Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD): Key Characteristics and Symptoms

Millions of people struggle with diagnosed mental illness every day. Many more struggle with mental illnesses that they are unaware of. Unfortunately, people from both categories often don’t get the help they desperately need. This includes individuals struggling with histrionic personality disorder (HPD). The good news is that there are now many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from mental illnesses like HPD. The key is finding the right recovery center that offers them.

What Does It Mean to Heal at the Cellular Level?

When it comes to HPD, it is crucial that individuals heal at the cellular level. Now, what exactly does that mean? It means that one cannot just treat their HPD at the surface level. They must go deeper and get to the root/core causes of the issue. This often means a deep dive into their history and a discussion of their goals.

Healing at the cellular level is all about healing the entirety of the capital “S” Self. This means one’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual “Self.” Aristotle famously said, “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.” Healing the self includes utilizing as many modalities that focus on mental illness as possible. It also means gaining a better understanding of what mental illness entails.

Better Understanding Mental Illness

Mental illness is highly prevalent. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Mental illnesses are common in the United States and around the world. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (59.3 million in 2022; 23.1% of the U.S. adult population). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Two broad categories can be used to describe these conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI).”

It is also important to note that mental illness commonly occurs with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Co-occurring conditions are mental disorders or other health conditions that a person has at the same time,” and “[t]hese may interact with each other, affecting a person’s symptoms and health outcomes.” Also, “People who have substance use disorders often have other mental disorders. Common risk factors related to a person’s genes, individual characteristics, social environment, and other life circumstances can contribute to both substance use and other mental disorders.”

There are also many other risk factors and underlying issues that can contribute to mental illnesses like HPD. The key is to better understand what those underlying issues are. Sometimes, recognizing these risk factors early can help to mitigate the symptoms of mental illnesses like HPD.

Underlying Issues and Mental Illness

The concept of “Self” is certainly related to mental illness, but there are other factors. These factors can be genetic, biological, familial, and biological. The good news is that regardless of the factors (or combination of factors), there are ways to help one recover at the cellular level. The key is getting a better understanding of the underlying issues of mental illness.

According to the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience (JPN), “The precise definition of what constitutes the self and whether the location of a state of self is a material reality in the brain, its form and the brain-related factors that influence it are deeply philosophical issues, but not the subject of this editorial. Suffice it to say that factors involved in increasing the risk for mental disorders are endogenous (genetics is recognized as a major contributor to most mental disorders) as well as environmental, much like most medical disorders. Psychological deprivation and trauma, social defeat and isolation, poverty, and poor family environment are but some of the environmental factors that have been reported to increase the risk for mental disorders.”

One of the main contributing factors to mental illness is often trauma. Many people don’t realize just how prevalent trauma is. According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE [traumatic event] in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged.” These issues of trauma are not unique to any one type of mental illness. This includes HPD.

Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

It is important to note that HPD is just one of the many types of personality disorders, but what exactly are personality disorders? According to the Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences, “Personality disorders (PDs) can be described as the manifestation of extreme personality traits that interfere with everyday life and contribute to significant suffering, functional limitations, or both. They are common and are frequently encountered in virtually all forms of health care. PDs are associated with an inferior quality of life (QoL), poor health, and premature mortality. The aetiology of PDs is complex and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors.” HPD is a common type of personality disorder.

Many people have heard of HPD but are unfamiliar with exactly what HPD is. According to the peer-reviewed thesis Histrionic Personality Disorder, by Doctors Torrico, French, Aslam, and Shrestha, “Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a chronic, enduring psychiatric condition characterized by a consistent pattern of pervasive attention-seeking behaviors and exaggerated emotional displays. This condition typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Individuals with HPD are often described as narcissistic, self-indulgent, flirtatious, dramatic, and extroverted.” 

HPD can make an individual’s life highly unmanageable. However, it doesn’t have to. There are solutions. The key is being able to recognize the key characteristics and symptoms as early as possible so that early intervention can take place.

Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD): Key Characteristics and Symptoms

Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of HPD are going to vary depending on many factors. However, there are some more universal characteristics. The following are just a few of those signs, symptoms, and characteristics:

• Excessively seeking attention
• Having rapid shifting and shallow behaviors and emotions
• Being inappropriately seductive and provocative
• Using one’s physical appearance to draw attention to oneself
• One is easily influenced by others
• Having theatrical and emotive expressions
• Having a poor interpretation of relationships
• Easily influenced by other people
• Having a constant need for approval and reassurance
• Being uncomfortable is not the main focus of attention
• Having regular mood swings
• Acting out emotionally
• Losing interest in others quickly if not getting what one wants

As one can see, these are very harmful behaviors. This is why getting help as soon as possible is critical. It could mean the difference between short-term effects and long-term consequences. This includes consequences to the family unit and close friends of the individual.

How the Family Is Affected by Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

It is important to note that mental illness is a disease. It is not some type of “choice.” Mental illness is also known as a “family disease.” This means that mental illnesses like HPD affect far more people than just the individual who is struggling.

