1. Histrionic Personality Disorder

2. Definition: A personality disorder characterized by a pattern of exaggerated emotions and attention-seeking behavior, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriate seductiveness, usually beginning in early adulthood

3. Symptoms: Attention Seeking, Need for Approval

4. Attention Seeking

5. Make Very Rash Decisions

6. Rash Decisions

7. Dress/Act Provocatively

8. Dress Provocatively

9. Be Excessively Sensitive to Criticism or Disapproval

10. Sensitive to Criticism

11. Rarely Show Concern for Others

12. No Concern for Others

13. Seductive or Flirtatious Behavior

14. Flirtatious Behavior

15. Causes: The exact cause is not known. It is not proven to run in the family, as children could just be repeating observed behavior.

16. Other Environmental Factors Include: • Lack of criticism or punishment as child • Positive feedback given only when certain tasks are completed • Unpredictable attention given by parent • General confusion about what kinds of behavior earn parental approval

17. Percent Occurrence: The prevalence of HPD in the general population is approximately 2-3%

18. Related Pathologies: HPD has been associated with alcoholism and with higher rates of conversion disorder and depression. Narcissism, anti-social and dependant behavior often occur with HPD

19. Treatment: People with HPD don’t think they need treatment, making it difficult. The most common method is psychotherapy. This treatment helps patients uncover their motivations and fears behind their actions, and helps them relate to others in a more positive way. The alternative method of meditation is also used to treat depression and anxiety that may come with HPD.

20. Other Methods Include: • Group Therapy • Group Role Play • Family Therapy • Prescribed Antidepressants

21. Case Study: Marsha, Female, 56 Diagnosed with HPD. Marsha uses many tactics to draw people’s attention. For women, Marsha finds a problem she can complain about. For men, she flirts excessively. Marsha has been married and divorced four times, because all her husbands thought she flirted too much. Little did they know she had HPD.

23. Sources: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/histrionic-personality-disorder http://www.minddisorders.com/flu-inv/histrionic-personality-disorder.html http://www.buzzle.com/articles/histrionic-patient-case-study.html