PA190 |title=Working with Offenders: A Guide to Concepts and Practices |last2=Graham |first2=Hannah |date=2010 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-84392-794-5 |page=190 |language=en}}</ref> flirtatious,<ref name="Cleveland2" /><ref>{{cite journal | pmid=25868053 | year=2015 | last1=Gazzillo | first1=F. | last2=Lingiardi | first2=V. | last3=Del Corno | first3=F. | last4=Genova | first4=F. | last5=Bornstein | first5=R. F. | last6=Gordon | first6=R. M. | last7=McWilliams | first7=N. | title=Clinicians' emotional responses and Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual adult personality disorders: A clinically relevant empirical investigation | journal=Psychotherapy | volume=52 | issue=2 | pages=238–246 | doi=10.1037/a0038799 | hdl=11585/799617 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | pmid=19647529 | year=2009 | last1=Busch | first1=A. M. | last2=Kanter | first2=J. W. | last3=Callaghan | first3=G. M. | last4=Baruch | first4=D. E. | last5=Weeks | first5=C. E. | last6=Berlin | first6=K. S. | title=A micro-process analysis of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy's mechanism of change | journal=Behavior Therapy | volume=40 | issue=3 | pages=280–290 | doi=10.1016/j.beth.2008.07.003 }}</ref> or exploitative.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Kaplan |first=Marcie |date=July 1983 |title=A Women's View on DSM-III |url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/74cc/0e0c7579a914c66173bc9e5f05fefc3c09e4.pdf |journal=American Psychologist |volume=38 |issue=7 |pages=786–792 |doi=10.1037/0003-066x.38.7.786 |pmid=6614624 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316152728/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/74cc/0e0c7579a914c66173bc9e5f05fefc3c09e4.pdf |archive-date=2018-03-16 |access-date=2018-03-16 |s2cid=37908061}}</ref> [[Sexting|Sexually suggestive]] and [[exhibitionist]] behavior are also behaviors people with this condition sometimes exhibit, and are more likely to seek out casual sexual relationships.<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=21153441 | year=2011 | last1=Ferguson | first1=C. J. | title=Sexting behaviors among young Hispanic women: Incidence and association with other high-risk sexual behaviors | journal=The Psychiatric Quarterly | volume=82 | issue=3 | pages=239–243 | doi=10.1007/s11126-010-9165-8 | s2cid=29980530 }}</ref> When their desire for attention is not met, it can heighten the severity of their symptoms.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Duncan* |first1=Cameron |last2=Mellum |first2=Nathanael |last3=Cuneo |first3=Candie |last4=Anukam |first4=Doris |last5=Anderson-Monroe |first5=Cassandra |date=2020-10-13 |title=Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder: A Guide for APRNs |url=https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/understanding-histrionic-personality-disorder-a-guide-for-aprns |journal=International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research |language=en |issn=2688-9501}}</ref>

