dramatic (e.g., make up stories,  create a scene) to draw the fo cus of attention to themselves.
This need is often apparent in their behavior wi th a clinician (e.g., being flattering, bring-
ing gifts, providing dramatic  descriptions of physical and psychological symptoms that
are replaced by new symptoms each visit).
The appearance and behavior of individuals with this disorder are often inappropri-
ately sexually provocative or seductive (Criteri on 2). This behavior not only is directed to-
ward persons in whom the individual has a sexu al or romantic interest but also occurs in
a wide variety of social, occupational, and professional rela tionships beyond what is ap-
propriate for the social context. Emotional ex pression may be shallow and rapidly shifting
(Criterion 3). Individuals with this disorder  consistently use physical appearance to draw
attention to themselves (Criterion 4). They are overly concerned with  impressing others by
their appearance and expend an excessive am ount of time, energy, and money on clothes
and grooming. They may “fish for compliments” regarding appearance and may be easily
and excessively upset by a critical comment about how they look or by a photograph that
they regard as unflattering.
These individuals have a style of speech that  is excessively impre ssionistic and lacking
in detail (Criterion 5). Strong opinions are expressed with dramatic flair, but underlying
reasons are usually vague and diffuse, with out supporting facts and details. For example,
an individual with histrionic personality disorder may comment that a certain individual
is a wonderful human being, yet be unable to provide any specific examples of good qual-
ities to support this opinion.  Individuals with this disorder are characterized by self-
dramatization, theatricality, and an exaggera ted expression of emotion (Criterion 6). They