Living with histrionic personality disorder (HPD) can feel overwhelming — for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. HPD is often misunderstood, sometimes dismissed as “just being dramatic.” In reality, it is a complex mental health condition that requires thoughtful, compassionate care.
Therapy and other treatments for histrionic personality disorder can help individuals better understand their emotions, develop healthier ways of coping and build stronger relationships. At Guidelight Health, we specialize in providing supportive, client-first care that meets people where they are on their journey.
What is histrionic personality disorder?
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of intense emotions and a need for attention and approval. People with HPD may experience overwhelming feelings, act in ways to gain reassurance or struggle with self-esteem when they are not the center of attention.
Common symptoms of HPD
- A strong desire to be noticed and recognized
- Rapidly shifting and shallow emotions
- Discomfort when not receiving attention
- Overly dramatic or theatrical behavior
- Dependence on the approval of others
- Easily influenced by peers or trends
Myth vs. Reality: HPD is often mistaken as simply “being overly dramatic.” In truth, it is a clinically recognized mental health disorder that impacts a person’s ability to navigate relationships and emotions. According to the National Library of Medicine, as high as 1.8% of the population may experience HPD in their lifetime.
Why therapy matters for HPD
Therapy plays a vital role in managing HPD because it provides a safe space to explore emotions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns and learn healthier coping strategies. Without professional support, people with HPD may find themselves caught in cycles of conflict, unstable relationships or feelings of emptiness.
Benefits of therapy for HPD include:
- Improved self-awareness
- Healthier communication skills
- Stronger, more stable relationships
- Coping strategies for emotional regulation
- Reduced reliance on attention-seeking behaviors
At Guidelight, therapy is never about judgment. It’s about helping people understand their patterns and supporting them in building a healthier future.
5 Common treatment strategies for HPD
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thought patterns and emotional experiences. For individuals with HPD, this approach helps uncover how past experiences, particularly childhood relationships, may influence current behaviors.
Example: A person who learned early on that dramatic behavior earned attention may unconsciously carry that into adulthood. Through therapy, they can learn new ways to seek connection and affirmation.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that helps identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and helps people replace them with healthier ones. For HPD, CBT can:
- Identify and challenge beliefs like “I’m only valuable when I’m noticed”
- Provide practical strategies to reduce impulsive or dramatic responses
Group therapy
Group therapy creates a supportive environment where individuals with HPD can practice healthier social interactions. Feedback from peers helps highlight patterns and offers opportunities for growth.
Benefit: Group therapy can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable insight into how one’s behavior affects others.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT, originally designed for borderline personality disorder, is often effective for HPD. It provides concrete tools for managing intense emotions, including:
- Mindfulness — Staying grounded in the present
- Distress tolerance — Handling overwhelming feelings without resorting to harmful behaviors
- Emotion regulation — Learning to balance and manage mood swings
- Interpersonal effectiveness — Building healthier, more respectful relationships
Medication support (when appropriate)
While there is no specific medication for HPD, treatment may include prescriptions to help manage co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. Medication is always used under professional guidance and in combination with therapy.
Challenges in treating HPD
Like many personality disorders, HPD can present unique challenges in treatment. Some individuals may resist therapy if they feel misunderstood or judged. Others may struggle with consistency, dropping out of therapy when it becomes difficult or uncomfortable. Emotional intensity can also make it hard for clients to stay grounded in the therapeutic process.
At Guidelight, our clinicians address these challenges by fostering trust, meeting clients with empathy and helping them set realistic, attainable goals. By emphasizing collaboration, we empower individuals to stay engaged and invested in their own growth.
How loved ones can support someone with HPD
HPD can also impact the family and friends of those who live with it. Loved ones play an essential role in supporting recovery and stability.
Ways loved ones can help:
- Practice patience and empathy when emotions run high
- Encourage therapy without shaming or criticism
- Set healthy boundaries to protect their own well-being
- Learn about HPD to better understand challenges and triggers
Guidelight emphasizes a family-centered approach. We recognize that healing does not happen in isolation. It often involves creating supportive environments where loved ones feel empowered to participate in the recovery journey.
A story of hope: What one person’s journey with HPD might look like
To better understand how therapy can help, consider the fictional example of “Anna.” Anna often felt anxious when she wasn’t the center of attention and struggled in her relationships. She started therapy at Guidelight, where she began to recognize how her past experiences shaped her behaviors.
Through CBT and group therapy, Anna developed healthier ways to connect with others and learned to find validation within herself instead of constantly seeking it from others. Today, she continues her mental health journey with a greater sense of balance, hope and stability.
Stories like Anna’s highlight that progress is possible, and that therapy and other treatments offer a path toward meaningful change.
How Guidelight can help with HPD
At Guidelight, our mission is to provide client-first care that combines compassion with clinical expertise. We understand that each person’s experience with HPD is unique, and our providers tailor treatment to meet individual needs.
Our services include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — Day treatment programs for those who benefit from more intensive care. Our PHP includes both individual and group therapy sessions.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — Flexible, structured program for people needing more support. Our IOP includes individual and group therapy sessions.
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) — An online IOP that allows you to stay in a familiar environment during your individual and group therapy sessions.
- We offer specialized care for both adults and adolescents ages 12–17, ensuring that people at different life stages receive the support they need.
What makes Guidelight unique:
- Tailored programming for adolescents and adults
- Flexible care levels (IOP and PHP) to meet clients where they are
- A welcoming, stigma-free environment designed to put clients at ease
- Emphasis on family involvement to strengthen support systems
Find out if one of Guidelight’s in-person clinics is located near you.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can people with HPD recover fully?
A: While HPD is a lifelong condition, therapy helps people build healthier coping skills and achieve greater stability. At Guidelight, we avoid promising “full recovery” but emphasize that growth and improvement are possible.
Q: How long does therapy for HPD take?
A: The length of treatment varies by individual. Some may see progress in a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
Q: Can adolescents have HPD?
A: Yes. Guidelight offers services for adolescents ages 12–17 who may be struggling with symptoms consistent with HPD.
Q: Is medication always required?
A: No. Medication is not the first line of treatment for HPD, but it can help manage related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Q: What happens if HPD goes untreated?
A: Without treatment, HPD can lead to long-term relationship problems, difficulties at work or school, and higher risk of depression or anxiety. Therapy may help reduce these risks by equipping people with healthier coping strategies.
Q: Can relationships improve with therapy?
A: Yes. Many people with HPD learn skills in therapy that help them communicate more effectively, regulate emotions and build more stable, fulfilling relationships.
Q: How can I encourage a loved one to seek help?
A: Approach with compassion and avoid judgmental language. Express your concern, share resources like Guidelight and let them know you’ll support them in the process.
Get histrionic personality disorder support from Guidelight
Histrionic personality disorder can create challenges, but it does not define a person’s worth or future. Treatment for histrionic personality disorder provides a path toward healthier relationships, improved emotional balance and stronger self-esteem. With the right support, people living with HPD can thrive.
At Guidelight, we believe everyone has a seat at the mental health care table. Our team is here to walk alongside you or your loved one, offering compassionate and clinically informed care every step of the way. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about our treatment options for histrionic personality disorder or to schedule an initial evaluation.