Patients with HPD are usually high-functioning, both socially and professionally. They usually have good [[social skills]], despite tending to use them to make themselves the center of attention.<ref name="Cleveland2" /> HPD may also affect a person's social and [[Romance (love)|romantic]] relationships, as well as their ability to cope with losses or failures. People with HPD tend to consider relationships closer than they usually are.<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=16260481 | year=2005 | last1=Cunliffe | first1=T. | last2=Gacono | first2=C. B. | title=A Rorschach investigation of incarcerated female offenders with antisocial personality disorder | journal=International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology | volume=49 | issue=5 | pages=530–546 | doi=10.1177/0306624X04273198 | s2cid=27327861 }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Citation |last1=French |first1=Jennifer H. |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder |date=2022 |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542325/ |work=StatPearls |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=31194465 |access-date=2022-07-21 |last2=Shrestha |first2=Sangam}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) - Psychiatric Disorders |url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/histrionic-personality-disorder-hpd |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=MSD Manual Professional Edition |language=en-GB}}</ref> They may seek treatment for [[clinical depression]] when romantic (or other close personal) relationships end.<ref name=":3" /> [[Substance use disorder|Substance disorders]],<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=19333525 | year=2009 | last1=Lorea | first1=I. | last2=Fernández-Montalvo | first2=J. | last3=López-Goñi | first3=J. J. | last4=Landa | first4=N. | title=Cocaine addiction and personality disorders: A study with the MCMI-II | journal=Adicciones | volume=21 | issue=1 | pages=57–63 | doi=10.20882/adicciones.252 | doi-access=free | hdl=2454/28270 | hdl-access=free }}</ref> such as [[alcohol use disorder]] or [[opioid use disorder]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Albein-Urios |first1=Natalia |last2=Verdejo-Román |first2=Juan |last3=Soriano-Mas |first3=Carles |last4=Asensio |first4=Samuel |last5=Martínez-González |first5=José Miguel |last6=Verdejo-García |first6=Antonio |date=2013 |title=Cocaine users with comorbid Cluster B personality disorders show dysfunctional brain activation and connectivity in the emotional regulation networks during negative emotion maintenance and reappraisal |journal=European Neuropsychopharmacology |volume=23 |issue=12 |pages=1698–1707 |doi=10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.04.012 |issn=1873-7862 |pmid=23712090|hdl=10481/101156 |s2cid=12081832 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=González |first1=Ester |last2=Arias |first2=Francisco |last3=Szerman |first3=Nestor |last4=Vega |first4=Pablo |last5=Mesias |first5=Beatriz |last6=Basurte |first6=Ignacio |date=2019 |title=Coexistence between personality disorders and substance use disorder. Madrid study about prevalence of dual pathology |journal=Actas Españolas de Psiquiatría |volume=47 |issue=6 |pages=218–228 |issn=1578-2735 |pmid=31869422}}</ref> are all common in patients with histrionic personality disorder.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Torgersen, Lygren, Øien, Skre, Onstad, Edvardsen, Tambs, Kringlen |first=Svenn, Sissel, Per Anders, Ingunn, Sidsel, Jack, Kristian, Einar |date=November 2000 |title=A Twin Studies of Personality Disorders |journal=Comprehensive Psychiatry |volume=41 |issue=6 |pages=416–425 |doi=10.1053/comp.2000.16560 |pmid=11086146}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | pmc=6043378 | year=2018 | last1=Gillespie | first1=N. A. | last2=Aggen | first2=S. H. | last3=Neale | first3=M. C. | last4=Knudsen | first4=G. P. | last5=Krueger | first5=R. F. | last6=South | first6=S. C. | last7=Czajkowski | first7=N. | last8=Nesvåg | first8=R. | last9=Ystrom | first9=E. | last10=Kendler | first10=K. S. | last11=Reichborn-Kjennerud | first11=T. | title=Associations Between Personality Disorders and Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder: A Population-Based Twin Study | journal=Addiction | volume=113 | issue=8 | pages=1488–1498 | doi=10.1111/add.14209 | pmid=29500852 }}</ref> They are also at higher risks of [[suicide]],<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=27433491 | year=2014 | last1=Shafiee-Kandjani | first1=A. R. | last2=Amiri | first2=S. | last3=Arfaie | first3=A. | last4=Ahmadi | first4=A. | last5=Farvareshi | first5=M. | title=Relationship between Personality Profiles and Suicide Attempt via Medicine Poisoning among Hospitalized Patients: A Case-Control Study | journal=International Scholarly Research Notices | volume=2014 | article-number=675480 | doi=10.1155/2014/675480 | pmc=4897309 | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | pmid=19752649 | year=2009 | last1=Ortigo | first1=K. M. | last2=Westen | first2=D. | last3=Bradley | first3=B. | title=Personality subtypes of suicidal adults | journal=The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease | volume=197 | issue=9 | pages=687–694 | doi=10.1097/NMD.0b013e3181b3b13f | pmc=2746062 }}</ref> [[body dysmorphia]] (a preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's physical appearance),<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=28791577 | year=2018 | last1=Gruber | first1=M. | last2=Jahn | first2=R. | last3=Stolba | first3=K. | last4=Ossege | first4=M. | title='Barbie Doll Syndrome'. A case report of body dysmorphic disorder | journal=Neuropsychiatrie | volume=32 | issue=1 | pages=44–49 | doi=10.1007/s40211-017-0241-2 | s2cid=148611124 | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | pmid=12893504 | year=2003 | last1=Holt | first1=D. J. | last2=Phillips | first2=K. A. | last3=Shapiro | first3=E. R. | last4=Becker | first4=A. E. | title="My Face is My Fate": Biological and psychosocial approaches to the treatment of a woman with obsessions and delusions | journal=Harvard Review of Psychiatry | volume=11 | issue=3 | pages=142–154 | doi=10.1080/10673220303951 | pmc=1622895 }}</ref> and [[divorce]].<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=23244459 | year=2012 | last1=Disney | first1=K. L. | last2=Weinstein | first2=Y. | last3=Oltmanns | first3=T. F. | title=Personality disorder symptoms are differentially related to divorce frequency | journal=Journal of Family Psychology | volume=26 | issue=6 | pages=959–965 | doi=10.1037/a0030446 | pmc=3569846 }}</ref> They may go through frequent job changes, as they become easily bored and may prefer withdrawing from [[frustration]] (instead of facing it). Because they tend to crave [[novelty]] and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing clinical depression.<ref name="ADAM2" /> People with this condition can have an impressionistic and undetailed style of speech.<ref name=":5">{{cite journal |author=Widiger, T. |year=1998 |title=Sex biases in the diagnosis of personality disorders |journal=Journal of Personality Disorders |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=95–118 |doi=10.1521/pedi.1998.12.2.95 |pmid=9661097}}</ref>

