Histrionic Personality Disorder vs. BPD: What Are the Differences?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Close

Histrionic personality disorder(HPD) is a personality disorder that tends to co-occur with other personality disorders, particularlyborderline 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.

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).

HPDStrong need for attentionDramatic or provocative behaviorExaggerated emotional displaysReassurance-seekingExtreme sensitivity to criticismShallow emotionsSuperficialityFrequent mood swingsLack of empathyImpulsivityBPDPoor emotional regulationRisky, impulsive behaviorsSelf-destructive behaviorsUnstable self-imageParanoid, suspicious thinkingIntense, high-conflict relationshipsStrong fear of abandonmentJealousySudden, frequent mood swingsSelf-harm and suicidal ideation

HPDStrong need for attentionDramatic or provocative behaviorExaggerated emotional displaysReassurance-seekingExtreme sensitivity to criticismShallow emotionsSuperficialityFrequent mood swingsLack of empathyImpulsivity

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

BPDPoor emotional regulationRisky, impulsive behaviorsSelf-destructive behaviorsUnstable self-imageParanoid, suspicious thinkingIntense, high-conflict relationshipsStrong fear of abandonmentJealousySudden, frequent mood swingsSelf-harm and suicidal ideation

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

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:

BPD is also linked to growing up in aninvalidating 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 BPDOnly a few studies have examined the co-occurrence of HPD and BPD. One often-quoted study found that HPD frequently occurs with BPD.

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

HPD is one of 10personality disordersrecognized 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

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

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 toregulate emotions, manage distress, and improve relationships.

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.

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 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2015.01463Ekselius L.Personality disorder: a disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235Ma G, Fan H, Shen C, Wang W.Genetic and neuroimaging features of personality disorders: State of the art.Neurosci Bull. 2016;32(3):286-306. doi:10.1007/s12264-016-0027-8Bassir Nia A, Eveleth MC, Gabbay JM, Hassan YJ, Zhang B, Perez-Rodriguez MM.Past, present, and future of genetic research in borderline personality disorder.Curr Opin Psychol. 2018;21:60-68. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.09.002Degasperi G, Cristea IA, Di Rosa E, Costa C, Gentili C.Parsing variability in borderline personality disorder: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.Transl Psychiatry. 2021;11(1):314. doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01446-zReeves M, James L, Pizzarello S, Taylor J.Support for Linehan’s biosocial theory from a nonclinical sample.Journal of Personality Disorders. 2010;24(3):312-26. doi:10.1521/pedi.2010.24.3.312Batool N, Shehzadi H, Riaz MN, Riaz MA.Paternal malparenting and offspring personality disorders: Mediating effect of early maladaptive schemas.J Pak Med Assoc. 2017;67(4):556-560.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.2009.11.009Angstman K, Rasmussen N.Personality Disorders: Review and Clinical Application in Daily Practice.Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(11):1253-1260.Babl A, Gómez Penedo JM, Berger T, et al.Change processes in psychotherapy for patients presenting with histrionic personality disorder.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2022. doi:10.1002/cpp.2769Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-zRipoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2015.01463Ekselius L.Personality disorder: a disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235Ma G, Fan H, Shen C, Wang W.Genetic and neuroimaging features of personality disorders: State of the art.Neurosci Bull. 2016;32(3):286-306. doi:10.1007/s12264-016-0027-8Bassir Nia A, Eveleth MC, Gabbay JM, Hassan YJ, Zhang B, Perez-Rodriguez MM.Past, present, and future of genetic research in borderline personality disorder.Curr Opin Psychol. 2018;21:60-68. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.09.002Degasperi G, Cristea IA, Di Rosa E, Costa C, Gentili C.Parsing variability in borderline personality disorder: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.Transl Psychiatry. 2021;11(1):314. doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01446-zReeves M, James L, Pizzarello S, Taylor J.Support for Linehan’s biosocial theory from a nonclinical sample.Journal of Personality Disorders. 2010;24(3):312-26. doi:10.1521/pedi.2010.24.3.312Batool N, Shehzadi H, Riaz MN, Riaz MA.Paternal malparenting and offspring personality disorders: Mediating effect of early maladaptive schemas.J Pak Med Assoc. 2017;67(4):556-560.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.2009.11.009Angstman K, Rasmussen N.Personality Disorders: Review and Clinical Application in Daily Practice.Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(11):1253-1260.Babl A, Gómez Penedo JM, Berger T, et al.Change processes in psychotherapy for patients presenting with histrionic personality disorder.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2022. doi:10.1002/cpp.2769Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-zRipoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2015.01463Ekselius L.Personality disorder: a disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235Ma G, Fan H, Shen C, Wang W.Genetic and neuroimaging features of personality disorders: State of the art.Neurosci Bull. 2016;32(3):286-306. doi:10.1007/s12264-016-0027-8Bassir Nia A, Eveleth MC, Gabbay JM, Hassan YJ, Zhang B, Perez-Rodriguez MM.Past, present, and future of genetic research in borderline personality disorder.Curr Opin Psychol. 2018;21:60-68. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.09.002Degasperi G, Cristea IA, Di Rosa E, Costa C, Gentili C.Parsing variability in borderline personality disorder: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.Transl Psychiatry. 2021;11(1):314. doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01446-zReeves M, James L, Pizzarello S, Taylor J.Support for Linehan’s biosocial theory from a nonclinical sample.Journal of Personality Disorders. 2010;24(3):312-26. doi:10.1521/pedi.2010.24.3.312Batool N, Shehzadi H, Riaz MN, Riaz MA.Paternal malparenting and offspring personality disorders: Mediating effect of early maladaptive schemas.J Pak Med Assoc. 2017;67(4):556-560.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.2009.11.009Angstman K, Rasmussen N.Personality Disorders: Review and Clinical Application in Daily Practice.Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(11):1253-1260.Babl A, Gómez Penedo JM, Berger T, et al.Change processes in psychotherapy for patients presenting with histrionic personality disorder.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2022. doi:10.1002/cpp.2769Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-zRipoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.

Novais F, Araújo A, Godinho P.Historical roots of histrionic personality disorder.Front Psychol. 2015;6:1463. doi:10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2015.01463

Ekselius L.Personality disorder: a disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235

Ma G, Fan H, Shen C, Wang W.Genetic and neuroimaging features of personality disorders: State of the art.Neurosci Bull. 2016;32(3):286-306. doi:10.1007/s12264-016-0027-8

Bassir Nia A, Eveleth MC, Gabbay JM, Hassan YJ, Zhang B, Perez-Rodriguez MM.Past, present, and future of genetic research in borderline personality disorder.Curr Opin Psychol. 2018;21:60-68. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.09.002

Degasperi G, Cristea IA, Di Rosa E, Costa C, Gentili C.Parsing variability in borderline personality disorder: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.Transl Psychiatry. 2021;11(1):314. doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01446-z

Reeves M, James L, Pizzarello S, Taylor J.Support for Linehan’s biosocial theory from a nonclinical sample.Journal of Personality Disorders. 2010;24(3):312-26. doi:10.1521/pedi.2010.24.3.312

Batool N, Shehzadi H, Riaz MN, Riaz MA.Paternal malparenting and offspring personality disorders: Mediating effect of early maladaptive schemas.J Pak Med Assoc. 2017;67(4):556-560.

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

Angstman K, Rasmussen N.Personality Disorders: Review and Clinical Application in Daily Practice.Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(11):1253-1260.

Babl A, Gómez Penedo JM, Berger T, et al.Change processes in psychotherapy for patients presenting with histrionic personality disorder.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2022. doi:10.1002/cpp.2769

Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. doi:10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z

Ripoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?