BPD Related Conditions Histrionic Personality Disorder vs. BPD: What Are the Differences? 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 January 18, 2023 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 Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention 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 be distinguishable from BPD. Learn more about the differences between histrionic personality disorder and BPD. If you have symptoms of either condition, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. Symptoms There is a marked overlap between the symptoms of HPD and BPD. For example, both share the features of rapidly shifting and reactive emotions, impulsive behavior, and strong expression of emotion. There is some argument about whether the two are genuinely distinct conditions. However, the two conditions remain separate diagnoses in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5-TR). HPD Strong need for attention Dramatic or provocative behavior Exaggerated emotional displays Reassurance-seeking Extreme sensitivity to criticism Shallow emotions Superficiality Frequent mood swings Lack of empathy Impulsivity BPD Poor emotional regulation Risky, impulsive behaviors Self-destructive behaviors Unstable self-image Paranoid, suspicious thinking Intense, high-conflict relationships Strong fear of abandonment Jealousy Sudden, frequent mood swings Self-harm and suicidal ideation Causes The exact causes of HPD and BPD are not fully understood, but experts believe that several factors can contribute to the development of these conditions, including: Genetics: Both histrionic and borderline personality disorder tend to run in families, so there is most likely a genetic connection. Like other mental disorders, people may inherit a predisposition to these conditions, which might then be triggered by some type of environmental factor.Childhood trauma and abuse: BPD is strongly associated with abuse and trauma that occurs during childhood. Histrionic personality disorder may also be linked to early trauma and abuse, although more research is needed.Brain differences: People with BDP may have differences in areas of their brains that manage emotions, although findings exploring this possibility have shown varying results. Such differences may also play a part in HPD, but more research is needed. BPD is also linked to growing up in an invalidating environment. In such situations, a child's emotional needs are not met and are often dismissed. Some research has also linked personality disorders to maladaptive parenting styles. In one study, permissive parenting was associated with an increased risk for histrionic personality disorder. Co-Occurring HPD and BPD Only a few studies have examined the co-occurrence of HPD and BPD. One often-quoted study found that HPD frequently occurs with BPD. Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis HPD is one of 10 personality disorders recognized in the fifth edition of the DSM. HPD and BPD are Cluster B disorders, characterized as dramatic, overly emotional, and/or erratic. Histrionic Personality Disorder 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. Borderline Personality Disorder The DSM characterized BPD as a chronic pattern of instability that affects self-image, emotions, behaviors, and relationships that begins by early adulthood. To be diagnosed with BPD, the DSM-5-TR indicates that a person must display five of the nine following symptoms: Attempts to avoid real or imagined abandonmentChronic feelings of emptinessEmotional instabilityProblems with identity and self-imageRisky, impulsive behaviors that affect at least two life areasTransient dissociative or paranoid symptomsIntense and inappropriate angerPatterns of unstable relationshipsSelf-harming or suicidal behaviors Treatment While there is no cure for histrionic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder, there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and improve coping. HPD Research suggests that psychotherapy can help people better manage the symptoms of histrionic personality disorder. Individual therapy is preferred since the attention-seeking and grandiose symptoms of HPD can be problematic in group therapy or family therapy settings. Medications are also sometimes prescribed to help people manage symptoms of mood swings, depression, and anxiety. BPD Research suggests that BPD treatments can be effective in helping people manage the symptoms of their condition. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment, but medications are sometimes also prescribed to help people manage specific symptoms. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an approach specifically developed to treat BPD. It is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that teaches people to recognize and change emotions. It also incorporates strategies to regulate emotions, manage distress, and improve relationships. Prevention While neither condition can generally be prevented, there are things that people can do to improve functioning and reduce the negative impact symptoms may have on their life and relationships. Being aware of symptoms and seeking treatment are important steps. If you have been diagnosed with either or both conditions, watching for situations that trigger symptoms and utilizing strategies to cope with distress can be helpful. Summary Histrionic and borderline personality disorder share common symptom patterns but are considered separate conditions. In general, the rapidly shifting emotions in HPD are not experienced with the same depth and intensity as those in BPD. BPD is believed to be caused by factors including brain differences, genetics, and childhood abuse/trauma. HPD may have similar causes, but more research is needed. Both conditions can be managed with psychotherapy, so it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. A Word From Verywell When looking at the symptoms of histrionic personality disorder vs. BPD, it is easy to see that they share many things in common. However, the right treatment depends on getting an accurate diagnosis, so it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional for further evaluation. Symptoms can be managed with treatment, which can improve your relationships, reduce distress, and make it easier to function in different areas of your life. 12 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. 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