Despite these traits, they can be [[pride]]ful of their own personality, and may be unwilling to change, viewing any change as a threat. They may even blame their personal failures or disappointments on others.<ref name="AMN2">{{cite web |last=Arthur |first=Melissa |year=2006 |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder |url=http://www.health.am/psy/histrionic-personality-disorder/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212190602/http://www.health.am/psy/histrionic-personality-disorder/ |archive-date=2007-02-12 |access-date=10 January 2007 |work=Histrionic Personality Disorder: Description, Incidence, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Causes, Associated Conditions, Diagnosis, Signs and symptoms and treatment |publisher=Armenian Medical Network}}</ref>

== Causes ==
Little research has been done to find evidence of what causes histrionic personality disorder. Although direct causes are inconclusive, various theories and studies suggest multiple possible causes, of a neurochemical, genetic, psychoanalytic, or environmental nature. Traits such as extravagance, [[vanity]], and seductiveness of [[hysteria]] have similar qualities to women diagnosed with HPD.<ref name="Barlow2">Barlow, H.D. & Durand, V.M. (2005). Personality Disorders. (pp. 443–444). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomas Wadsworth.</ref> HPD symptoms typically do not fully develop until late teens or early 20s,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder: Who does histrionic personality disorder affect? |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9743-histrionic-personality-disorder |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=clevelandclinic.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Histrionic personality disorder: Causes |url=https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/histrionic-personality-disorder |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=mountsinai.org |language=en}}</ref> while the onset of treatment only occurs, on average, at approximately 40 years of age.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Lumen Learning |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder |url=https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-abnormalpsych/chapter/histrionic-personality-disorder-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316151827/https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-abnormalpsych/chapter/histrionic-personality-disorder-2/ |archive-date=2018-03-16 |access-date=2018-03-13 |website=Lumen Learning}}</ref><ref name="Fancher2">Fancher, R.E. & Rutherford, A. (2012). Pioneers of psychology. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.</ref>

Although 80% of diagnosed cases are in females,{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} it may be equally prevalent or likely among men.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last1=Schulte Holthausen |first1=Barbara |last2=Habel |first2=Ute |date=2018-10-11 |title=Sex Differences in Personality Disorders |journal=Current Psychiatry Reports |language=en |volume=20 |issue=12 |page=107 |doi=10.1007/s11920-018-0975-y |pmid=30306417 |issn=1535-1645}}</ref> Little is known about how this disorder affects males,{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} but it is thought that bias in the diagnosis of HPD may result in inadequate representation of males.<ref name=":6" />

=== Authoritarian parenting ===
There may be an association between having one or more parents with authoritarian or distant attitudes, and developing this disorder later in life.<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-323-85837-3.00001-7 |chapter=Personality disorders |title=Global Emergency of Mental Disorders |date=2021 |last1=Moini |first1=Jahangir |last2=Koenitzer |first2=Justin |last3=Logalbo |first3=Anthony |pages=303–328 |isbn=978-0-323-85837-3 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Moini |first=Jahangir |title=Global Emergency of Mental Disorders |year=2021 |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=978-0-323-85837-3 }}{{page needed|date=February 2025}}</ref>

[[Psychoanalytic]] theories incriminate [[Authoritarian Parent|authoritarian]] or distant attitudes by one (mainly the mother) or both parents, along with conditional love based on expectations the child can never fully meet.<ref name="WebMD2" /> Using psychoanalysis, [[Freud]] believed that lustfulness was a projection of the patient's lack of ability to love unconditionally and develop cognitively to maturity, and that such patients were overall emotionally shallow.<ref name="Pfohl2">Pfohl, B. (1995). Histrionic personality disorder. The DSM IV Personality Disorders, 173–192.</ref> He believed the reason for being unable to love could have resulted from a traumatic experience, such as the death of a close relative during childhood or divorce of one's parents, which gave the wrong impression of committed relationships. Exposure to one or multiple traumatic occurrences of a close friend or family member's leaving (via abandonment or mortality) could make the person unable to form true and affectionate attachments towards other people.<ref name="Nickert2">Nickert, J. (n.d.) Histrionic Personality Disorder.</ref>

