Histrionic personality disorder - DSM criteria

The DSM criteria for histironic personality disorder are:

  • A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts

    • Is uncomfortable in situations in which (s)he is not the centre of attention
    • Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behaviour
    • Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
    • Consistenly uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
    • Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
    • Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
    • Is suggestible
    • Considers relationships as more intimate as they actually are