On the Histrionic Personality Disorder

Apparently, personality disorder is not what I thought it was. I'd have thought Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was the classical example. But from the tutorial we had this morning, it seemed not somehow. Who'd have known, personality disorder in itself can have a lot of subtypes, subtype A: The Mad; subtype B: The Bad; subtype C: The Sad.

Apparently, I thought I knew someone who had histrionic personality disorder.

People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and professionally. People with histrionic personality disorder usually have good social skills, but they tend to use these skills to manipulate other people and become the center of attention. Furthermore, histrionic personality disorder may affect a person's social or romantic relationships or their ability to cope with losses or failures.

People with this disorder lack genuine empathy. They start relationships well but tend to falter when depth and durability are needed, alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. They may seek treatment for depression when romantic relationships end, although this is by no means a feature exclusive to this disorder.

They often fail to see their own personal situation realistically, instead tending to dramatize and exaggerate their difficulties. They may go through frequent job changes, as they become easily bored and have trouble dealing with frustration. 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 depression.

Additional symptoms include:

• Constant seeking of reassurance or approval.
• Excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotions.
• Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval.
• Excessive concern with physical appearance.
• A need to be the center of attention.
• Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
• Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others.
• Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are.
  
  

Then again, perhaps we all know that kind of person around us. Besides, personality disorder is not something we can simply diagnose, as those who are diagnosed to have this, are most of the time 'un-help-able'.

Might be ourselves. Who knows? I thought I saw some traits in my too. LOL