DO NOT FOLLOW ME

THIS IS A BULLSHIT SIDEBLOG I BLOCK EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS ME LEAVR ME ALOOOOOONEEEE

[anonyymoose]

went to the beach ten minutes after an actual thunderstorm and got so cold i started coming up with a “fish” cover of creep by Radiohead which I was singing out loud over and over again. imagine me waist deep in the waves no feeling in my legs getting over a cold voice singing “i wish i was urchin. you’re so fucking urchin”

[one-step-at-a-time25]

on anger

[hauntedselves]

What does recovery look like for people with personality disorders?

This table lists the three levels of functioning for people with personality disorders. The lowest level of functioning is disordered, where a person is "ruled" by the symptoms of their personality disorder. The second level is adequate, where a person is functioning better than they were, but are still impacted heavily by their disorder. The highest level is optimal functioning, where a person is still affected by their disorder (as they always will be), but have learnt skills to be able to use their personality traits for theirs and others' benefit.

- From Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-5 Personality Disorders by Len Sperry

[hauntedselves]

Comparison of a Histrionic Personality Style vs Histrionic Personality Disorder

- From Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-5 Personality Disorders by Len Sperry (2016)

[hauntedselves]

Personality disorders and their subtypes, theorised by Millon. Note that this book was published before the DSM 5 and includes Millon’s theorised personality disorders (depressive, negativistic/passive-agressive, self-defeating/masochistic, and sadistic).

- From Personality Disorders in Modern Life by Millon et al.

[hauntedselves]

Millon’s theorised personality disorders and their subtypes, from above.

[hauntedselves]

Millon Personality Group on...

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Dependent on viewing themselves as socially attractive and worthy of attention, individuals evidencing prototypal [HPD] patterns tend toward actively seeking out the attention and admiration of others, often to avoid empty self-reflections. Feeling a dearth of self-identity and wanting to circumvent this self-reflection, the [HPD] prototype perpetuates a focus from others on which they thrive, continually averting more integrated and consistent relationships for momentary stimulating interactions. These individuals tend to display the following array of personologic domains:

Expressively Dramatic (e.g., is overreactive, volatile, provocative, and engaging, as well as intolerant of inactivity, resulting in impulsive, highly emotional, and theatrical responsiveness; describes penchant for momentary excitements, fleeting adventures, and short-sighted hedonism).

Interpersonally Attention-Seeking (e.g., actively solicits praise and manipulates others to gain needed reassurance, attention and approval; is demanding, flirtatious, vain and seductively exhibitionistic, especially when wishing to be the center of attention).

Cognitively Flighty (e.g., avoids introspective thought, is overly suggestible, attentive to fleeting external events, and speaks in impressionistic generalities; integrates experiences poorly, resulting in scattered learning and thoughtless judgments).

Gregarious Self-Image (e.g., views self as sociable, stimulating and charming; enjoys the image of attracting acquaintances by physical appearance and by pursuing a busy and pleasure-oriented life).

Shallow Contents (e.g., internalized representations are composed largely of superficial memories of past relations, random collections of transient and segregated affects and conflicts, as well as insubstantial drives and mechanisms).

Dissociation Dynamics (e.g., regularly alters and recomposes self-presentations to create a succession of socially attractive but changing facades; engages in self-distracting activities to avoid reflecting on and integrating unpleasant thoughts and emotions).

Disjointed Architecture (e.g., there exists a loosely knit and carelessly united morphologic structure in which processes of internal regulation and control are scattered and unintegrated, with ad hoc methods for restraining impulses, coordinating defenses, and resolving conflicts, leading to mechanisms that must, of necessity, be broad and sweeping to maintain psychic cohesion and stability, and, when successful, only further isolate and disconnect thoughts, feelings and actions).

Fickle Mood (e.g., displays rapidly-shifting and shallow emotions; is vivacious, animated, impetuous and exhibits tendencies to be easily enthused and as easily angered or bored).

