While Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD is most commonly seen in males, Histrionic Personality Disorder, or HPD is mostly seen in women. Just like NPD, this disorder can get very difficult to handle at times, due to all the toxicity that comes with it.
This doesn’t mean that women cannot get NPD and vice versa. Around three percent of the popular suffer from HPD.
Historic is rooted in ‘hysteria’ and according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, it is classified as a Cluster B Disorder. Those afflicted by it start showing symptoms when they become young adults.
Histrionic Personality Disorder in women is quite like NPD because these people also have an inflated ego and think very highly of themselves. This is accompanied by an intense desire for drama and the spotlight at all times.
They are noisy, theatrical, spirited people who seem like they’re the ones who can get the party started. It is not easy to spot HPD because these people look like they’re nice and outgoing.
But all of that is just superficial and is a direct effect of their need for attention. HPD is partially genetic and its onset also depends on how a person is brought up in their childhood.
They are generally very dramatic and are very good at playing a role. They will be seductive, provocative, dependent, and emotionally unstable, just about anything if it means they can use that persona to gain influence on the people surrounding them. Their actions are exaggerated and often not appropriate for the circumstances they are in just so that people will stay fixed on them.
Related: 12 Weird Things You Might See A Narcissist Do.
There is no such thing as bad attention in their case. They are just as ready to be shocking, infuriating, annoying, and embarrassing if it means the spotlight will be on them. They like it when they can make the people around them scared and unstable.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual has published eight key features for HPD:
1. Not comfortable on the sidelines.
2. Acting in a manner that is not appropriate, usually with sexually charged overtones.
3. Superficial feelings and mood swings.
4. Uses looks to ensure that the spotlight stays on them.
5. Talks in a grandiose but superficial manner.
6. Expresses themselves in an exaggerated way.
7. Easy to control
8. Thinks that they are much closer to people than they really are.
Individuals with HPD are also pathological liars sometimes their web of lies becomes so complex that they start believing their own fabrications.
If someone calls them out on their behavior they will descend into hysteria and try to make themselves look like the victim by blaming and shaming everyone else. They are so emotionally unstable that many suffer from bipolar disorder or are clinically depressed. Everything they feel is so intense that it seems like they are feeling it a step above everyone else which is mostly true.
Here Is How Histrionic Personality Disorder Works In Women
1. Rage
Quick to anger and doesn’t have a tight grip on their feelings even with regard to trivial things.
2. Desire to spotlight
Everything needs to revolve around them at all times.
Related: Psychology Behind Attention Seeking Behavior in Adults
3. Accusatory
They don’t feel bad for anything they’ve done because they believe that others are at fault. It is never their mistake.
4. Infidelity
Being unfaithful is no problem for them and they won’t care if they’re also ruining someone else’s relationship.
5. Patronizing
They’ll take any chance they get to condescend to others.
6. Selfish
All their relationships are based on what they can get out of those people. If someone becomes useless they will be cut off.
7. Liars
Lying comes easily to them and they never feel guilty about it.
8. Dependency
They can’t be by themselves and always need people around who can give them the attention they crave.
9. Depressed
Usually clinically depressed or experiencing periods where their mood is down for no reason.
10. Easy to manipulate
Other people can lead them by the nose if they are good at persuading.
11. Superiority complex
Thinks that they are better than everybody else and should be treated that way.
12. Exaggerating
They embellish every single tale they tell about themselves or those around them.
Related: 10 Interesting Facts That Will Help You Understand Narcissists Better
13. Extroverts
High on energy in public and down when they are by themselves.
14. Abandonment issues
These might be scars left over from when they were kids or other incidents which have given them a fear of being alone.
15. Gaslighters
Manipulates people close to them into doubting themselves to the point where they begin to think they are insane.
16. Self-important
Thinks they are superior to everyone else.
17. Impetuous
Often does things on impulse without really pausing to think about the effect of their actions.
18. Not compassionate
They don’t really think about what those around them are going through.
19. Emotionally unstable
One moment they will be joyful and excited and in the next minute they’ll be sobbing and wailing.
20. Heightened sensitivity
Can’t handle being criticized even if it is constructive criticism.
21. Sexually Charged
They use seduction, flirtation, and provocation to keep the spotlight on them even if it is inappropriate for the situation.
Related: Narcissists and Sex – The Biggest Manipulation and Controlling Tool
22. Self-saboteurs
They might be addicted to substances or act in a manner that causes others to dislike them.
23. Vain
Their looks are very important to them and they’ll try their best to ensure that others also appreciate the way they look. They’ll spend a lot on maintaining themselves.
For those who feel they may have HPD, it is important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. It is easier to work on the problem once you are aware of it.
It is important to treat these people in a compassionate manner because they don’t know that their actions are wrong.
They don’t possess the knowledge about their own selves that other people have and so it is not easy for them to cure themselves. This is why they keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
Related: 10 Tips To Deal With Toxic Family Members Without Losing Your Mind
While it is hard, it is possible to be in a relationship with people who have HPD as long as both parties know that they will have an unusual time of it. Lines have to be drawn and both have to understand that there will be consequences if they are crossed. The partner without HPD will have to work on helping the one with HPD.
Professional help is always advised and there are many support groups who are doing very good work.
Be careful that you don’t actually diagnose anyone without getting them looked over by a professional because you might end up doing more harm than good.
If you want to know more about Histrionic Personality Disorder that can be found in many women, then check this video out below:
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