Ep 61: Histrionic Personality Disorder | The 8 DSM Criteria

Ep 61: Histrionic Personality Disorder | The 8 DSM Criteria

Author: Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP August 25, 2026 Duration: 21:47
Histrionic Personality Disorder | The 8 DSM Criteria | Ep. 61 🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the 8 criteria of histrionic personality disorder in the DSM. We discuss their tendency to engage in attention-seeking and seductive behaviors, coming across as emotionally shallow. Histrionic personalities also focus heavily on their appearance and use fluffy, impressionistic  speech. Others perceive them as dramatic and suggestible - easily believing what others say regardless of the facts. They also tend to overestimate their connections to others, believing relationships are deeper than they actually are.   ⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Histrionic Personality Disorder00:39 DSM I (1952) Histrionic Criteria01:12 DSM II (1968) Histrionic Criteria01:33 DSM III (1980) Histrionic Criteria02:21 DSM III-R (1987) Histrionic Criteria03:22 DSM IV (1994) Histrionic Criteria03:35 DSM 5-TR Criteria Introduction04:17 Criterion 1: Attention Seeking05:27 Criterion 2: Seductive & Provocative Behavior06:16 Criterion 3: Shifting & Shallow Affect07:54 Criterion 4: Draws Attention Using Appearance09:05 Criterion 5: Fluffy, Impressionistic Speech09:59 Criterion 6: Dramatic & Theatrical11:34 Criterion 7: Suggestibility13:27 Criterion 8: Connection Overestimation 14:34 Lower Interpersonal Impairment16:20 Our Thoughts21:05 Summary & Ending 👩‍⚕️Work With Us! https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links🛋️Websitehttps://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/histrionic-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/ Podcast Episode Referenced: Hysteria, Histrionic, & the Demonization of Women | Ep. 60 : https://youtu.be/3KkVWJ4um-8 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch

On the Personality Couch podcast, the subtle and often confusing tensions that shape our daily lives are brought into focus. Hosted by clinical psychologists Dr. Rebecca Houvener (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher (“Doc Fish”), this conversation moves beyond abstract theory to examine the real-world friction we navigate. Every other week, they take apart those puzzling interactions-the off-kilter feeling with a relative, the unexpected clash with a colleague-and trace them back to their roots in personality structure. Their dialogue is a practical exploration, offering listeners a framework to understand not just others, but their own reactions and patterns. You’ll hear detailed breakdowns of complex relational dynamics, all discussed with the clarity and nuance that comes from clinical expertise. The aim is to provide actionable insight, transforming confusion into comprehension. This isn’t about labeling people; it’s about deciphering the hidden language of human behavior that operates in our friendships, families, workplaces, and broader culture. By tuning in, you gain a shared vocabulary for the unspoken, making sense of the conflicts we all face but don’t always know how to address. The podcast serves as a guide for anyone looking to improve their connections and their own self-awareness, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Personality Couch
Podcast Episodes
Ep 42: The Almost Psychotic Personality | Schizotypal in the DSM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into the origins, diagnostic criteria, and oddities associated with schizotypal personality disorder and wh…
Ep 39: Schizoid vs Avoidant Personality | What's the Difference? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast avoidant and schizoid personalities. While schizoid and avoidant personality disorders have overlap…
Ep 38: Unpacking Schizoid Subtypes | A Critical Look [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) take a critical look at the subtypes of schizoid personality, critiquing existing definitions and theories, particularly…
Ep 37: Answering Viewer Questions About Schizoid Personality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) answer your most-asked questions about schizoid personality. We address misconceptions about schizoid and settle its pro…
Ep 36: Schizoid Personality vs Autism | Are They The Same? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the differences and similarities between schizoid personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and whether…
Ep 34: The Most Misunderstood Personality | Schizoid in the DSM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:20
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into one of the most misunderstood personalities: the quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We take a cr…