Teen Treatment Programs in California
Histrionic Personality Disorder in Teens
If your teen is showing signs of Histrionic Personality Disorder, early support can make a lasting difference.
At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment, we provide expert, compassionate care to help teens manage emotional intensity and build healthier patterns for life.
Adolescence is full of complex emotions, shifting identities, and social experimentation. But when these traits become extreme—when a teen’s emotional displays feel performative or their need for attention begins to interfere with daily life—it’s worth taking a closer look. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we provide specialized, compassionate care for teens navigating complex mental health conditions, including personality disorders. One such condition, Histrionic Personality Disorder, is often misunderstood, especially during the already dramatic years of adolescence.
Let’s break down what Histrionic Personality Disorder really is, how it differs from typical teen behavior, and what parents can do to support their child’s recovery. If you have additional questions about treatment options for Histrionic Personality Disorder in teens, contact us today.
Contact us today to learn more about our teen mental health treatment centers.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of attention-seeking behavior, excessive emotionality, and a strong desire to be noticed. In adults, it’s easier to recognize, often presenting as dramatic speech, seductive behavior, or exaggerated emotional displays. However, in teens, these symptoms can be harder to identify, given that adolescence is already a time of emotional ups and downs.
When a teen has Histrionic Personality Disorder, their actions are not just expressive—they’re often theatrical and compulsively attention-driven. Their self-esteem may hinge entirely on the approval of others, and their relationships tend to be superficial or unstable. Importantly, this behavior is not simply about immaturity or rebellion—it reflects a deeper struggle with emotional regulation and identity.
Histrionic Personality Disorder vs Teen Drama
Let’s be honest—most teens are dramatic at some point. Hormonal changes, shifting friendships, and academic stress all contribute to emotional highs and lows. So how do you tell the difference between a typical teenage outburst and a potential personality disorder?
A teen with Histrionic Personality Disorder doesn’t just experience big emotions—they perform them. The distinction lies in consistency, intensity, and impact. While the average teen may seek attention from friends or test social boundaries, teens with HPD often do so compulsively, even when it leads to conflict or distress. Their behaviors tend to be exaggerated and persistent over time, not just situational.
If your child’s emotional reactions feel performative, if they crave validation to the point of manipulation, or if their relationships consistently involve extreme highs and lows, it may be time to seek professional guidance.
Signs and Symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder
Understanding the signs can help parents differentiate between a phase and a deeper issue. Here are some common symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder in teens:
- Intense need to be the center of attention in any situation
- Rapidly shifting and shallow emotions
- Speech that lacks detail but is overly dramatic or impressionistic
- Use of physical appearance to draw attention to oneself
- Discomfort when not the focus of attention
- Easily influenced by others or external circumstances
- Consistently perceives relationships as closer or more intimate than they really are
It’s important to note that teens may exhibit some of these traits without having HPD. A qualified mental health professional can help assess the full picture.
Traits of Histrionic Personality Disorder in Teens
The personality traits associated with HPD often create challenges in school, relationships, and family life. These may include:
- Emotional Dependency – Teens with HPD often rely on external validation to feel good about themselves, leading to instability in self-image.
- Impulsivity – Sudden decisions about friendships, appearance, or behavior may be common, particularly if the change promises attention.
- Sensitivity to Criticism – Because self-worth is externally anchored, feedback—even when constructive—can trigger outsized emotional responses.
- Exaggerated Self-Presentation – Whether it’s through social media, fashion, or storytelling, teens may overinflate their persona to maintain attention.
- Boundary Issues – HPD can cause teens to misread social cues, resulting in inappropriate or overly familiar behavior with peers or adults.
These traits aren’t just frustrating for parents—they’re often distressing for the teen as well. At Hillcrest, we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, recognizing that teens with HPD are often struggling silently beneath the surface.
Our Treatment Programs for Personality Disorders
At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we offer a highly structured residential environment where teens ages 12–18 can receive the support they need.
Our CARF-accredited program includes:
- Psychological Assessments
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Family Therapy and Parent Coaching
- Life Skills Development
- Academic Support
- Medication Management (when appropriate)
Levels of Care at Hillcrest
At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we offer two structured levels of care designed to meet teens where they are in their healing journey. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each adolescent, ensuring that treatment plans are both evidence-based and individualized. Teens with Histrionic Personality Disorder benefit from a setting that provides consistency, clear boundaries, and emotional support.
Residential Treatment provides 24/7 support in a safe, therapeutic environment. Teens live on-site and receive comprehensive care that includes daily therapy sessions, medication management when appropriate, academic support, and a wide range of experiential therapies. This immersive setting allows for focused emotional healing and skill-building away from daily stressors.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a step-down level of care for teens who need intensive support but do not require overnight supervision. PHP includes structured programming five days a week, with individual and group therapy, family counseling, and continued psychiatric care—all while allowing teens to return home in the evenings. It’s an ideal option for those transitioning from residential care or needing more structure than traditional outpatient therapy provides.
How Histrionic Personality Disorder is Treated at Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment
Treating Histrionic Personality Disorder in teens requires more than behavior modification—it calls for emotional excavation and identity reconstruction. At Hillcrest, we use a combination of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches to help teens explore the roots of their behaviors while building healthier coping mechanisms.
Our clinicians specialize in:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping teens reframe distorted thinking patterns and gain insight into behavioral triggers
- Family Systems Therapy – Addressing dysfunctional family dynamics that may be reinforcing attention-seeking behaviors
- Expressive Therapies – Encouraging healthy self-expression through art, music, writing, and movement
Each treatment plan is carefully constructed with collaboration from the teen, their family, and our multidisciplinary team. The goal is to help teens build a sense of self-worth that doesn’t depend on the spotlight.
Causes of Histrionic Personality Disorder in Teens
There’s no single cause of Histrionic Personality Disorder, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors is typically at play. These may include:
- Childhood trauma or neglect
- Inconsistent parenting or excessive praise/criticism
- Modeling of dramatic or manipulative behavior by caregivers
- Neurological factors affecting emotional regulation
- A family history of personality disorders or mental illness
Because adolescence is a critical window for identity formation, early intervention is key. The earlier a teen receives support for Histrionic Personality Disorder, the better their chances of developing healthy emotional habits and forming meaningful relationships.
Get Help for Histrionic Personality Disorder in Teens
If your teen seems to be caught in a cycle of emotional drama, attention-seeking, and unstable relationships, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Histrionic Personality Disorder in teens is complex, but it is treatable. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we specialize in helping teens untangle the emotions that drive their behaviors and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Our residential program provides a nurturing, clinically rigorous environment where your teen can grow, heal, and reconnect with their true self. Whether you’re just beginning to explore treatment options or seeking a second opinion, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive approach to treating Histrionic Personality Disorder in teens—and how we can support your family every step of the way.
Enroll Your Teen In Our Teen Histrionic Personality Disorder Program Today
You don’t have to face this journey alone. Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is here to help your teen—and your family—find hope, healing, and a brighter future. As one of the top adolescent dual diagnosis treatment centers, we’re committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your child’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our programs. Let Hillcrest be your partner in recovery and your guide to a healthier tomorrow.