When Your Loved One Has Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition characterized by attention-seeking behavior, emotional exaggeration, and a strong desire for approval from others. Loving or caring for someone with HPD can be challenging, especially when their behaviors impact relationships, family dynamics, or daily life. Understanding HPD and learning strategies to support your loved one while maintaining your own well-being is essential.
What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder involves a persistent pattern of emotional overexpression, dramatic behavior, and need for attention. Individuals with HPD may:
Seek constant reassurance or validation from family, friends, or partners
Exhibit exaggerated emotions or theatrical behavior
Feel uncomfortable when not the center of attention
Engage in impulsive or attention-seeking actions
While the exact cause of HPD is not fully understood, it often develops from a combination of childhood experiences, attachment patterns, and early trauma.
How HPD Affects Relationships
Living with or loving someone with HPD can create complex dynamics:
Emotional ups and downs can feel unpredictable
Attention-seeking behaviors may strain trust and communication
Family members or partners may feel drained, frustrated, or unsure how to respond
Conflicts may arise from perceived neglect or jealousy
Recognizing these patterns helps loved ones approach the situation with empathy and boundaries.
Therapy and Support for Loved Ones
Mental health therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with HPD and their families. Evidence-based approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify thought patterns driving attention-seeking behavior and develop healthier coping skills
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Supports emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and managing impulsivity
Family Therapy: Provides guidance for maintaining healthy boundaries and improving communication
Psychoeducation: Educates families and partners about HPD, emotional triggers, and strategies for support
If you’re wondering, “how to support a partner with HPD” or “therapy for dealing with a loved one’s histrionic personality disorder”, professional counseling can provide practical tools, emotional support, and guidance for healthier relationships.
Practical Tips for Managing Relationships with Someone with HPD
In addition to therapy, these strategies can help loved ones maintain balance and emotional health:
Set Clear Boundaries: Identify what behaviors are acceptable and communicate them respectfully
Validate Without Reinforcing: Acknowledge feelings without encouraging excessive attention-seeking
Practice Self-Care: Maintain your own hobbies, friendships, and mental health routines
Use Empathy Strategically: Understand that dramatic behaviors often stem from fear of rejection or low self-esteem
Seek Support: Join support groups or engage in therapy to manage stress and gain perspective
Supporting a loved one with HPD requires a balance of empathy, understanding, and firm boundaries to maintain emotional health while fostering healthier interactions.
Moving Forward
Loving someone with Histrionic Personality Disorder can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, education, and therapy, relationships can improve, and both partners and family members can maintain emotional well-being. Mental health therapy provides tools to manage attention-seeking behavior, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries while promoting understanding and empathy.
At Deconstruction Counseling in Olathe, Kansas, I provide trauma-informed therapy for individuals and families navigating Histrionic Personality Disorder, emotional challenges, and relational stress. Telehealth and in-person sessions are available to help you build coping strategies, strengthen relationships, and improve mental health.