Thursday, March 24, 2011

More interesting reading from Wikipedia...

Histrionic personality disorder

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriate seductiveness, usually beginning in early adulthood.

These individuals are lively, dramatic, enthusiastic, and flirtatious.

They may be inappropriately sexually provocative, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and be easily influenced by others. Associated features may include egocentrism, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, and persistent manipulative behavior to achieve their own needs.

Characteristics

People with this disorder are usually able to function at a high level and can be successful socially and professionally. People with histrionic personality disorder usually have good social skills, but they tend to use these skills to manipulate other people and become the center of attention.[1] Furthermore, histrionic personality disorder may affect a person's social or romantic relationships or their ability to cope with losses or failures.

People with this disorder lack genuine empathy...

They often fail to see their own personal situation realistically, instead tending to dramatize and exaggerate their difficulties.

ICD-10

The World Health Organization's ICD-10 lists histrionic personality disorder as (F60.4) Histrionic personality disorder.[7]
It is characterized by at least 3 of the following:
  1. self-dramatization, theatricality, exaggerated expression of emotions;
  2. suggestibility, easily influenced by others or by circumstances;
  3. shallow and labile affectivity;
  4. continual seeking for excitement and activities in which the patient is the center of attention;
  5. inappropriate seductiveness in appearance or behavior;
  6. over-concern with physical attractiveness.

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