The hysterical personality disorder: a phenomenological approach

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology

Background:

• Uncertainty exists regarding the core features of hysterical (histrionic) personality disorder.
• Classic hysterical personality traits require detailed analysis and classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the essence of hysterical (histrionic) personality disorder.
• To establish a psychopathological picture for improved differential diagnosis.
• To explore the role of dissociation in this disorder.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological methodology was employed.
• Observable phenomena in 'classic' hysterical personality were analyzed, described, named, and classified.
• Basic functions of human experience and behavior served as classification criteria.

Main Results:

• A detailed psychopathological picture of hysterical personality disorder was developed.
• Dissociation of mental processes was demonstrated across basic functions.
• A specific feature involving dissociation along a conscious-preconscious-unconscious continuum was identified.

Conclusions:

• Dissociation is a prerequisite for compromised acting out of non-integrated elements, such as aggression.
• This acting out serves as a coping strategy in hysterical (histrionic) personality disorder.
• The findings aid in the differential diagnosis of this complex disorder.