While NPD and HPD do share some characteristics, the full extent of symptoms are very different. Treatment for both often includes professional support and medications.
Our personalities define a large part of who we are and fuel how we interact with ourselves and the world around us. For people with personality disorders, personality traits can have even more significant effects on one’s behaviors, relationships, and more.
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are two similar disorders known as cluster B personality disorders. Emotional, dramatic, and erratic thoughts and behaviors characterize cluster B personality disorders.
While histrionic and narcissistic personalities share some traits, there are significant differences between the two. Ahead, we compare histrionic and narcissistic personalities and cover the differences and similarities in symptoms and treatment.
As cluster B personality disorders, HPD and NPD do share some traits. For example, people with these conditions can think and act in ways that are overly dramatic, emotional, and unexpected.
However, there are some notable differences between the clinical features that appear in these two conditions:
- HPD involves emotionally erratic and excessive attention-seeking behavior, whether that attention is positive or negative.
- NPD involves an overinflated view of oneself, a lack of empathy for others, and a desire for admiration and validation.
People with these personality disorders thrive on attention, but the major difference between the two conditions is the type of attention and reason for that attention.
People with NPD typically seek positive attention as a means to validate their sense of self-worth, and they tend to avoid negative attention or criticism.
People with HPD have a strong desire for any type of attention. They may sometimes use harmful behaviors to get it.
Attention-seeking behavior is just one aspect of HPD and NPD. Other symptoms of the…
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