=== Neurochemical/physiological ===
Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the function of certain [[hormones]], [[neurotransmitters]], and the Cluster B personality disorders such as HPD. This seems to be especially evident with respect to the [[catecholamines]]. Individuals diagnosed with HPD have a highly responsive noradrenergic system, which is responsible for the synthesis, storage, and release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. High levels of norepinephrine lead to anxiety-proneness, dependency, novelty seeking, and high sociability.<ref name=":02" />{{Medical citation needed|date=August 2021}}

=== Genetic ===
Twin studies have aided in breaking down the [[Nature vs. Nurture|genetic vs. environment]] debate. A twin study conducted by the Department of Psychology at the [[University of Oslo]] attempted to establish a correlation between genetics and Cluster B personality disorders. With a test sample of 221 twins, 92 [[Twin#Types and zygosity|monozygotic]] and 129 [[Twin#Types and zygosity|dizygotic]], researchers interviewed the subjects using the [[Structured Clinical Interview for DSM|Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R]] Personality Disorders (SCID-II) and concluded that there was a [[correlation]] of 0.67 that histrionic personality disorder is hereditary.<ref name=":4" />

=== HPD and antisocial personality disorder ===
Another theory suggests a possible relationship between histrionic personality disorder and [[antisocial personality disorder]]. Research has found 2/3 of patients diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder also meet criteria similar to those of the antisocial personality disorder,<ref name="Barlow2" /> which suggests both disorders based towards sex-type expressions may have the same underlying cause.{{CN|date=June 2025}}

Some family history studies have found that histrionic personality disorder, as well as antisocial and [[Borderline personality disorder|borderline]] personality disorders, tend to run in families, but it is unclear how much is due to genetic versus environmental factors.<ref name="Nolen-Hoeksema2">Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Personality Disorders. (pp. 266–267). Abnormal Psychology (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.</ref> Both examples suggest that predisposition could be a factor as to why certain people are diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder, however little is known about whether or not the disorder is influenced by any biological compound or is genetically inheritable.<ref name="Nolen-Hoeksema2" /> Little research has been conducted to determine the biological sources, if any, of this disorder.

== Diagnosis ==
The person's appearance, behavior and history, along with a [[psychological evaluation]], are usually sufficient to establish a diagnosis. There is no test to confirm this diagnosis. Because the criteria are subjective, some people may be wrongly diagnosed.<ref name="psych-central2">{{cite web |date=2017-12-17 |title=Psych Central: Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment |url=http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx17t.htm#psych |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829225824/http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx17t.htm#psych |archive-date=2008-08-29 |access-date=2008-07-09 |publisher=Psych Central}}</ref>{{Medical citation needed|date=August 2021}}

=== Assessment ===
In general clinical practice with assessment of personality disorders, one form of interview is the most popular: an [[unstructured interview]].<ref name="Sutker2">Sutker, P.B. (2002). Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Dependent Personality Disorders. Comprehensive handbook of psychopathology (3rd ed., pp. 513–514). New York: Kluwer Academic.</ref> The actual preferred method is a [[semi-structured interview]] but there is reluctance to use this type of interview because they can seem impractical or superficial.<ref name="Sutker2" /> The reason that a semi-structured interview is preferred over an unstructured interview is that semi-structured interviews tend to be more objective, systematic, replicable, and comprehensive.<ref name="Sutker2" /> Unstructured interviews, despite their popularity, tend to have problems with unreliability and are susceptible to errors leading to false assumptions of the patient.<ref name="Sutker2" />

One of the single most successful methods for assessing [[personality disorders]] by researchers of normal personality functioning is the [[self-report inventory]] following up with a semi-structured interview.<ref name="Sutker2" /> A disadvantage to the self-report inventory method is that, with histrionic personality disorder, there is a distortion in character, self-presentation, and [[self-image]].<ref name="Sutker2" /> This means that most clients cannot be assessed by simply asking them if they match the criteria for the disorder.<ref name="Sutker2" /> Most [[projective test]]ing depends less on the ability or willingness of the person to provide an accurate description of the self, but there is currently limited empirical evidence on projective testing to assess histrionic personality disorder.<ref name="Sutker2" />

