Introduction To My Blog Series: Living Successfully With Borderline Personality Disorder & Histrionic Personality Disorder

I was 27 years old when I entered into the realization that there was something wrong with me and one of the original diagnosis was Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD. 

I say something wrong with me because I was just not able to manage my life on my own and somehow knew there was something wrong with my mind.

Back then, not a lot was known about this horribly stigmatized disorder because BPD patients were considered impossible to treat or wrongly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. 

Along with BPD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) were also added to my diagnostic mix.

ADHD was quickly debunked and over the past two decades most professionals leaned towards my having PTSD or a Dissociative Disorder – but something about these disorders never seemed to fit.

Add menopause to the mix and the confusion became even more confusing.

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Anxiety

Here are past blogs I’ve written about my struggles with anxiety and what felt like PTSD or DDNOS:

• Managing Anxiety -The Space of No Mind
• Managing Anxiety and the Mind of Choice
• Anxiety – The Antithesis of Personal Connection
• Anxiety & Cannabidiol (CBD) & Exercise
• Trauma, Flashbacks and Dissociative Disorders
• AM I: In a Panic Attack or Trauma Response or Dissociation or Menopause? How Do I Tell The Difference?

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My Struggles With Alcoholism

• Mystic Order – Reiki Level IIIA – 21 Day Cleanse – A Miracle Has Happened
• Spiritual Discipline – My Alcohol Addiction – My Story Now
• Personal Development – Cutting the Ties That Bind – Saying Goodbye to Alcohol
• Is Too Much a Choice or Addiction?
• Personal Development – A Wild Woman’s Journey With Drinking and Hedonism While Walking the Spiritual Path
• Personal Development – A Wild Woman’s Slow Transformation Towards Her Best Self
• Reiki Principle For Today – I Will Not Worry
• OYNB – One Year No Beer – This Wild Woman’s Successful Journey of the 28 Day Challenge and Beyond!
• Personal Development – A Wild Woman Walking the Spiritual Path – A Wild Woman Redefined? Absolutely!
• Personal Development – Living Alcohol Free – Musings During Day 78
• Reiki Principle For Today – I Will Do My Work Honestly
• Personal Development – Living An Alcohol Free Life – Year One
• Another Layer
• 365 Days of Sobriety: My Journey and Triggers
• I’m No Longer Ashamed Of Being An Alcoholic
• A Bountiful Bevy Of Sagacious Skills
• A Life Of Sobriety Allows Me Deeper Connection With Family & Friends
• From Domes To Sunflowers – Dogs & Sobriety – While Becoming A Better Self
• The Man Who Reminds Me I Cannot Have Just One Drink
• This Joyful Alcoholic Has Lost Interest In Bar Hopping & Any Type Of Partying
• The Consequences Of Drinking And Driving
• My Favourite People To Be Around
• Proper Mental Health Diagnoses. Feeling Safe. Accepting I Am An Alcoholic.
• Overthinking & The Joys Of Living My Twenty-Four Hour AA Program
• Accepting I Am An Alcoholic
• From Anxiety To Sobriety: My Life Journey From 52 – 56

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Present Day

On February 9th, 2022, I had a thorough psychological assessment by a seasoned psychiatrist. At long last, at 52 years old, I was finally properly diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder.

This blog series called Owning and Unraveling Borderline Personality Disorder & Histrionic Personality Disorder is my way of processing and understanding these complex personality disorders and how they manifest, interfere with and enhance my life.

Perhaps, as it has been said to me from friends who have family members with Borderline Personality Disorder, I can help dispel misconceptions and stigmas associated with these mental illnesses.

And hopefully I can shed some light and more personal information on what living with Histrionic Personality Disorder is like as I review each symptom and diagnostic criteria and how they show up (past or present) in my life.

With hope,

Stephanie, 🩵🌻

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Books About HPD Are Scarce

There seems to very few books published specifically about Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD).

When I search on the internet for HPD books, the selection quickly transitions to personality disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Hopefully, as I develop this series on what living with HPD is like, I can be a trusted resource for those who, like me, have been searching for more information about this personality disorder.

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Living With HPD

HPD, for me, is more challenging to talk about then living with BPD.

To start, this is because I can remember being told as a child to stop looking for attention, and how embarrassed I felt when told this.

Inwardly, I have always craved to be the centre of attention. To let my inner light shine bright and become a super star.

Exhale…

Sigh… I can relate to each of the below listed symptoms of HPD.

I think that is it for today.

