Histrionic Personality Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

Please see our separate note on Treatment, Mental Disorders and Basic Science for important caveats on the role and definition of diagnostic criteria.

Histrionic Personality Disorder According to the ICD-10

The following information is reproduced verbatim from the ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, World Health Organization, Geneva, 1992. (Since the WHO updates the overall ICD on a regular basis, individual classifications within it may or may not change from year to year; therefore, you should always check directly with the WHO to be sure of obtaining the latest revision for any particular individual classification.)

F60.4 Histrionic Personality Disorder

Personality disorder characterized by at least 3 of the following:

1. self-dramatization, theatricality, exaggerated expression of emotions;
2. suggestibility, easily influenced by others or by circumstances;
3. shallow and labile affectivity;
4. continual seeking for excitement, appreciation by others, and activities in which the patient is the centre of attention;
5. inappropriate seductiveness in appearance or behaviour;
6. over-concern with physical attractiveness.

Associated features may include egocentricity, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, feelings that are easily hurt, and persistent manipulative behaviour to achieve own needs.

Includes:

• hysterical and psychoinfantile personality (disorder)

Diagnostic Guidelines

Please see the separate set of notes which apply to all personality disorders in the ICD-10 system of classification.