What is the treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder?

• A. Pharmacotherapy only
• B. Psychotherapy
• C. Electroconvulsive therapy
• D. No treatment

Answer: (B)

Psychotherapy is the best approach because the central challenge in histrionic personality disorder is enduring patterns of excessive emotionality and a need for constant attention, which are most effectively addressed through therapeutic work. Psychotherapy helps the person develop healthier ways of relating, reduce reliance on others for self-worth, and learn coping strategies that lessen dramatic, attention-seeking behaviors. Over time, a stable therapeutic relationship can foster more authentic self-esteem and better interpersonal functioning.

Medicinal treatment alone isn’t enough, since there isn’t evidence that medications change the underlying personality pattern. They may help with co-occurring symptoms like depression or anxiety, but they don’t resolve the core behavior or interpersonal dynamics. Electroconvulsive therapy is not a typical or appropriate treatment for this condition. And opting for no treatment ignores the real ways psychotherapy can improve functioning and quality of life for someone with this pattern.