This is a lot to process, for a variety of reasons.

S, 🌻

According to Theravive :

DSM-5 Category: Personality Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder is a DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.) diagnosis assigned to individuals who display patterns of attention-seeking, often dramatic behavior to gain the approval of others. This behavior may be flirtatious, emotional, seductive or otherwise in order to capture the attention of onlookers.

Introduction

Long associated with the historical term hysteria – histrionic being a derivative – histrionic personality disorder is a mental condition characterized by over-the-top behavior, such as emotional outbursts, noisy displays of temper, compulsive attention seeking and self-centredness.

Sufferers of histrionic personality disorder may overreact and exaggerate, assume greater familiarity with others than actually exists, pay excessive attention to their appearance and display narcissistic qualities. A Cluster B personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder is closely related to other conditions within the bracket, such as borderline, antisocial, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Histrionic personality disorder affects an estimated one to three per cent of the American population1) and is more prevalent among women than men. The condition often results in distress for the sufferer and may adversely impact on social, occupational and other areas of life. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include the following: 

• Shallow, changeable emotions
• Assumed intimacy with others
• Hypersensitivity to criticism 
• Manipulative behavior
• Disproportionate emotional reactions
• Sexually provocative behavior
• A compulsive desire for attention
• Preoccupation with appearance
• Suggestible and easily influenced

Diagnosis criteria for histrionic personality disorder

In order to make a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder, a psychological examination is necessary, along with a general evaluation of the patient’s behavior and overall appearance. 

There is no set test to determine whether someone has histrionic personality disorder. Previously, a number of pointers were specified in an earlier edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in order to help clinicians make a diagnosis3). At least five of the following traits needed to be recorded for a diagnosis to be indicated:

• A compulsion to be the center of attention that results in discomfort if unmet
• Inappropriate sexual, seductive or provocative behavior when interacting with others
• Shallow, rapidly shifting emotions
• The use of physical appearance to draw others’ attention
• Dramatic, impressionistic speech that lacks detail
• Exaggerated, theatrical emotional expression 
• Easily influenced by others or situations
• Assumes relationships are more intimate than they are

Unstructured or semi-structured interviews may also be carried out as part of the diagnostic process; these usually involve investigation into the patient’s concerns without a set series of questions, allowing for free-flowing conversation.

Often, an element of the diagnostic process is the self-report inventory, which usually takes the form of a short questionnaire designed to provide insight into the patient’s state of mind. The subject is required to answer questions pertaining to their lifestyle, symptoms, values and more, which are then assessed and scored by the healthcare professional to indicate the nature of the condition.

Causes of histrionic personality disorder

There is no single known cause of histrionic personality disorder but factors such as genetics and childhood experiences may play some part in the disorder’s development2). Links have been made between the development of personality disorders and the following factors:

Inherited personality traits Studies have determined a correlation between personality traits of extroversion, excitement-seeking and neuroticism and histrionic personality disorder, and there is significant research suggesting that these characteristics may be hereditary4) 5).

Parental influence During childhood, the role of primary caregivers is important in shaping a youngster’s personality; some theorists have put forth suggestions that dependency issues, conditional parental love and emotionally shallow parenting may be associated with the onset of histrionic personality disorder6) 7).

Antisocial personality disorder overlaps Histrionic personality disorder is thought to be closely related to antisocial personality disorder, with studies showing that individuals meeting the criteria for the former condition also meet similar criteria for the latter. Based on this finding, it could be inferred that the two disorders may stem from the same underlying cause; whether this is biological, environmental or otherwise is yet to be determined8). 

Neurological factors Suggestions have been made that sufferers of personality disorders may have experienced childhood trauma, which could have affected the development and functioning of parts of the brain that deal with emotions, social functioning and self-control9). Research has also found that neurotransmitters – believed to contribute to emotion and impulse regulation – may be deficient among personality disorder sufferers.

The lack of a definitive cause for histrionic personality disorder allows for speculation that the condition could develop as a result of combined biological, psychological and social elements, rather than from a single specific cause9).

Comorbidity

Histrionic personality disorder may present comorbid with other conditions, including:

• Borderline personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Somatic symptom disorder
• Conversion disorder

Other disorders may be diagnosed with personality disorders, such as anorexia nervosa10) and alcohol or substance misuse disorders11)

Living with histrionic personality disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is usually diagnosed when a sufferer is in their late teens or early twenties, when an individual’s personality is believed to have fully developed.

