Histrionic personality disorder therapy can be difficult to come by, thanks to this rare and often misunderstood disorder. However, with the right resources and information, it is possible to find effective and specialized therapy options for individuals struggling with histrionic personality disorder. If you’re searching for histrionic personality disorder therapy for you or a loved one, here are some tips to help you find a provider that can help you begin your recovery journey.
Find A Therapist Who Understands Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder is one of the most misunderstood psychiatric disorders, and quite rare. Only an estimated 0.6% of the general population is thought to have this disorder, making it difficult for many therapists to gain experience treating it. When searching for histrionic personality disorder therapy, it’s important to find a therapist who has experience and understanding of the unique challenges that come with this condition.
HPD can be accompanied by many difficult and troublesome symptoms, including:
- Constant need for attention and validation
- Inappropriate seductive behavior
- Exaggerated or dramatic emotional displays
- Difficulty forming genuine relationships
- Impulsive behavior and decision-making
These symptoms can be off putting, to say the least. If a therapist does not understand the root causes and underlying issues behind these behaviors, it can lead to misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, or negative experiences for the individual seeking therapy.
When considering a therapist, be sure to ask about their experience and knowledge of histrionic personality disorder. Ask them if they know of HPD, have treated it before, and what approaches they have found to be successful. This will help you determine if the therapist is a good fit for your needs.
Focus on Providers Who Specialize in Personality Disorders
HPD is incredibly rare, but it is part of a larger category of personality disorders known as “Cluster B” disorders. This cluster includes disorders such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, which share some similarities with HPD. This includes symptoms such as:
- Mood instability
- Impulsivity
- Irritability
- Anxiety and racing thoughts
- Sense of emptiness
- Fractured sense of identity
If you’re unable to find histrionic personality disorder therapy near you, consider getting help from a mental health provider that has experience treating other Cluster B personality disorders. They may still be able to provide valuable insight and techniques for managing HPD symptoms.
It’s important to find a therapist who specializes in personality disorders because they will have a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and how to effectively treat them. They may also use specific therapeutic approaches, such as dialectical behavior therapy, to help you cope and manage emotions.
Research Co-Occurring Therapy Treatment
Personality disorders like HPD often require specifically tailored therapy approaches that address both the disorder and any co-occurring conditions. Cluster B personality disorders like HPD have the highest prevalence of any co-occurrence with other mental illnesses at almost 84%. Those with cluster B personality disorders often have co-occurring mood disorders (48.8% of the time).
Mood disorders include conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. They can exacerbate symptoms of HPD and make it more difficult to manage. It’s important to address both the personality disorder and any co-occurring disorders in therapy for the best chance at recovery.
Your therapist should be able to treat any underlying mood disorders, depression, anxiety, past trauma, or offer help for other contributing factors to your HPD. Dual-diagnosis treatment goes a long way in helping you manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. Some co-occurring treatment options for HPD and other mental illnesses can include:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – This is a type of talk therapy that is often used for mood disorders and Borderline personality disorder. It can help you learn how to cope with strong emotions and develop healthy ways of regulating them.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It may also address specific issues, such as low self-esteem or impulsivity, commonly associated with HPD.
- Medication Management – In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. Your therapist may work collaboratively with a psychiatrist to determine the best course of treatment.
Build Rapport For Lifelong Histrionic Personality Disorder Therapy
Histrionic personality disorder therapy is often lifelong, as many people don’t recognize they have a disorder to begin with. Some might also deny that they have it, as individuals with HPD may not always see their behavior as problematic. Because HPD can be difficult to treat and recover from, it’s vital to search for a treatment center that will take the time to build rapport, offer flexible treatment options, and provide a safe, non-judgmental environment.
One of the keys to successful HPD therapy is building rapport with your therapist. Building trust and a strong relationship with your therapist can help you feel more comfortable opening up and addressing difficult emotions and behaviors. This process takes time, so it’s essential to find a therapist who is patient, empathetic, and willing to work with you at your own pace.
Start Your Recovery From Histrionic Personality Disorder Now
If you or a loved one with HPD feel misunderstood, scared, or even lost, Elevation Behavioral Health is here to help. Our 90-day, inpatient mental health treatment in Agoura Hills, California provides a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals to address their underlying issues and learn coping skills for managing HPD symptoms. We also offer comprehensive outpatient treatment so you can have the flexibility to attend therapy while maintaining your daily responsibilities.
In addition to individual therapy, we offer a variety of evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-focused therapy for HPD. Our team of experienced therapists will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on long-term, lifelong recovery. You don’t have to live with the negative effects of HPD any longer – start your journey to healing and self-discovery with Elevation Behavioral Health and call us today.
