ABSTRACT
Histrionic Personality Disorder The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), describes the histrionic as presenting a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking starting in early adulthood, as indicated by the following:
Uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of • attention. Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexual-• ity, seductive or provocative behavior. Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions.• Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to oneself.• Style of speech is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail.• Self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion.• Suggestibility (e.g., easily inuenced by others or circumstances).• Considers relationships to be more intimate than they really are.•
e DSM denes depressive personality disorder as a “pervasive pattern of depressive cognitions and behaviors beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by ve (or more) of the following:”
Moods dominated by dejection, gloominess, cheerlessness, joylessness, • unhappiness Self-concept centering around beliefs of inadequacy, worthlessness, • and low self-esteem Overly critical, blaming, and derogatory toward self• Constant brooding, worry over future and potential disaster• Critical, negative, and judgmental towards others• Pessimistic•
Kernberg (1992) viewed patients with predominantly histrionic traits as having an infantile personality disorder that is closely aligned to characteristics of borderline personality disorder-mainly the are-ups of rage superimposed with depression. e histrionic presents a perfect example of projective identication. When in the moment and when they are the center of attention, they will be clingy and act unduly helpless, dependent, and vulnerable. However, when they feel their sexual or seductive powers no longer have an inuence, they feel depleted and empty. is creates guilt in the other partner, who will withdraw.
