10 Symptoms of a Histrionic Personality Disorder

By James Roberts, Health Team

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As social creatures, it is in our genetic make-up to seek out the attention of others. We want to spend time in the company of others, to share stories with others, to seek assurances from others. Such is our need for the company of other people, our physical and mental health can be impacted quite significantly if we are isolated for long periods of time.

In people with histrionic personality disorder, however, this desire for attention from other people can become obsessive ¹. They will need to feel as though they are constantly receiving attention from others and can behave in extreme ways to get the attention they so desire.

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Symptom #1: Exhibitionism

Showing off can be fun at times. It can be entertaining and funny to generally help others have a good time. There is also a need to do so within reason and overdoing it can create some negative opinions. For some people, though, the desire to be the center of attention makes them prone to exhibitionism as much as possible.

People with histrionic personality disorder are likely to always be the one that’s the center of attention. The way they dress, act and speak will all be aimed at helping them to show off and catch the attention of everybody around them. If somebody else is the center of attention, then the person with histrionic personality disorder will do what they can to take over the limelight.

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