The family can also be a significant contributor to mental illness. So, they can both affect and be affected by mental illnesses like HPD. According to The European Journal of Public Health, “Family functioning can have positive and negative mental health consequences. Positive relationships can boost mental health; the opposite is true for negative relationships. 1 in 4 individuals are affected by at least one mental health condition in their life.” However, while it is important to treat the family, the individual must be treated first.

The Importance of Individualized and Comprehensive Mental Health Care

The reality of the situation is that mental health care facilities have boomed in recent years. This can be helpful in that many more people may get the help that they need. However, it can also be hurtful because it means that there are more predatory recovery centers that are only looking to cash in on the situation. These are often the same recovery centers that only offer “one-note” overarching treatment plans.

Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we know that these treatment plans rarely work. That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive. This ensures that every aspect of the previously mentioned “Self” is addressed. It also ensures that as many effective means, methods, and modalities of recovery are utilized.

Recovery Options for Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)

It is good to know that there are many effective treatments for mental illness, rather than just taking medication. According to the peer-reviewed journal Behaviour Research and Therapy, “The Director of the National Institutes of Mental Health in the USA observed that ‘while psychosocial interventions have received much less marketing attention than pharmacological treatments, the results are arguably more encouraging.’ Indeed, progress toward establishing EBPTs [evidence-based psychological treatments] for most mental disorders has been excellent. There are a range of rigorous review processes that have completed lists of evidence-based therapies, including the American Psychological Association’s Division, SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).”

When it comes to treating mental illness, it is critical to use modalities from all areas of treatment. This includes evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy; experiential therapies like art and surf therapy; and holistic healing methods like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.

Recovering from HPD With Psychotherapy

One of the most effective types of treatment for HPD is psychotherapy. This is because psychotherapy is evidence-based, which simply means that psychotherapies have long been researched and show a significant amount of efficacy. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

According to NIMH, “A variety of psychotherapies have been shown to treat mental health disorders effectively. Often, the type of treatment is tailored to the specific disorder… Therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.” Group psychotherapy can also be highly effective for treating mental illnesses like HPD.

Recovering With Group Therapy

Group therapy has been shown to be highly effective. According to the peer-reviewed thesis Group Therapy, by Doctors Malhotra, Mars, and Baker, “Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which 1 or 2 therapists work with multiple clients simultaneously. The American Psychological Association recently identified group psychotherapy as a unique specialty. In this setting, the group collaborates to improve each member’s symptoms and self-awareness. Evidence suggests that group psychotherapy is as effective as individual psychotherapy; therefore, this method has the potential to be more cost-effective and to widen access to psychotherapy in underserved populations.”

Group therapy can also be highly beneficial for HPD because it can connect individuals who are experiencing the same issues and have similar stories. This can make people feel less alone, offer hope, motivation, and inspiration. Experiential therapy can also be highly beneficial for treating HPD.

Recovering Experientially

There are many types of experiential therapy that can help one recover from HPD at the cellular level. One of these is surf therapy.

Surf therapy has been shown to offer a myriad of benefits for mental illness (and mental illness with SUD). According to the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, “Increasing prevalence rates of mental health problems among adolescents is an issue of growing concern. Surf therapy is a novel intervention that may provide tangible benefits to address this problem. Congruent with the ecological dynamics perspective (EDP), the existing research postulates that surf therapy yields psychological benefits in part due to the unique affordances of immersion in a blue space such as the ocean.”

The good news is that surf therapy is especially effective on the Hamkua Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This is because a mere 15-minute journey from our luxury 30-acre property at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab sits one of the best surf breaks on the island. Here, an individual can get all of the benefits of surf therapy while also meditating under the rejuvenating Hawaiian sun.

Recovering With Holistic Healing Methods

There are many effective holistic healing methods that can help one recover from HPD at the cellular level. This includes holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. These two holistic modalities can also be highly effective when used in tandem.

Yoga and meditation can offer a myriad of benefits. These benefits can be physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual. The following are just a few of those benefits:

• Acquiring a better sense of self
• Finding a better sense of mental balance and clarity
• Helping one connect with others and heal relationships
• Increased positivity and wellness
• Improved breathing
• Better strength and posture
• A greater focus on mindfulness
• Creates empathy
• Connects individuals with new, relatable people
• Encourages spirituality
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Can help individuals who struggle with suicidal ideations

As one can see, these benefits are vast and varied. These modalities also work very well with other types of treatment, making them even more valuable to individuals who are seeking a more comprehensive plan of action. The key is finding the right types of treatments that work together and sticking to them.

Healing at the Cellular Level With Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. This includes our treatment plans for HPD.

It’s time to stop letting HPD control your (or your loved one’s) life. There is a solution. There is hope. We can help.

Many people are unfamiliar with the symptoms of histrionic personality disorder (HPD), including emotional expression, attention-seeking behaviors, and interpersonal challenges. It is essential to understand how these traits manifest in daily life and relationships so one can begin to recover at the cellular level. There is also a significant connection between substance use disorder (SUD) and HPD. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about HPD and effective modalities, please reach out to Exclusive Hawaii Rehab today at (808) 775-0200.