668 Personality Disorders
sentimental occasions, having temper tantru ms). However, their emotions often seem to
be turned on and off too quickly to be deeply felt, which may lead others to accuse the in-
dividual of faking these feelings.
Individuals with histrionic pers onality disorder have a high degree of suggestibility (Cri-
terion 7). Their opinions and f eelings are easily influenced by  others and by current fads.
They may be overly trusting, especially of st rong authority figures whom they see as mag-
ically solving their problems. They have a te ndency to play hunches and to adopt convic-
tions quickly. Individuals with  this disorder often consider  relationships more intimate
than they actually are, describing almost every acquaintance as “my dear, dear friend” or
referring to physicians met only once or twice under professional circumstances by their
first names (Criterion 8). 
Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis
Individuals with histrionic personality disord er may have difficulty achieving emotional in-
timacy in romantic or sexual relationships. Without being aware of it, they often act out a
role (e.g., “victim” or “princess”) in their rela tionships to others. They  may seek to control
their partner through emotional manipulation or  seductiveness on one level, while display-
ing a marked dependency on them at another level. Individuals with this disorder often
have impaired relationships with same-sex friends because their sexually provocative inter-
personal style may seem a threat  to their friends’ relationsh ips. These individuals may also
alienate friends with demands for constant a ttention. They often become depressed and up-
set when they are not the center of attention.  They may crave novelty, stimulation, and ex-