Individuals with histrionic personality disorder are uncomfortable or feel unappreci- ated when they are not the center of attention (Criterion 1). Often lively and dramatic, they tend to draw attention to themselves and may initially charm new acquaintances by their enthusiasm, apparent openness, or ﬂirtatiousness. These qualities wear thin, however, as these individuals continually demand to be the center of attention. They commandeer the role of ”the life of the party." If they are not the center of attention, they may do something dramatic (e.g., make up stories, create a scene) to draw the focus of attention to themselves.
This need is often apparent in their behavior with a clinician (e.g., being ﬂattering, bring- ing gifts, providing dramatic descriptions of physical and psychological symptoms that are replaced by new symptoms each visit).
The appearance and behavior of individuals with this disorder are often inappropri- ately sexually provocative or seductive (Criterion 2). This behavior not only is directed to- ward persons in whom the individual has a sexual or romantic interest but also occurs in a wide variety of social, occupational, and professional relationships beyond what is ap- propriate for the social context. Emotional expression may be shallow and rapidly shifting (Criterion 3). Individuals with this disorder consistently use physical appearance to draw attention to themselves (Criterion 4). They are overly concerned with impressing others by their appearance and expend an excessive amount of time, energy, and money on clothes and grooming. They may “fish for compliments” regarding appearance and may be easily they regard as unﬂattering.
These individuals have a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail (Criterion 5). Strong opinions are expressed with dramatic ﬂair, but underlying reasons are usually vague and diffuse, without supporting facts and details. For example, an individual with histrionic personality disorder may comment that a certain individual is a wonderful human being, yet be unable to provide any specific examples of good qual- ities to support this opinion. Individuals with this disorder are characterized by self- dramatization, theatricality, and an exaggerated expression of emotion (Criterion 6). They may embarrass friends and acquaintances by an excessive public display of emotions (e.g., embracing casual acquaintances with excessive ardor, sobbing uncontrollably on minor sentimental occasions, having temper tantrums). However, their emotions often seem to be turned on and off too quickly to be deeply felt, which may lead others to accuse the in- dividual of faking these feelings.
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder have a high degree of suggestibility (Cri- terion 7). Their opinions and feelings are easily inﬂuenced by others and by current fads.
They may be overly trusting, especially of strong authority figures whom they see as mag- ically solving their problems. They have a tendency to play hunches and to adopt convic- tions quickly. Individuals with this disorder often consider relationships more intimate than they actually are, describing almost every acquaintance as ”my dear, dear friend” or referring to physicians met only once or twice under professional circumstances by their first names (Criterion 8).