[hauntedselves]

Functional and Structural Domains of HPD

- From Millon, Personality Disorders in Modern Life (2004)

[hauntedselves]

Millon’s HPD subtypes

The Disingenuous Histrionic

HPD with ASPD traits

HPD need for affection and approval with ASPD manipulative exploitation

HPD social skills, charm and ability to read body language with ASPD callousness and disregard for others

More egocentric, insincere than “pure” HPD

May enjoy conflict

May be afraid that their friendliness will come across as weakness

The Infantile Histrionic

HPD with BPD traits

Dependent, demanding, constantly seeking approval and support

Unstable sense of self

Emotional dysregulation, mood swings

Feel unloved, unfairly treated

The Appeasing Histrionic

HPD with DPD and OCPD traits

Approval is everything

To gain approval, continuously compliment, praise, flatter others; super-pleasers

Always seeking to keep the peace, sacrificing their own needs and wants

“Beneath their friendly smiles lie the emptiness of the histrionic, the guilt of the compulsive, and the inferiority and helplessness of the dependent”

Feel that they are “problem people”, unloved and inadequate

Self-criticising, try to make up for their perceived failures with kindness

The Theatrical Histrionic

“Pure” HPD

Dramatic, romantic, attention seeking

Sacrifices their identity for what other people will like

May be hyperfeminine or hypermasculine

May exaggerate their achievements

The Tempestuous Histrionic

HPD with Negativistic/Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder traits

Moody, emotionally dysregulated

Friendly, sociable, engaging, but easily bored, over dramatic, hypersensitive to criticism, intolerant of frustration

Results in “emotional overdrive”, alternate between hyper-excitement, impulsive acting out, anger, depression and fatigue

Fragmented sense of self, increasing their emotional vulnerability

May have somatic (physical) symptoms, sometimes illness anxiety (hypochondria), sometimes in an attempt to gain support

The Vivacious Histrionic

HPD with hyperactive, hypomanic tendencies, sometimes NPD traits

Charming, playful, energetic, cheerful, optimistic, spontaneous, to the level of disregarding consequences

Need excitement and stimulation

Easily attached

Lots of ideas, which can either result in getting things done extremely quickly or leaving things unfinished

Impulsive, struggle with distraction

- From Millon et al., Personality Disorders in Modern Life (2004)

[shitborderlinesdo]

Hi there! I don't have a diagnosis of bpd, but I relate to just about everything, including the intensity of the traits. I'm going through counseling and testing to find out for sure. I noticed that you wrote a comparison for bpd and aspd. When looking through the pd's (especially cluster B) it seems like many of their traits parallel each other. How would you describe the difference between Histrionic and Borderline? (ex, how is hpd need for attention different from bpd abandonment fear?)

I feel like the histrionic personality’s desire for attention is much more prevalent than the borderline personality’s, and there is also the fact the histrionic personality is far more likely to take action on that need for attention. Keep in mind that an intense desire for attention does not automatically mean you’re a histrionic candidate! Wanting attention is healthy and normal, but like any other disorder, HPD can reach extremes which greatly affect one’s life and relationships. More to the point, I think a borderline personality is more likely to convince themselves they don’t even deserve attention, and therefore may keep quiet about their feelings. A borderline personality then finds other ways of expressing this need, such as participating in reckless behavior, self-harming, etc. Not to say that someone with BPD absolutely will not just go out and say, “Hey, pay attention to me!” but someone with HPD will be more consistent in how they deal with making sure they are center of attention–and that is by just throwing themselves out there!

Someone with HPD may also experience great discomfort when the attention is not on them. Meanwhile, someone with BPD will want to be center of attention, and then five minutes later, “Leave me alone!” A histrionic personality is also more likely to assume their relationships with people are more intimate than they truly are. Meanwhile, someone with BPD is more likely to do the complete opposite. We assume people don’t like us!

Both personalities tend to be really extreme people with a wide range of emotions which shift constantly and are best compared to a kaleidoscope. I feel like both personalities can be a bit theatrical in how they express themselves. (I prefer the term “theatrical” over “melodramatic.”) But these traits in borderline is typically distinguished by self-destructiveness, whereas histrionic is characterized by its desire for nurturance.

This is what I’m taking from the DSM-5, although input from someone with an HPD diagnosis is always welcome!

-Mea

[malkavianne]

Cluster B Personality Disorders

LINK 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Personality disorders are characterized by four criteria:

1. Distorted thinking patterns: People with PDs have distorted thought patterns about themselves and the world around them. These extreme and strange ways of thinking are generally most evident when interacting with non-disordered personalities. Distorted thinking can often be sorted into five categories:

Black-and-white thinking: For the person, everything is all-or-nothing. They either always get their way, or never. In an argument, the person is absolutely right and the other person is absolutely wrong, there is no room for nuance or both parties to be correct/incorrect.

Idealization and devaluation: Similar to black and white thinking, the person fluctuates between seeing others as flawless and perfect, or hopelessly incompetent and flawed, even malicious or evil. These fluctuations can be triggered by even minor-seeming events.

Suspiciousness and distrust: The person has a heightened sense of suspicion of others. They may believe that humans are inherently manipulative or harmful, and constantly search for these motives in others’ actions. For example, a small gift may seem to them like an act of manipulation or bribery.

