Understanding Histrionic Personality Trait
By: Christine Hammond, LMHC
Histrionic is defined as overly dramatic or emotional but as
a personality trait histrionic includes overly sexual or provocative. Interestingly enough a histrionic will see
themselves as very sexual even when they are not sexually appealing or even
physically attractive. It is almost as
if they have rose colored glasses on when they look in the mirror and then take
them off when they look at others.
So what is Histrionic?
Well, according to the new DSM-V, histrionic is no longer a personality
disorder in and of itself rather it is now classified under Personality
Disorder Trait Specified (PDTS). This
means that there was not enough research to properly classify histrionics as
having a named personality disorder but there is evidence enough that it does
exist. So the traits of histrionics are
still classifiable and qualify as a PDTS.
Here is the technical definition based on the new classification:
·
Emotional – crying uncontrollably
·
Manipulative
·
Attention seeking
The practical definition looks
more like this:
·
Dresses provocatively
·
Acts very dramatically
·
Gullible
·
Low tolerance for frustration
·
Makes rash decisions
·
Threatens or attempts suicide
One of the best examples of a histrionic is Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone
with the Wind”. Her flair for the overly
dramatic, the constant demand for attention, the quick foolish decisions, and
emphasis on provocative clothing even during her impoverished years is typical
histrionic. It was all about Scarlett
and she was furious at anyone who did not give her attention when she wanted
it.
So how do you deal with a person
who might be histrionic? Here are a few
suggestions:
·
“You look nice today” is a safe way to give
needed attention without getting into the specifics of their clothing. Remember they are dressing provocatively on
purpose so don’t go too crazy on the compliments.
·
Allow them to be the center of attention for a
specific time period to get it out of their system and then they will be more
likely to share the stage with others.
·
Do your best to minimize conflict when they are
around or they will shut down. They are
not great fighters despite their forwardness.
·
Don’t play into their drama moments. Instead set firm boundaries in your dealings
with them.
·
Don’t get emotional, they have a sixth sense
about emotion and will play on it.
Sometimes they even turn the emotion sexual when that was the last thing
on your mind.
·
Be very careful because they make rash decisions
which means they might agree now but won’t later.
You might be wondering what the difference is between
Borderline Personality Disorder and a histrionic because when you put the two
disorders side by side they do have some of the same characterizations. Borderlines don’t tend to be as sexual as
histrionics. While they do engage in
inappropriate sexual acts or make overly provocative comments, histrionics take
it to the next level and make everything sexual to the point of
nauseating. If you are dealing with
this, please get some help. This is too
tiring to deal with alone.