=== Classification ===
{{Further|Classification of personality disorders}}
There are differing models for [[classification of personality disorders]]. While personality disorders, including HPD, are diagnosed as separate entities in the DSM-5; in the [[ICD-11 classification of personality disorders]], they are assessed in terms of severity levels, with trait and pattern specifiers serving to characterize the particular style of pathology.<ref name=":72">{{Cite journal |last=Clark |first=Lee Anna |author-link=Lee Anna Clark |date=2025-05-01 |title=Wherefrom and Whither PD? Recent Developments and Future Possibilities in DSM-5 and ICD-11 Personality Disorder Diagnosis |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-025-01602-y |journal=Current Psychiatry Reports |language=en |volume=27 |issue=5 |pages=267–277 |doi=10.1007/s11920-025-01602-y |issn=1535-1645 |pmc=12003573 |pmid=40108080}}</ref> There is also a hybrid model,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rodriguez-Seijas |first=Craig |last2=Ruggero |first2=Camilo |last3=Eaton |first3=Nicholas R. |last4=Krueger |first4=Robert F. |date=2019 |title=The DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders and Clinical Treatment: a Review |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s40501-019-00187-7 |journal=Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry |language=en |volume=6 |issue=4 |pages=284–298 |doi=10.1007/s40501-019-00187-7 |issn=2196-3061}}</ref> called the [[Alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders|''Alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders'']], which defines personality disorder diagnoses through combinations of pathological traits and areas of overall impairment.<ref name=":72" />

In the Section II categorical classification of personality disorders in the DSM-5, as well as in the ICD-10, HPD is defined by sets of characteristic symptoms. In the DSM-5, it is classified within [[Cluster B]] and in the ICD-10 it has the code ({{ICD10|F60.4}}).

The ''[[Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders]]'' (AMPD) does not list histrionic personality disorder as its own diagnostic entity.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last1=Morey |first1=Leslie C. |author-link1=Leslie Morey |last2=Benson |first2=Kathryn T. |last3=Busch |first3=Alexander J. |last4=Skodol |first4=Andrew E. |author-link4=Andrew E. Skodol |date=April 2015 |title=Personality Disorders in DSM-5: Emerging Research on the Alternative Model |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11920-015-0558-0 |journal=Current Psychiatry Reports |language=en |volume=17 |issue=4 |article-number=24 |doi=10.1007/s11920-015-0558-0 |pmid=25749746 |issn=1523-3812 |quote=In addition, the alternative model does not provide specific criteria for each of the ten PDs listed in Sect. II of the DSM-5, as it recommends considering dependent, schizoid, histrionic, and paranoid PDs as variants of 'Personality Disorder - Trait Specified.'}}</ref> However, it is stated in the AMPD that what is conceptualized as HPD can instead be diagnosed as ''[[Personality disorder trait specified|personality disorder – trait specified]]'',<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite book |title=Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 |date=2013 |publisher=American psychiatric association |isbn=978-0-89042-554-1 |edition=5th |location=Washington |page=771}}</ref> which is a [[Dimensional models of personality disorders|dimensional]] diagnosis that is constructed from the individual expression of personalty disorder,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Lee Anna |last2=Vanderbleek |first2=Emily N. |last3=Shapiro |first3=Jaime L. |last4=Nuzum |first4=Hallie |last5=Allen |first5=Xia |last6=Daly |first6=Elizabeth |last7=Kingsbury |first7=Thomas J. |last8=Oiler |first8=Morgan |last9=Ro |first9=Eunyoe |date=2015-02-01 |title=The Brave New World of Personality Disorder-Trait Specified: Effects of Additional Definitions on Coverage, Prevalence, and Comorbidity |journal=Psychopathology Review |language=EN |volume=a2 |issue=1 |pages=52–82 |doi=10.5127/pr.036314 |pmid=26097740 |issn=2051-8315 |pmc=4469240}}</ref> as manifested in both a general impairment in personality functioning along with at least one pathological [[personality trait]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rowiński |first1=Tomasz |last2=Kowalska-Dąbrowska |first2=Monika |last3=Strus |first3=Włodzimierz |last4=Cieciuch |first4=Jan |last5=Czuma |first5=Iwona |last6=Żechowski |first6=Cezary |last7=Markon |first7=Kristian E. |last8=Krueger |first8=Robert F. |date=2019-02-28 |title=Measurement of pathological personality traits according to the DSM-5: A Polish adaptation of the PID-5. Part I – theoretical foundations |url=https://www.psychiatriapolska.pl/Measurement-of-pathological-personality-traits-according-to-the-DSM-5-A-Polish-adaptation,86477,0,2.html |journal=Psychiatria Polska |language=english |volume=53 |issue=1 |pages=7–22 |doi=10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/86477 |issn=0033-2674 |quote=PD-TS is diagnosed when (1) moderate or higher impairment in at least two out of four elements of personality functioning (Criterion A) is accompanied by (2) at least one elevated pathological trait domain or facet (Criterion B) in the absence of (3) a pattern of traits consistent with a specific disorder (Criterion B) and/or a pattern of difficulties in personality functioning characteristic of a specific disorder (Criterion A).}}</ref>

