BPD Related Conditions Histrionic Personality Disorder and BPD By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 28, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD LinkedIn Twitter Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Caiaimage / Paul Bradbury / OJO+ / Getty Images Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a personality disorder that tends to co-occur with other personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic, and dependent personality disorders. There is a great deal of overlap between BPD and HPD features, so much so that some experts believe that HPD may not actually be distinguishable from BPD. Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder HPD is one of 10 personality disorders recognized in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). HPD is one of the Cluster B disorders, which are characterized as dramatic, overly emotional, and/or erratic. The DSM-5 defines histrionic personality disorder as a pattern of extreme emotionality and attention-seeking behavior that begins by early adulthood and is obvious in different situations. In addition, you must have five or more of the following signs or symptoms to be diagnosed with HPD: Discomfort in situations in which you're not the center of attentionInteraction with others that's often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behaviorRapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotionConsistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to selfStyle of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detailShows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotionIs easily influenced by others or by circumstancesConsiders relationships to be more intimate than they actually are People with HPD might be described as being overly dramatic, emotional, or attention-seeking. This pattern of behavior rises to the level of a clinical disorder when it significantly interferes with relationships, work, or other important domains in life. Co-Occurrence of HPD and BPD There are only a few studies that have examined the co-occurrence of HPD and BPD. One often-quoted study found that HPD frequently occurs with BPD. In another study that used a community sample, about 10% of people with BPD also met criteria for HPD. HPD Versus BPD There is a marked overlap between the symptoms of HPD and BPD. For example, both share the features of rapidly shifting and reactive emotions, both are associated with impulsive behavior, and both are characterized by a very strong expression of emotion. While some clinicians argue that the qualities of these symptoms are different in HPD versus BPD, for example, that the rapidly shifting emotions in HPD are not experienced with the same depth and intensity as those in BPD, other experts have argued that HPD and BPD are not necessarily distinct disorders. However, despite predictions that the HPD diagnosis would be dropped in DSM-5, it was not, and so it remains its own specific and unique diagnosis. Treatment While there is some advice for clinicians treating HPD, it's generally based on expert opinion or experiences rather than on research data. Much more research is needed on this topic, but in general, psychotherapy is often used and may be helpful. If you have symptoms of other issues such as depression or anxiety, medication may help to alleviate those symptoms as well. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Novais F, Araújo A, Godinho P. Historical roots of histrionic personality disorder. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1463. doi:10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2015.01463 Angstman K, Rasmussen N. Personality Disorders: Review and Clinical Application in Daily Practice. Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(11):1253-1260. Bakkevig J, Karterud S. Is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, histrionic personality disorder category a valid construct? Compr Psychiatry. 2010;51(5):462-70. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2009.11.009 Additional Reading Bakkevig JF, Karterud S. Is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, histrionic personality disorder category a valid construct? Comprehensive Psychiatry, 51(5):462-470, 2010. Mayo Clinic Staff. Personality Disorders. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 23, 2016. Novais F, Araújo A, Godinho P. Historical Roots of Histrionic Personality Disorder. Frontiers in Psychology. 2015;6:1463. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01463. Speak to a Therapist for BPD Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.