Odd and unusual beliefs: The person believes in strange things, contrary to the person’s culture.

Perceptual distortions: The person experiences brief “glitches,” such as hearing their name called in an empty building or seeing another’s face change before their eyes. These distortions are not considered hallucinations or delusions because the sufferer can often distinguish them from reality.

2. Problematic emotional responses: People with PDs often have emotional reactions, contrary to their culture, that are either too modulated or too exteme. For example, people with schizoid PD are very over-regulated and consequently cold and indifferent, while people with histrionic PD are very under-regulated and thus prone to extreme mood swings and reactions.

3. Over/under-regulated impulse control: Similar to the above, people with PDs are either over- or under- constrained in controlling impulses. For example, people with avoidant and obsessive-compulsive PD are over-regulated and consequently extremely controlling over their environment, while people with antisocial or borderline PD are under-regulated and prone to risky, reckless behavior.

4. Interpersonal difficulties: As a result of the above characteristics, a personwith a PD often experiences considerable difficulty in relationships of all types. For example, a person with borderline PD may often frustrate their partner by starting arguments, acting on their distorted thoughts and under-controlling their impulses.

Cluster B: The Dramatic, Emotional, Erratic

Cluster B disorders are characterized by problems with emotional control and impulse regulation.

Disorders within the same cluster have a high comorbidity; if you have one PD, it is very likely that you have some symptoms, or even another fully-developed PD from the same group. Note that these symptoms are not checklists; every case is unique and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. A note: There is some controversy and dis-satisfaction in regards to how psychiatric institutions describe and treat people with Cluster B disorders. I have tried to present information in a way that is neutral, non-ableist, and nonjudgemental but I recognize that as someone without such a disorder (and my own issues with empathy,) I lack perspective. Constructive criticism or additions are welcomed.

ANTISOCIAL

Primary features: Disregard for the rights of others, often beginning in childhood or adolescence. Professionals are discouraged from diagnosing PDs in minors. Individuals under 18 that fit the criteria of ASPD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, especially if they commit acts of property damage or act aggressively towards others. CD is widely considered to a precursor of ASPD.

Note that terms such as “sociopath” and “psychopath” are not professional labels, within the field of psychology.

From within

Lack affective empathy, the ability to “walk in one’s shoes” and feel as others do. However, many people with ASPD still possess cognitive empathy, or the ability to read, recognize, and name the emotions of others.

Lack remorse, guilt for actions

Refusal to take responsibility - the other person deserved it, they caused/forced the ASPD person to act, etc

Low impulse control

Tend to have a high self-esteem/self-image

Often contemptuous of, scoff at the idea of respecting the rights of others

From without

Often aggressive and hostile and/or deceitful and manipulative

Most people with ASPD learn to choose and mimic the appropriate emotions to survive and manipulate favorable outcomes

Such people are also skilled at affecting a superficial charm when needed

A reckless disregard for others and impulsivity: accidents and trouble with the law / school / work are often the result

BORDERLINE

Primary features: Instability in relationships / self-image / emotions , impulsive behavior

From within

Low impulse control

Tend to be hypersensitive to their environment and circumstances - the perception of an impending change, such as separation or loss of external structure, creates profound changes in the borderline person’s emotional state / cognition / self-image / self - esteem / perception of others / perception of relationships with others

The borderline person experiences these shifts even at uncontrollable or scheduled events, such as the end of an appointment or a friend being stuck in traffic

Powerful, overwhelming emotions that take a long time to calm down or change - science suggests that borderline people have a hyperactive emotional regulation system (LINK)

Tends to quickly idealize and devalue themselves and others

Extremely uncomfortable with being alone, feels a strong need to have other people around them

Chronic feelings of emptiness stemming from unstable self-image, feelings of being a “hollow person” or unreal, shallow, superficial

Often sees self as “bad” or even evil, often has low self-esteem as a result

May experience paranoia or severe disassociative symptoms when under stress

From without

Impulsive behavior - for a diagnosis, must be in at least two self-injurious areas, such as: sexual behavior, self-injury, gambling, drug/alcohol use, binge eating, overspending, reckless driving, etc

Difficulty with the law / school / work / health, especially as a result of reckless behavior

Unstable and intense relationships

Can empathize and nurture others, but tends to expect the other person to “be there” on demand beyond reasonable expectations - a failure to do so often triggers an instant devaluation in the eyes of the borderline person, with all the internal turmoil that it brings

Sudden changes in things such as career, sexual identity, political stance, values, circle of friends and acquaintances, etc