The [[World Health Organization]]'s [[ICD-11]] has replaced the categorical classification of personality disorders in the [[ICD-10]] with a [[Dimensional models of personality disorders|dimensional model]] containing a unified ''personality disorder'' ({{ICD11|6D10}}) with severity specifiers, along with specifiers for ''[[prominent personality traits or patterns]]'' ({{ICD11|6D11}}).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bach |first1=Bo |last2=First |first2=Michael B. |date=2018-10-29 |title=Application of the ICD-11 classification of personality disorders |journal=BMC Psychiatry |volume=18 |issue=1 |page=351 |doi=10.1186/s12888-018-1908-3 |issn=1471-244X |pmc=6206910 |pmid=30373564 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Severity is assessed based on the pervasiveness of impairment in several areas of functioning, as well as on the level of distress and harm caused by the disorder,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Swales |first=Michaela A. |date=2022-12-15 |title=Personality Disorder Diagnoses in ICD-11: Transforming Conceptualisations and Practice |url=https://cpe.psychopen.eu/index.php/cpe/article/view/9635 |journal=Clinical Psychology in Europe |language=en |volume=4 |issue=Spec Issue |article-number=e9635 |doi=10.32872/cpe.9635 |pmid=36760321 |issn=2625-3410 |pmc=9881116}}</ref> while trait and pattern specifiers are used for recording the manner in which the disturbance is manifested.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bach |first1=Bo |last2=Kramer |first2=Ueli |last3=Doering |first3=Stephan |last4=di Giacomo |first4=Ester |last5=Hutsebaut |first5=Joost |last6=Kaera |first6=Andres |last7=De Panfilis |first7=Chiara |last8=Schmahl |first8=Christian |last9=Swales |first9=Michaela |last10=Taubner |first10=Svenja |last11=Renneberg |first11=Babette |date=2022-04-01 |title=The ICD-11 classification of personality disorders: a European perspective on challenges and opportunities |journal=Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation |volume=9 |issue=1 |page=12 |doi=10.1186/s40479-022-00182-0 |doi-access=free |pmid=35361271 |issn=2051-6673 |pmc=8973542}}</ref> Histrionic personality disorder has been linked to moderate associations with the trait domains ''[[Dissociality in personality disorder or personality difficulty|Dissociality]]'' ({{ICD11|6D11.2}}), ''[[Disinhibition in personality disorder or personality difficulty|Disinhibition]]'' ({{ICD11|6D11.3}}), and ''[[Negative affectivity in personality disorder or personality difficulty|Negative Affectivity]]'' ({{ICD11|6D11.0}}), reflecting tendencies toward emotional intensity, impulsivity, and a strong need for attention.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Simon |first1=Jonatan |last2=Lambrecht |first2=Bastian |last3=Bach |first3=Bo |date=2023-04-06 |title=Cross-walking personality disorder types to ICD-11 trait domains: An overview of current findings |journal=Frontiers in Psychiatry |language=English |volume=14 |article-number=1175425 |doi=10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1175425 |doi-access=free |issn=1664-0640 |pmc=10116048 |pmid=37091704}}</ref> Some studies also found inverse associations with [[Detachment in personality disorder or personality difficulty|''Detachment'']] ({{ICD11|6D11.1}}), consistent with the highly expressive and socially engaged behavior typical of the disorder.<ref name=":0" />

