What is the first-line treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder?

The first-line treatment for Histrionic Personality Disorder is psychotherapy, particularly approaches that focus on helping individuals understand the effects of their behavior on others and improve their interpersonal relationships. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or supportive therapy, facilitates self-reflection and insight, enabling individuals to examine their emotional responses and interpersonal dynamics more critically.

This therapeutic approach is particularly important for individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder, as they often exhibit high levels of emotionality and a need for attention. By engaging in psychotherapy, patients can develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and learn to express their emotions in less dramatic and more constructive ways.

While medications such as SSRIs or benzodiazepines like Clonazepam may be used to relieve associated symptoms such as anxiety or depression, these are not considered first-line treatments specifically targeting the disorder itself. Long-term psychodynamic therapy, while beneficial for deeper personality issues, often requires a longer commitment and may not be as immediately effective as more focused psychotherapy tailored to the specific symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder. Therefore, psychotherapy is recognized as the primary modality for treatment in this context.