histrionic personality disorder

histrionic personality disorder

 

a personality disorder characterized by dramatic, attention-seeking, overly reactive, and intensely expressed behavior. Individuals with this disorder are prone to emotional display, such as angry outbursts and tantrums. They are often perceived by others as shallow and fickle; in their relationships they may be superficially charming but are frequently demanding and inconsiderate of others. Their behavior is often inappropriately sexually seductive or provocative, and they demand to be the center of attention, often using physical appearance to draw attention. Emotional expression is shallow and rapidly shifting. They may make manipulative suicide threats or attempts.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

his·tri·on·ic per·son·al·i·ty dis·or·der

1. an enduring and pervasive pattern of behavior in adulthood characterized by excessive, dramatic, and shallow emotionality; attention-seeking; and demands for approval and reassurance, beginning in early childhood and present in a variety of contexts.

2. a DSM diagnosis that is established when the specified criteria are met.

Synonym(s): hysteric personality disorder

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

histrionic personality disorder

n.

A personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and persistent attention-seeking behavior.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

A state characterised by pervasive and excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviour, which begins by early adulthood, and is present in various contexts

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

histrionic personality disorder

Hysterical personality disorder Psychiatry A state characterized by '…pervasive and excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior', which begins by early adulthood, and is present in various contexts; HPD is diagnosed by the finding of 5 or more of a list of criteria.

Histrionic Personality Disorder ≥ 5 criteria  

1. Person is uncomfortable unless he/she is center of attention

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2. Interactions with others may be sexually inappropriate or provocative

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3. Volatile and/or shallow emotions

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4. Use of physical appearance to draw attention to self

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5. Impressionistic speech pattern

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6. Theatricality, exaggerated emotions

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7. Suggestible, ie easily influenced by others

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8. Regards relationships as more intimate than they are

Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed, Washington, DC, Am Psychiatric Assn, 1994  

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McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

his·tri·on·ic per·son·al·i·ty dis·or·der

(histrē-onik pĕrsŏ-nali-tē dis-ōrdĕr)

In adults, a pattern of excessive emotional expression and attention-seeking behavior coupled with an extreme need for approval and inappropriate seductive behavior.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

histrionic personality disorder

A type of hysterical personality disorder manifested by ostentatious, flamboyant dress, exaggerated speech and manner, and theatrical, attention-seeking, behaviour. The conduct appears calculated to impress or shock. There is often inability to maintain deep relationships and psychosexual disorder is common.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005