=== Comorbidity ===
Most histrionics also have other mental disorders. Comorbid conditions include: [[Antisocial personality disorder|antisocial]], [[Dependent personality disorder|dependent]], [[Borderline personality disorder|borderline]], and [[narcissistic personality disorder]]s,<ref name="Hales2">Hales E and Yudofsky JA, eds, The American Psychiatric Press Textbook of Psychiatry, Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., 2003</ref> as well as [[Major depressive disorder|depression]],<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=21245088 | year=2011 | last1=Skodol | first1=A. E. | last2=Grilo | first2=C. M. | last3=Keyes | first3=K. M. | last4=Geier | first4=T. | last5=Grant | first5=B. F. | last6=Hasin | first6=D. S. | title=Relationship of personality disorders to the course of major depressive disorder in a nationally representative sample | journal=The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume=168 | issue=3 | pages=257–264 | doi=10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10050695 | pmc=3202962 }}</ref> [[anxiety disorders]], [[panic disorder]], [[somatoform disorders]], [[anorexia nervosa]], [[substance use disorder]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Armenian Medical Network |url=http://www.health.am/psy/histrionic-personality-disorder/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212190602/http://www.health.am/psy/histrionic-personality-disorder/ |archive-date=2007-02-12 |access-date=2007-01-11}}</ref> and [[attachment disorder]]s, including [[reactive attachment disorder]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Trisha Akula |date=2024-11-02 |title=Histrionic Personality Disorder- A Review on Comorbidities, Associated Features and Assessments with Consideration of Factitious Disorder Traits |journal=EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research  |pages=1–3 |doi=10.36713/epra18871 |issn=2455-3662|doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Millon's subtypes ===
In 2000, [[Theodore Millon]] suggested six subtypes of histrionic personality disorder. Any individual histrionic may exhibit one or more of the following:<ref name="Millon2">{{Cite book |last=Millon |first=Theodore |title=Personality Disorders in Modern Life |publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |year=2004 |isbn=0-471-23734-5 |location=Hoboken, New Jersey}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Subtype
!Features
!Traits
|-
|'''Appeasing histrionic'''
|Including [[Dependent personality disorder|dependent]] and [[Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder|compulsive]] features
|Seeks to placate, mend, patch up, smooth over troubles; knack for settling differences, moderating tempers by yielding, compromising, conceding; sacrifices self for commendation; fruitlessly placates the unplacatable.
|-
|'''Vivacious histrionic'''
|Including [[hypomanic]] features, and possibly [[Narcissistic personality disorder|narcissistic]] features
|Vigorous, charming, bubbly, brisk, spirited, flippant, impulsive; seeks momentary cheerfulness and playful adventures; animated, energetic, ebullient.
|-
|'''Tempestuous histrionic'''
|Including [[Passive-aggressive personality disorder|negativistic]] features
|Impulsive, out of control; moody complaints, sulking; precipitous emotion, stormy, impassioned, easily wrought-up, periodically inflamed, turbulent.
|-
|'''Disingenuous histrionic'''
|Including [[Antisocial personality disorder|antisocial]] features
|Underhanded, double-dealing, scheming, contriving, plotting, crafty, false-hearted; egocentric, insincere, deceitful, calculating, guileful.
|-
|'''Theatrical histrionic'''
|Variant of "pure" pattern
|Affected, mannered, put-on; postures are striking, eyecatching, graphic; markets self-appearance; is synthesized, stagy; simulates desirable/dramatic poses.
|-
|'''Infantile histrionic'''
|Including [[Borderline personality disorder|borderline]] features
|Labile, high-strung, volatile emotions; childlike hysteria and nascent pouting; demanding, overwrought; fastens and clutches to another; is excessively attached, hangs on, stays fused to and clinging.
|}

== Treatment ==
Treatment is often prompted by depression associated with dissolved relationships. Medication does little to affect the personality disorder, but may be helpful with symptoms such as depression.<ref name="psych-central2" />{{Failed verification|date=August 2020}} Treatment for HPD itself involves [[psychotherapy]], including [[cognitive therapy]].<ref name="WebMD2" />

=== Functional analytic psychotherapy ===
Another way to treat histrionic personality disorder after identification is through [[functional analytic psychotherapy]].<ref name="Callaghan2">{{cite journal |author1=Callaghan G.M. |author2=Summers C.J. |author3=Weidman M. |year=2003 |title=The treatment of histrionic and narcissistic personality disorder behaviors: A single-subject demonstration of clinical improvement using functional analytic psychotherapy |journal=[[Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy]] |volume=33 |issue=4 |pages=321–339 |doi=10.1023/b:jocp.0000004502.55597.81 |s2cid=42066477}}</ref> The job of a functional analytic psychotherapist is to identify the interpersonal problems with the patient as they happen in session or out of session.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> Initial goals of functional analytic psychotherapy are set by the therapist and include behaviors that fit the client's needs for improvement.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> Functional analytic psychotherapy differs from the traditional psychotherapy due to the fact that the therapist directly addresses the patterns of behavior as they occur in-session.<ref name="Callaghan2" />

The in-session behaviors of the patient or client are considered to be examples of their patterns of poor [[interpersonal communication]] and to adjust their neurotic defenses.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> To do this, the therapist must act on the client's behavior as it happens in real time and give [[feedback]] on how the client's behavior is affecting their relationship during therapy.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> The therapist also helps the client with histrionic personality disorder by denoting behaviors that happen outside of treatment; these behaviors are termed "Outside Problems" and "Outside Improvements".<ref name="Callaghan2" /> This allows the therapist to assist in problems and improvements outside of session and to verbally support the client and condition optimal patterns of behavior".<ref name="Callaghan2" /> This then can reflect on how they are advancing in-session and outside of session by generalizing their behaviors over time for changes or improvement".<ref name="Callaghan2" />

=== Coding client and therapist behaviors ===
In these sessions there is a certain set of dialogue, or a script, that can be forced by the therapist for the client to give insight on their behaviors and reasoning.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> Here is an example;<ref name="Callaghan2" /> the conversation is hypothetical. T = therapist C = Client. This coded dialogue can be transcribed as:

