Monday, October 18, 2010

Personality Disorder Treatment (Histrionic)

Personality Disorder Treatment
According to the diagnostic manual, someone has Histrionic Personality Disorder if :
They have a pattern of seeking attention and displaying their emotions excessively. The pattern is expressed by having at least five of the following maladaptive traits:
  • Feeling uncomfortable when in situations in which s/he is not the center of attention.
  • Acting in a sexually seductive or provocative way that is inappropriate to the situation
  • Demonstrating emotions which appear to others to be rapidly shifting, shallow, and superficial.
  • Using one’s physical appearance to draw attention to oneself.
  • Talking in an excessively impressionistic way that lacks specific detail.
  • Having a tendency to be overly dramatic and theatrical when expressing oneself or telling a story.
  • Being overly suggestible and easily influenced by others opinions.
  • Viewing relationships as more intimate than they really are.
People with this disorder tend to be enthusiastic, outgoing, and flirtatious, but nonetheless often alienate others because they always need to dominate the spotlight and be the center of attention. They make efforts to win everyone over with charming repartee, a confiding manner, elaborate storytelling, subtle or not so subtle seductiveness, and special attention to clothing, makeup and grooming.

Treatment
With all Personality Disorders, the first step to successful treatment is the recognition that there is a problem with how personality affects one’s life and the lives of others. For most people, increased awareness doesn't lead to a radical personality change but rather a smoothing of the rough edges and a modulation of the most troubling behaviors.

Therapy is often helpful, and necessary, in identifying a personality problem either to make changes or to learn skills to improve functioning. Medication has demonstrated effectiveness in treating secondary diagnosis of depression or anxiety that can be present with a diagnosis of a personality disorder. Good Luck