Nowadays, this phenomenon is overplayed in the media. Everyone is either a “sociopath”, a “narcissistic”, “bipolar”, etc. And maybe those people they are alleging do suffer from something. However, those same commentators are quick to throw out words and diagnoses they may not be completely familiar with or understand.
I think we can all agree on that Nadya Suleman, the infamous “Octomom” has some issues. Perhaps a personality disorder. It wouldn’t be facetious to believe that she is absolutely not "normal" and isn’t living in the same universe as the rest of us. I did some researching on her traits, the ones only known to the public. I have come up with a basic theory of what makes this woman tick…and what psychiatrists may want to look into in order to save those innocent 14 lives under this woman’s care.
After reading and hearing about her specific traits and past and present symptoms, think about it. From what we know that is provided to us via the media, I don’t see it as an unreasonable question as to her bizarre behavior.
“Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a pattern of excessive emotionality, attention-seeking, an excessive need for approval and inappropriate seductiveness, usually beginning in early adulthood. People with histrionic personality disorder usually have good social skills, but they tend to use these skills to manipulate other people and become the center of attention. (Source)
The criteria must be indicated by five (or more) of the following:
Histrionic personality disorder
Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR = 301.50)
The criteria must be indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1. Is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
2. Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior
3. Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
4. Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
5. Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
6. Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
7. Is suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances
8. Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.
Diagnostic criteria (ICD-10) The International Statistical Classification of Diseases defines histrionic personality disorder as characterized by:
Suggestibility, easily influenced by others or by circumstances
Shallow and labile affectivity
Continual seeking for excitement and activities in which the patient is the center of attention
inappropriate seductiveness in appearance or behavior
Over-concern with physical attractiveness.
Symptoms
DSM-IV-TR lists eight symptoms that form the diagnostic criteria for HPD:
Center of attention: Patients with HPD experience discomfort when they are not the center of attention.
Sexually seductive: Patients with HPD displays inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behaviors towards others.
Shifting emotions: The expression of emotions of patients with HPD tends to be shallow and to shift rapidly.
Physical appearance: Individuals with HPD consistently employ physical appearance to gain attention for themselves.
Speech style: The speech style of patients with HPD lacks detail. Individuals with HPD tend to generalize, and when these individuals speak, they aim to please and impress.
Dramatic behaviors: Patients with HPD display self-dramatization and exaggerate their emotions.
Suggestibility: Other individuals or circumstances can easily influence patients with HPD.
Overestimation of intimacy: Patients with HPD overestimate the lev
el of intimacy in a relationship. (Source)
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