Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment in Orange County, CA
Living with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) can feel like being caught in a whirlwind of intense emotions and unstable connections. Constantly seeking approval, struggling with self-worth, and navigating dramatic mood shifts often leave individuals feeling misunderstood and exhausted. We recognize how overwhelming these experiences can be and offer structured, compassionate care. Through our Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and flexible Outpatient Programs, we provide evidence-based treatment that helps clients manage symptoms and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of attention-seeking, excessive emotional expression, and a strong need for approval. Those with HPD may feel uncomfortable when they’re not the center of attention, experience rapidly shifting emotions, or struggle to maintain stable relationships.
The condition can create cycles of self-doubt and insecurity, where relationships feel turbulent and daily life becomes centered around external validation. Left untreated, HPD may lead to difficulties at work, social isolation, and increased vulnerability to anxiety or depression. With treatment, however, individuals can learn healthier ways to manage emotions and create stronger, more authentic relationships.
“I didn’t realize how much my need for validation was controlling my life. Thanks, Friendly, for helping me find my confidence.”
Common Warning Signs of HPD
Recognizing the symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder is an important step toward understanding how it affects daily life and relationships. HPD often presents through heightened emotional responses, dramatic behaviors, and challenges in forming stable connections. These patterns may appear in how a person thinks, acts, and relates to others, often creating cycles of instability and frustration.
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- Intense discomfort when not the center of attention
- Easily influenced by others’ opinions or circumstances
- Rapidly changing emotions and shallow expressions of feelings
- Overly concerned with appearance or presentation
Behavioral Symptoms
- Frequent attention-seeking actions or dramatic behavior
- Inappropriate flirtatiousness or seductive mannerisms
- Impulsive decision-making and risk-taking
- Difficulty maintaining long-term goals or commitments
Relational Symptoms
- Unstable or superficial relationships
- Overdependence on external approval
- Strained family or partner dynamics due to unpredictability
- Feeling underappreciated or unloved without constant reassurance
If you notice these traits in yourself or someone you care about, early intervention can help foster lasting change.
The Connection Between HPD and Other Conditions
Histrionic Personality Disorder often occurs alongside other mental health concerns. At Friendly Recovery, our integrated approach addresses overlapping challenges, including:
- Depression: Feelings of emptiness and low self-esteem may follow attention-seeking episodes.
- Anxiety Disorders: Persistent worry or social anxiety may amplify emotional instability.
- Other Personality Disorders: Traits of borderline, narcissistic, or dependent personality disorders may overlap with HPD.
“I thought my emotions would always overwhelm me. Friendly Recovery showed me that stability and balance are possible.”
Treatment Options for Histrionic Personality Disorder
Recovery from HPD requires a tailored, compassionate approach. At Friendly Recovery, our programs combine therapy, psychiatric care, and skill-building to help clients regulate emotions and create stronger relationships.
Therapies We Offer Include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and challenges distorted thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addresses underlying experiences that may contribute to attention-seeking behaviors.
- Process Group Therapy: Builds self-awareness and helps reduce reliance on external approval.
- Medication Management: Provides psychiatric support when mood or anxiety symptoms interfere with progress.
Flexible Care Options
We provide multiple levels of care to meet each client where they are in their journey:
- Outpatient Therapy: Weekly sessions to reinforce coping skills and emotional balance.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured treatment with multiple weekly sessions while maintaining daily responsibilities.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Comprehensive daily care for those needing stabilization and intensive support.
Specialized Programs Include:
- Men’s Mental Health: Focusing on how HPD uniquely affects men’s relationships and identity.
- Women’s Mental Health: Creating a supportive environment tailored to women’s needs.
- Telehealth Options: Convenient virtual care for those who prefer or require remote access.
When HPD Disrupts Your Relationships and Stability
- You rely on attention or approval to feel validated
- Your relationships are often strained or unstable
- You struggle with impulsivity or dramatic mood shifts
- Co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety complicate recovery
A Unique Approach to Personality Disorder Care
Specialized Histrionic Personality Disorder Treatment
Living with Histrionic Personality Disorder doesn’t have to mean living in chaos or constant uncertainty. With the right treatment, you can develop healthier coping strategies, build stronger connections, and rediscover stability in your life.
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