HISTRIONIC

Primary features: Attention-seeking, overemotionality

From within

Strong desire to be the center of attention, and discomfort when this is not the case

Craves novelty, stimulation, excitement

Bores easily

Intolerant of and/or frustrated by delayed gratification, consequently much of the histrionic person’s energy is spent seeking instant forms

Tendency to initiate projects and relationships with great enthusiasm, then tire quickly

Often perceives relationships to be more intimate than they really are

From without

Dresses to get attention - usually sexually provocatively, but bright colors or unusual styles are also sufficient

Flamboyant, theatrical, “diva/drama queen” presentation and expression

Emotional expression, while colorful, is often shallow and lacking in nuance and intimacy

Manner of speech is overly impressionistic, lacking in detail

NARCISSISTIC

Primary features: Grandiose self-image and self-esteem, sense of importance

From within

Strong need for admiration of others

Lacks empathy, is unwilling and/or unable to recognize and consider the feelings / viewpoint of others

Fantasies of unlimited wealth, power, or of their own (exaggerated) importance and abilities

These daydreams can become consuming, leading the narcissistic person to stop putting energy towards daily life and ambitions

Believes that they are special and unique, and deserves to be seen with people or institutions of similar power

Strong sense of entitlement

Tends to feel jealous of others and/or believe that others are jealous of them

Becomes powerfully depressed, ashamed, or furious when forced to face their human limitations

From without

Often presents as disdainful, snobbish, patronizing, haughty - this frequently antagonizes others

Exploitative, manipulative of others

Monopolizes conversations

Insistence on having “the best” in life

Exaggerates talents, achievements

[hauntedselves]

hey how do you tell the difference between attention seeking in bpd and hpd? questioning right now if hpd actually fits me better than bpd

Attention seeking in BPD is related to fear of abandonment, while attention seeking in HPD is related to a need for nuturing and care (in the form of positive attention).

Also, attention seeking is only one symptom of both of those, so that one symptom shouldn't be the basis of a diagnosis.

Here's a post from @shitborderlinesdo about HPD vs BPD.

This is what the DSM says:

"Although histrionic personality disorder can also be characterized by attention seeking, manipulative behavior, and rapidly shifting emotions, borderline personality disorder is distinguished by self-destructiveness, angry disruptions in close relationships, and chronic feelings of deep emptiness and loneliness."

[hauntedselves]

hi, do you have any posts about avpd and hpd comorbidities?

i don't, i have barely any posts on HPD, it's very hard to come by HPD info posts for some reason. so i'll make one!

the main symptom that clashes is the HPD need to be the centre of attention vs the AvPD fear of rejection making them withdraw from any and all attention

HPD's "inappropriately sexual behaviour" would be at odds with AvPD's fear of criticism and rejection - a person with AvPD would probably rather die than act inappropriately (sexual or otherwise)

i could see AvPD's unwillingness to get involved with someone unless they know they'll be liked being heightened by HPD's fear of criticism, but it also clashes with HPD's tendency to consider relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

both fear criticism & rejection

HPD has shallow emotions & mood swings, while AvPD doesn't, but AvPD doesn't necessarily have intense emotions or stable moods either so I think HPD symptoms would take precedence here

using appearance to draw attention is a staple of HPD but the antithesis of AvPD

impressionistic, sparse speech in HPD would work alongside AvPD's tendency to withdraw and speak only if spoken to. combined with the AvPD tendency to overshare in a rush of anxiety, i think this symptom would be found across both PDs

HPD is theatrical & dramatic, while AvPD is withdrawn and inhibited. that said, if a person with AvPD was comfortable around certain people, their HPD dramatics might come out then

People with HPD tend to be suggestible & gullible, which doesn't clash with any symptoms of AvPD, and may result in the person with AvPD trusting people sooner than they usually would

generally AvPD symptoms are the polar opposite of HPD symptoms, so someone with both would struggle a lot with their conflicting needs and desires. there would be a lot of swinging between the two (which could lead to a misdiagnosis of BPD or bipolar disorder)

[hauntedselves]

Clinical Formulations of Histrionic PD

Clinical formulations and case conceptualisations are introduced in this post.

These are all generalisations and theories of how HPD develops, not something that is supposed to be true for everyone with HPD.

Psychodynamic model

Histrionics lack relationships with maternal caregivers so turn to paternal caregivers for love and attention

Learn that they can get attention through sexualised behaviours

Men with HPD may be hypomasculine (effeminate) or hypermasculine if their paternal caregiver is emotionally unavailable

Biosocial model

Mood swings, very emotional

Biggest influences are environmental: caregivers’ reinforcement of attention-seeking & manipulative behaviours and histrionic role models

Children learn they can use cuteness, charm, attractiveness & seductive behaviours to get what they want/need (attention from caregivers)

Histrionics are externally focused and largely ignore their internal worlds

Histrionic behaviours are self-perpetuating

Cognitive-Behavioural model

Two main underlying assumptions: “I am inadequate and unable to handle life by myself” and “I must be loved by everyone to be worthwhile.” 