* '''ECRB''' – Evoking clinically relevant behavior
** T: Tell me how you feel coming in here today ('''CRB2''') C: Well, to be honest, I was nervous. Sometimes I feel worried about how things will go, but I am really glad I am here.
* '''CRB1''' – In-session problems
** C: Whatever, you always say that. (becomes quiet). I don't know what I am doing talking so much.
* '''CRB2''' – In-session improvements
* '''TCRB1''' – Clinically relevant response to client problems
** T: Now you seem to be withdrawing from me. That makes it hard for me to give you what you might need from me right now. What do you think you want from me as we are talking right now?
* '''TCRB2''' – Responses to client improvement
** T: That's great. I am glad you're here, too. I look forward to talking to you.<ref name="Callaghan2" />

==== Functional ideographic assessment template ====
Another example of treatment besides coding is functional ideographic assessment template.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> The functional ideographic assessment template, also known as FIAT, was used as a way to generalize the clinical processes of functional analytic psychotherapy.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> The template was made by a combined effort of therapists and can be used to represent the behaviors that are a focus for this treatment.<ref name="Callaghan2" /> Using the FIAT therapists can create a common language to get stable and accurate communication results through functional analytic psychotherapy at the ease of the client; as well as the therapist.<ref name="Callaghan2" />

== Epidemiology ==
The survey data from the National epidemiological survey from 2001 to 2002 suggests a prevalence of HPD of 1.84 percent.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Grant |first1=Bridget F. |last2=Hasin |first2=Deborah S. |last3=Stinson |first3=Frederick S. |last4=Dawson |first4=Deborah A. |last5=Chou |first5=S. Patricia |last6=Ruan |first6=W. June |last7=Pickering |first7=Roger P. |date=2004-07-15 |title=Prevalence, Correlates, and Disability of Personality Disorders in the United States |journal=The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry |volume=65 |issue=7 |pages=948–958 |doi=10.4088/jcp.v65n0711 |issn=0160-6689 |pmid=15291684}}</ref>{{medical citation needed|date=April 2018}} Major character traits may be inherited, while other traits may be due to a combination of genetics and environment, including childhood experiences.<ref name="AMN2" /> This personality is seen more often in women than in men.<ref>{{cite book |last=Suinn |first=Richard M. |title=Fundamentals of abnormal psychology |publisher=Nelson-Hall |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-8304-1071-2 |edition=Updated |location=Chicago |pages=335–336}}</ref> Approximately 65% of HPD diagnoses are women while 35% are men.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} In Marcie Kaplan's ''A Women's View of DSM-III'', she argues that women are overdiagnosed due to potential biases and expresses that even healthy women are often automatically diagnosed with HPD.<ref name=":2" /> It has also been argued due to diagnostic bias that prevalence rates are equal among women and men.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sprock |first=June |date=2 February 2000 |title=Gender-Typed Behavioral Examples of Histrionic Personality Disorder |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1007514522708 |journal=Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=107–122 |doi=10.1023/A:1007514522708 |s2cid=141244223|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Many symptoms representing HPD in the DSM are exaggerations of traditional feminine behaviors. In a peer and self-review study, it showed that femininity was correlated with histrionic, dependent and narcissistic personality disorders.<ref name=":1" /> Although it has typically been found that at least two thirds of HPD diagnoses are female, there have been a few exceptions.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Corbitt, E., Widiger, T. |year=1995 |title=Sex differences among the personality disorders: An exploration of the data |journal=Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice |volume=2 |issue=3 |pages=225–238 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-2850.1995.tb00041.x}}</ref> Whether or not the rate will be significantly higher than the rate of women within a particular clinical setting depends upon many factors that are mostly independent of the differential sex prevalence for HPD.<ref name=":5" /> Those with HPD are more likely to look for multiple people for attention, which leads to marital problems due to jealousy and lack of trust from the other party. This makes them more likely to become divorced or separated once married.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Disney, K.L., Weinstein, Y., & Oltmanns, T.F. |year=2012 |title=Personality disorder symptoms are differentially related to divorce frequency |journal=Journal of Family Psychology |volume=26 |issue=6 |pages=959–965 |doi=10.1037/a0030446 |pmc=3569846 |pmid=23244459}}</ref> With few studies done to find direct causations between HPD and culture, cultural and social aspects play a role in inhibiting and exhibiting HPD behaviors.

== See also ==
* [[Acting out]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Medical resources
 | DiseasesDB     =
 | ICD10          = {{ICD10|F|60|4|f|60}}
 | ICD9           = {{ICD9|301.50}}
 | ICDO           =
 | OMIM           =
 | MedlinePlus    = 001531
 | eMedicineSubj  =
 | eMedicineTopic =
 | MeshID         = D006677
}}

{{ICD-10 personality disorders}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cluster B personality disorders]]