The research group of Mayo Clinic defines the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as «a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships and lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that is vulnerable to the slightest criticism«.
WebMD identifies the Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) as one of the personality disorders » Cluster B » either «dramatic«. People with these disorders have intense and unstable emotions and distorted self-images.
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For people with HPD, their self-esteem depends on the approval of others Y it does not spring from a true sense of self-worth. They have a overwhelming desire to be noticed and often behave in a dramatic or inappropriate manner to gain attention.»
The reasons for NPD and HPD are complex and deep, and often involve childhood or early adult trauma and injury. In severe cases, it may professional mental health advice is needed (and is recommended) to diagnose and treat disorders.
There are some overlaps in symptoms between NPD and HPD, below are seven signs of an overemotional histrionic narcissist. While some people may occasionally display the traits below, which might not be a major problem, a histrionic narcissist will routinely display one or more of the following pathologies (dysfunctions), while causing substantial distress and harm to others and oneself.
1. Dramatic negative emotions
Histrionic narcissists often have a tendency to displaying overly dramatic negative emotions when they don’t get the attention, appreciation, or entitlement they think they deserve. This can range from not getting prompt customer service, to a momentary lack of attention from a spouse, to being told «no» when seeking an «exception to the rule» or other instances where that their imaginary privileges are not heeded.
Histrionic narcissists are often irrational in their demandsinequitable in the way they treat people, insensitive to the difficulties of others and disproportionate in their emotional response. Whether it is intense anger (narcissistic rage) or manic outbursts (histrionic drama), lack of attention and deference is often perceived as a threatens your self-esteem Y they respond with hostility and even aggression. They overwhelm their victims with intense negative drama, intimidating their victims in hopes of getting what they want.
2. Dramatic «positive» emotions (superficial charm and seduction)
the other side of showing negative emotions too dramatic to attract attention is to represent emotions»positive«superficial to the same end. Here, the histrionic narcissist can instigating charm and seduction to «win over» their targets (thus controlling their attention and compliance). Examples include fake flattery, appeal to vanity and ego, false sympathy and acceptance, exaggerated closeness and intimacy, promises of positive rewards after negative treatment, etc.
Some histrionic narcissists are experts in switching between positive and negative emotions. If they don’t get the special attention they think they deserve for being the shallow charmer, they can suddenly change their tune and become the hostile aggressor.
3. Constant need for attention
A main reason for the overly dramatic behavior (both negative and «positive») of the histrionic narcissist is the insatiable desire for attention and approval. However, behind this yearning for «specialty» there is often a fragile self-esteem with serious attachment problems, trust and security. In relationships and in life situations, some histrionic narcissists perform «tests» to see if people are willing to «go the extra step» to serve them, placate or rescue them, thus affirming their fragile self-esteem.
Unfortunately, the problem with constantly looking for validation from the outside is that one will never be truly happy with oneself inside. For the histrionic narcissist, the temporary satisfaction of external approval never lasts, and it is never enough.
4. Self-absorbed egocentrism and lack of empathy
Since the histrionic narcissist’s primary focus on life is the approval and the self-gratification, other people’s thoughts, feelings, and priorities are often ignored with little or no consideration (unless the histrionic narcissist has something to gain from them). One of the most striking traits of some histrionic narcissists is his ability to witness human difficulties (either in personal life or in society in general), ignore them and express contempt, especially if the difficulties of others interfere with your selfish plans.
5. Boundary Violation and Manipulation
Many histrionic narcissists assume that the world revolves around them and quickly violate the limits and manipulate people for their personal gain. They are often directed at individuals whoThey can exploit psychologically, emotionally, physically, sexually, materially and/or financially. Once the histrionic narcissist finish taking advantage of the victim, you can move on without a second thought. Histrionic narcissists don’t relate. They use.
6. Can be unrealistic and unreliable
Some histrionic narcissists have a higher functioning and can achieve certain levels of personal and/or professional success in life (at least for a time). However, both higher-functioning and lower-functioning histrionic narcissists they may suffer from a lack of realism, which can make their decision-making impractical and impatient, resulting in disappointment and failure.
the desire of constant stimulation, instant gratification, and a tendency to get bored easily it means that some histrionic narcissists are unstable in their relationships and unreliable in their commitments. Certain histrionic narcissists are prone to take unreasonable risks that affect their own well-being and that of others.
7. Difficulty coping with stress and change
Everyone has ups and downs in life. Stress and change are part of the human experience. Many histrionic narcissists they have great difficulty managing stressors that threaten their self-centeredness and perceived rights. Whether it’s about personal relationships, work environment or social problemshistrionic narcissists they adjust poorly when reminded that the world does not revolve around them and that most people will not put them on a pedestal. This is a bitter truth for histrionic narcissists, many of whom they are «unable to give in» and «unwilling to let go.»
histrionic narcissists they may experience anxiety, depression, psychosis, or other mental health problems due to their inability to adjust and adapt in an ever-changing world. Until they become more self-aware and «join the human race,» they will continue to cause significant harm to themselves and others.
Causes
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder not yet well understood. It is believed that genetic and biological factorsjust like him environment and early life experiencesplay a role in the development of this condition.
Treatment
Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be challenging because people with this condition are very grandiose and defensive, making it difficult for them to recognize problems and vulnerabilities. The psychotherapy it can be helpful in helping people with narcissistic personality disorder relate to others in a healthier and more compassionate way.