Need attention and approval from others, and in a similar way to DPD feel they are inadequate to look after themselves and need others

Hypersensitive to rejection & criticism (similar to DPD, NPD and AvPD)

Feel they must perform for others to gain approval and self-esteem

Thinking is “impressionistic, global, and unfocused” and leads to over-generalisation, emotional dysregulation, and splitting

Two subtypes:

The controlling type, who tries to gain control through dramatics and manipulation; they struggle with reading others’ emotions and are shallow, self-centred, and uncomfortable without immediate assurance; lack empathy.

The reactive type tries to gain approval and reassurance.

Interpersonal model

People with HPD learnt that their entertainment value and appearance was more important to others than their worth as a person

Learnt that physical appearance and charm can be used to manipulate others

Their childhood homes were unpredictable and probably involved substance abuse

The unpredictability was dramatic and interesting (unlike the “primitive” and life-threatening chaos associated with BPD)

Histrionics were likely rewarded (i.e. had their physical and emotional needs met) for their disabilities, illnesses and complaints

Histrionics “exhibit a strange fear of being ignored, together with a wish to be loved and taken care of by important others, who can be controlled through charm or guile.”

Integrative model

Histrionics experience reactive mood swings and have high levels of energy

They are hyper-responsive and externally oriented

“The self-view of the histrionic will be some variant of the theme “I am sensitive and everyone should admire and approve of me.” The world-view will be some variant of “Life makes me nervous so I am entitled to special care and consideration.” Life goal is some variant of the theme “Therefore, play to the audience, and live in the moment.””

Cargivers’ style based in reciprocity, i.e. “I’ll give you attention if you do what I want”, with minimal or inconsistent discipline and probable neglect

Internal experiences of HPD are “denial of one’s real or inner self; a preoccupation with externals; the need for excitement and attention-seeking, which leads to a superficial charm and interpersonal presence; and the need for external approval. This, in turn, further reinforces the dissociation and denial of the real or inner self from the public self, and the cycle continues.”

- From Sperry, Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-5 Personality Disorders (2016)

[hauntedselves]

Do you have an "alternate model for personality disorders" post for HPD? If not, would you be able to make one? I'm really glad to have a resource like this since I've been questioning a few PDs, and HPD is one that's been on my radar for a while!

the alternate models come from the DSM, and it doesn't include HPD - it would be diagnosed as PD-TS (Trait Specified) in this model.

if i had to guess at a HPD alternate model:

like all alternate model PDs, it would include impairments in identity, self-direction, empathy & intimacy.

HPD's examples might look like:

identity: unclear boundaries between self & others, unstable self-image & self-esteem, inability to regulate emotions

self-direction: incoherent short & long-term goals, unstable internal standards of social behaviour

empathy: difficulties understanding others' experiences, and their effects on others

intimacy: unstable connection (and desire for) with others, unbalanced mutuality in connections

in the Five Factor Model part, HPD might also be described as being high in Negative Affectivity (e.g. mood instability & intensity, insecurity, etc.) and Disinhibition (e.g. impulsivity, risk taking, etc.)

you could also check out the ICD-11's personality disorder diagnosis (just one disorder with various traits)

[imsocooltrusttt]

definition of decathect via WordReference // The Trespasser by D.H. Lawrence via Project Gutenberg // "Three Poems" by Andrés Cerpa via The Offing // @/twoheadedfawnn on Tumblr via Tumblr // "Sober to Death" by Car Seat Headrest via Spotify // unknown, via Mari Dori's pin on Pinterest // via Pinterest (I tried so hard but I couldn't find this one again) // "No One Noticed" by The Marías via Spotify // @/thoughtcascades on Tumblr via Tumblr // "Which Planet Are You?" uQuiz by @/CherrySoda via uQuiz // The Garden of Eden by Ernest Hemingway via Goodreads // "I'M A QUITTER, BABY" by LJH (can't find the poem or author anywhere else either) via Pinterest

// alright as usual extras are below and i'll reblog this with songs at some point

// the one below should have been put in my last web weave about unrequited love. alas, by the time i realized this song existed, it was too late.

// oh and full text of the poem at the end because i think it’s cool

[moonstoast]

[engravelives]

misc red graphics blinkies