Individuals with histrionic personality disorder have excessive superficial emotionality and a powerful need for attention.

Epidemiology
Lifetime prevalence is 2% to 3% of the general population. In clinical settings, the diagnosis is most frequently applied to women but may equally affect men in the general population.

Etiology
There appears to be a familial link to somatization disorder and to ASP.

Clinical Manifestations
History and Mental Status Examination
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder are characterized by their excessive and superficial emotionality and their profound need to be the center of attention at all times. Theatrical behavior dominates with lively and dramatic clothing, exaggerated emotional responses to seemingly insignificant events, and inappropriate flirtatious and seductive behavior across a wide variety of circumstances. Despite their apparent plethora of emotion, these individuals often
have difficulty with intimacy, frequently believing their relationships are more intimate than they actually are.

Differential Diagnosis
Somatization disorder is the principal differential diagnostic consideration.