What is histrionic personality disorder (HPD)?

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a type of personality disorder.

A person with HPD will often:

• seek attention
• act seductively
• have strong emotional reactions

Many people have some of these traits but do not have a personality disorder.

A personality disorder is when a person's long-term way of thinking, feeling and acting affects their ability to function well in everyday life.

People with personality disorders find it hard to change their behaviour or adapt to different situations. They may have trouble building and maintaining positive relationships with others and keeping a job.

Females are more likely to be diagnosed with HPD than males.

What are the symptoms of HPD?

The main symptoms of someone with HPD are:

• always seeking attention
• being uneasy in places where they are not the centre of attention
• being overly seductive or sexually provocative
• showing emotions that change quickly or may appear to be shallow or inauthentic
• speaking vaguely, missing details
• being easily swayed by other people or situations
• thinking relationships are closer than they really are

People with HPD can seem highly dramatic, excitable and impulsive.

What causes HPD?

The cause of HPD is not fully understood. Both genetics and childhood events are thought to have impact, such as:

• abuse
• neglect
• trauma

When should I see my doctor?

If you think that you have symptoms of HPD, you should talk to your doctor. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who knows how to help people with personality disorders.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

It can be difficult for a person with HPD to get help. They may not be aware of any problems in their relationships or function. HPD may not be diagnosed until it starts to affect a person's life and their relationships with others.

Find out more about how to access mental health services in Australia.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is HPD diagnosed?

To find out if you have HPD, you will need to see a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. They will get to know you over a period of time. They can diagnose HPD based on your symptoms and how you interact with others

How is HPD treated?

The treatments for personality disorders can vary. Recovery often depends how well you understand the challenge you are experiencing. Psychological therapy can help people with HPD manage their lives and relationships.

There are no medicines that treat HPD. If someone with HPD has other mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, these could be treated with medicines.

Living with HPD

Looking after yourself is an important part of recovery with HPD. Here are some tips you can use to create a positive change in your life:

• make healthy choices around nutrition, exercise and friendships
• try to get enough sleep
• connect with supportive people
• exercise regularly
• do enjoyable things every day

Helping someone with HPD

Helping someone with HPD can be difficult. They might not believe they have an issue. You can help them by:

• learning about HPD and encouraging them to talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist
• gently explaining how their behaviour impacts others
• giving them time to share their thoughts and feelings if they choose to
• encouraging them to take care of themselves by eating well, exercising and finding time to relax

It's very important to be patient — it may take time for a person to see progress. You can:

• reassure them that things can improve
• ask how you can help them
• encourage them to get treatment

It's also important to validate their feelings and avoid being judgemental. This does not mean you have to agree with what they say. You can validate what is true. For example, you can say "It makes sense that you feel that way".

What are the complications of HPD?

People with HPD have a higher risk of:

• alcohol or drug abuse
• suicide attempts
• sexually transmitted infections

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Can HPD be prevented?

Some personality disorders can be prevented, such as by preventing childhood trauma.

There are some things that can help prevent complications of HPD.

• Your psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor can give helpful advice on lifestyle that may be affected HPD
• For parents with HPD, counselling can help family communication and parenting.
• You can join a support group to speak to other people with similar experiences and challenges.

Resources and support

If you need help or have any concerns with your mental health you should speak to your doctor.

There are organisations that offer help and resources for people with personality disorders. Try the following organisations:

• ReachOut — support services for personality disorders
• SANE Australia — treatment and support for personality disorder
• Government of Western Australia — self help resources for mental health problems
• Medicare Mental Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

Languages other than English?

Visit Transcultural Mental Health Centre for resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, Yarn Safe has mental health and wellbeing information.

WellMob also has more mental health information and resources Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.