Many individuals suffering from histrionic personality disorder come across as charming, are able to function highly and achieve success in their occupation and in social circles. However, problems may be encountered in the sufferer’s personal life and romantic relationships.

People with histrionic personality disorder can struggle to deal with failure or loss, have difficulty overcoming the fallout of a failed relationship or find they become bored in their job quickly. Similarly, sufferers may crave new experiences and excitement, which can lead to risk-taking behavior. These factors may all increase the risk of depression2).

Treatment

Individuals suffering from histrionic personality disorder may be unaware of their condition until they seek treatment for something else, such as depression or anxiety from a failed relationship. A diagnosis will often determine that the problems reported by the patient are the symptomatic results of histrionic personality disorder.

There is no cure for histrionic personality disorder but the following treatment approaches are often suggested:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

A talking therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change the way an individual thinks and behaves at the present and future time, rather than seeking to reconcile any underlying causes. CBT helps patients decode situations by assessing their thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions to become more mindful of how these elements are connected – and how they can be changed.

• Functional analytic psychotherapy

To better understand and treat patterns of patients’ behavior, functional analytic psychotherapy may be advised. This kind of therapy seeks to identify interpersonal problems both in and out of sessions, in different contexts. In this way, the therapist can assess the patient’s behavior and provide a better tailored treatment programme.

• Support groups

Sufferers of histrionic personality disorder may be able to find support at a specialist or general focus group for individuals with personality disorders. There are groups that meet in person at set times and places and groups based online, providing support for sufferers who cannot travel or who prefer less of a face-to-face approach.

• Medication

Medication is not a solution for underlying causes of histrionic personality disorder, which cannot be fully determined; however, medication may be prescribed to help sufferers’ manage symptoms of the condition, such as depression or anxiety. 

Although histrionic personality disorder may affect sufferers for life, therapy can be effective in helping individuals make positive behavioral changes that enable them to manage the condition.

Dr. Kevin Fleming obtained his PhD from Notre Dame and is the Founder of Grey Matters International (www.greymattersintl.com), a neuroscience-based behavior change consulting firm.

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Quick Links To The Blogs In This Series Living Successfully With BPD & HPD:

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Borderline Personality Disorder

Forget Everything I’ve Said – I’ve Borderline Personality Disorder & Histrionic Personality Disorder

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Introduction to Symptoms & Causes

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder & Histrionic Personality Disorder – Rambling Through Confusion Towards Clarity

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Bits On Biosocial Theory & Learning To Ride Out Intense Emotions Rather Than Focusing On Why I Am Having Them

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Strong Opinions & Identity Crisis

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Not PTSD – It’s Emotions – Borderline Style

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Empathic Abilities & Intentional Interventions

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Overlapping Symptoms & What Type Of & How BPD Am I?

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – DBT’s Mindful Breathing & Participating With Awareness – Grounding Words

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder & Histrionic Personality Disorder – The Stigma & Social Pariah Of Personality Disorders

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Is This Effective & Willing Hands Half Smile & The Middle Path

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Starting EMDR – Creating New Pathways To Calm

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – The Pros and Cons of Medical THC & CBD

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder & HistrionicPersonality Disorder – Amber Heard VS Johnny Depp

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Gratitude For A Wild & Crazy Life

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Anxious – Ambivalent (Preoccupied) Attachment Style & Fear of Abandonment

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Behind My Mona Lisa Smile – What BPD Feels Like For Me

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – The Hulk Uses Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – DBT Skills Need Time & Everyday Practice To Become A Part Of Me

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Coping With The Inner Critic

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Unstable & Fragile Identities

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Highlights Of DBT’s Mindfulness & Distress Tolerance Skills

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Highlights Of DBT’s Emotional Regulation Skills

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – My Ability To Self-Validate Grows When I Live In Alignment With My Values

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder – Highlights Of DBT’s Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

Living With Borderline Personally Disorder – DBT – Skills Thermometer – A DBT Skills Anchor Chart

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Histrionic Personality Disorder

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Introduction & Symptoms & Diagnostic Criteria

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Shallow, Changeable Emotions

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Assumed Intimacy With Others

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Hypersensitivity To Criticism 

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Manipulative Behaviour

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Sexually Provocative Behaviour

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – A Compulsive Desire For Attention

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Preoccupation With Appearance

Living With Histrionic Personality Disorder – Suggestible & Easily Influenced

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© Stephanie Wells – Joyful Stephanie – Living an Authentic Life – 2014-2026. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

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