What is histrionic personality disorder?

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition marked by intense,

unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. The word “histrionic” means “dramatic
or theatrical.”

For people with histrionic personality disorder, their self-esteem depends on the
approval of others and doesn’t come from a true feeling of self-worth. They have an
overwhelming desire to be noticed and often behave dramatically or inappropriately
to get attention.

People with histrionic personality disorder often don’t realize their behavior and way
of thinking may be problematic.

Histrionic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster

B” personality disorders, which involve dramatic and erratic behavior.

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Who does histrionic personality disorder affect?

Histrionic personality disorder usually begins in your late teens or early 20s.

Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more commonly diagnosed
with histrionic personality disorder than men and people assigned male at birth
(AMAB), but researchers think that men and people AMAB may be underdiagnosed.

How common is histrionic personality disorder?

Histrionic personality disorder is relatively rare. Researchers estimate that about 1%

of people have the condition.

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