College
College of Arts and Sciences
Mentor Information
Dr. Hector Gomez
Description
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is characterized by attention-seeking, emotionality, and dramatic or seductive behaviors. Individuals with HPD often feel discomfort when not the center of attention and may use exaggerated affect to gain approval. While gender differences in diagnosis and presentation have been reported, the influence of trauma and comorbid conditions - such as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and eating disorders (EDs) - remains underexplored. A literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms including HPD, trauma, substance use, and eating disorders. A total of 157 articles were identified. Studies not addressing at least two relevant domains were excluded. Forty-eight studies were included in the final analysis. Trauma was a significant factor in HPD development and comorbidities. Sexual assault predicted HPD traits (d = 0.29; B = 0.28; 95% HDI [0.07, 0.49]). Trauma-related validation-seeking behaviors may contribute to both HPD features and disordered eating. Histrionic traits were associated with recurrent purging (adjusted OR = 1.56) and binge eating (adjusted OR = 1.63). Serial mediation analyses showed HPD traits were indirectly associated with alcohol use severity through impulsivity and positive alcohol expectancies (β = 0.022; 95% CI [0.008–0.044]). Trauma appears to link HPD traits with AUD and EDs through shared mechanisms such as validation-seeking and impulsivity. These patterns may manifest differently across genders, contributing to differences in diagnosis and recognition. Gender differences in HPD may reflect disparities in trauma exposure and comorbid conditions rather than symptom severity alone. Further research should examine trauma-related mechanisms across genders.
Gender Differences in the Diagnosis of Histrionic Personality
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is characterized by attention-seeking, emotionality, and dramatic or seductive behaviors. Individuals with HPD often feel discomfort when not the center of attention and may use exaggerated affect to gain approval. While gender differences in diagnosis and presentation have been reported, the influence of trauma and comorbid conditions - such as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and eating disorders (EDs) - remains underexplored. A literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms including HPD, trauma, substance use, and eating disorders. A total of 157 articles were identified. Studies not addressing at least two relevant domains were excluded. Forty-eight studies were included in the final analysis. Trauma was a significant factor in HPD development and comorbidities. Sexual assault predicted HPD traits (d = 0.29; B = 0.28; 95% HDI [0.07, 0.49]). Trauma-related validation-seeking behaviors may contribute to both HPD features and disordered eating. Histrionic traits were associated with recurrent purging (adjusted OR = 1.56) and binge eating (adjusted OR = 1.63). Serial mediation analyses showed HPD traits were indirectly associated with alcohol use severity through impulsivity and positive alcohol expectancies (β = 0.022; 95% CI [0.008–0.044]). Trauma appears to link HPD traits with AUD and EDs through shared mechanisms such as validation-seeking and impulsivity. These patterns may manifest differently across genders, contributing to differences in diagnosis and recognition. Gender differences in HPD may reflect disparities in trauma exposure and comorbid conditions rather than symptom severity alone. Further research should examine trauma-related mechanisms across genders.
