What if your vibrant friend who always steals the spotlight is quietly battling an inner void and a fear of insignificance? Welcome to our deep dive into Dramatic Attention-Seeking Disorder (DASD), also known as Histrionic Personality Disorder. This episode promises to unravel the complexities behind the dramatic personas you encounter, revealing the DSM-5 criteria and the emotional turmoil that fuels their actions. We’ll explore the profound need for approval and validation that underpins their behavior, helping you see beyond the surface to the psychological struggles within.

In this episode, we focus on the specific behaviors and diagnostic criteria that define DASD, such as rapid emotional shifts and the use of physical appearance to draw attention. You’ll learn how these actions are habitual patterns rather than deliberate attempts to cause drama. By shedding light on common misconceptions—like the false equivalence of DASD with narcissism or the myth that it’s predominantly a female issue—we aim to foster a more empathetic and informed perspective on this mental health condition.

We'll dispel several damaging myths about DASD, including the notion that it can be easily treated with medication or that it's merely a product of Western culture. By highlighting the genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contributing to DASD, we underscore the need for professional, long-term psychotherapy. We also emphasize the importance of compassion and healthy boundaries for those supporting individuals with DASD. Tune in as we prepare you for our next episode, where we’ll explore behaviors across all Cluster B personality disorders and their distinct motivations.

Resources for Further Reading.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). DSM-5. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Caligor, E., Levy, K. N., & Yeomans, F. E. (2015). Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnostic and Clinical Challenges. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14060723

Ettensohn, M. D. (2013). The relational roots of narcissism: Exploring relationships between attachment style, acceptance by parents and peers, and measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. (Vol. 73, Issues 10-B(E), p. No Pagination Specified). ProQuest Information & Learning.

Fowler, K. A., Lilienfeld, S. O., & Patrick, C. J. (2009). Detecting psychopathy from thin slices of behavior. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014938

Levy, K. N., Ellison, W. D., & Reynoso, J. S. (2011). A historical review of narcissism and narcissistic personality. In The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatments. (pp. 3–13). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118093108

Lewis, K. C., & Mastico, E. R. (2017). Histrionic Personality Disorder. In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. K. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences (pp. 1–9). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_590-1

Millon, T. (2011). Disorders of Personality: Introducing a DSM/ICD Spectrum from Normal to Abnormal (1st ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118099254

Novais, F., Araújo, A., & Godinho, P. (2015). Historical roots of histrionic personality disorder. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01463

Pincus, A. L., & Lukowitsky, M. R. (2010). Pathological Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.121208.131215

Ronningstam, E. (2010). Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Current Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-009-0084-z

Zimmerman, M., & Morgan, T. A. (2013). The relationship between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/mzimmerman

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Ever wondered what it's like to experience life through the lens of Emotional Intensity Disorder (EID), also known as Borderline Personality Disorder? Join us on a transformative journey as we explore Mia's heartfelt story, bringing you into her world of emotional highs and lows. Through her eyes, we uncover the profound impact EID has on relationships and self-image, offering a humanized perspective on the struggles and moments of clarity those with EID face daily.

In this episode, we promise to dismantle the myths surrounding EID with hard facts and compassionate insights. Discover the clinical criteria for EID, understand its deep-rooted emotional pain, and learn how treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can offer a lifeline. We emphasize that EID affects people across all genders and backgrounds, debunking the notion that it arises solely from bad parenting or is exclusive to any specific demographic. We also clarify the differences between EID and bipolar disorder, and assert that stable, successful relationships are indeed possible for those with EID.

We close by challenging the stigmas associated with EID and other personality disorders. The discussion highlights the necessity of seeking professional help for accurate diagnosis and treatment, encouraging empathy and understanding. As we prepare to shift our focus to histrionic personality disorder in the next episode, our mission remains clear: to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive society for everyone navigating mental health challenges. Tune in, and let’s expand our perspectives together.

References for further reading:

Amad, A., Ramoz, N., Thomas, P., Jardri, R., & Gorwood, P. (2014). Genetics of borderline personality disorder. Systematic review and proposal of an integrative model. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 40, 6–19. https.//doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.01.003

Beeney, J. E., Hallquist, M. N., Ellison, W. D., & Levy, K. N. (2016). Self–other disturbance in borderline personality disorder. Neural, self-report, and performance-based evidence. Personality Disorders. Theory, Research, and Treatment, 7(1), 28–39. https.//doi.org/10.1037/per0000127

Beeney, J. E., Stepp, S. D., Hallquist, M. N., Scott, L. N., Wright, A. G. C., Ellison, W. D., Nolf, K. A., & Pilkonis, P. A. (2015). Attachment and social cognition in borderline personality disorder. Specificity in relation to antisocial and avoidant personality disorders. Personality Disorders. Theory, Research, and Treatment, 6(3), 207–215. https.//doi.org/10.1037/per0000110

Bouchard, S., & Sabourin, S. (2009). Borderline personality disorder and couple dysfunctions. Current Psychiatry Reports, 11(1), 55–62. https.//doi.org/10.1007/s11920-009-0009-x

Bouchard, S., Sabourin, S., Lussier, Y., & Villeneuve, E. (2009). Relationship Quality and Stability in Couples When One Partner Suffers From Borderline Personality Disorder. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 35(4), 446–455. https.//doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00151.x

Chapman, A. L., Leung, D. W., & Lynch, T. R. (2008). Impulsivity and Emotion Dysregulation in Borderline Personality Disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 22(2), 148–164. https.//doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2008.22.2.148

Chapman, J., Jamil, R. T., Fleisher, C., & Torrico, T. J. (2024). Borderline Personality Disorder. StatPearls Publishing. http.//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430883/

Clinical features of the borderline personality disorder. (1980). American Journal of Psychiatry, 137(2), 165–173. https.//doi.org/10.1176/ajp.137.2.165

Cristea, I. A., Gentili, C., Cotet, C. D., Palomba, D., Barbui, C., & Cuijpers, P. (2017). Efficacy of Psychotherapies for Borderline Personality Disorder. A Systematic Revie

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Unlock the secrets to understanding Extreme Self-Focus Disorder (ESFD); our label for NPD to foster a better understanding of the core of this Cluster B disorder. In this episode, we start with a narrative story of a Dr. Chen, who shares a compelling narrative about a high-achieving yet emotionally volatile patient to illustrate the core traits of 'ESFD' and shed light on the disorder's profound impact on interpersonal relationships. We promise you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of 'ESFD,' clinically known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and dispel common myths that often surround this misunderstood condition.

Discover the subtle yet significant differences between overt and covert forms of ESFD, and learn why covert ESFD, often masked by shyness or self-doubt, can be just as disruptive as its overt counterpart. We debunk the stereotype of constant outward arrogance, revealing how deep-seated insecurities often lurk behind a confident facade. We'll also explore the high comorbidity rates with other mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Finally, we delve into the challenges of navigating relationships with individuals affected by 'ESFD,' especially for those who are emotionally codependent. Gain valuable strategies for healing from narcissistic abuse, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering compassion without compromising your own mental health. Whether you're looking to understand the nuances of 'ESFD' or seeking practical advice for coping with toxic dynamics, this episode provides empathetic perspectives and actionable insights to help you through your journey.

References for Further Reading:

Becoming the narcissist’s nightmare: how to devalue and discard the narcissist while supplying yourself. Arabi. (2016).

Borderline, narcissistic, and schizoid adaptations: the pursuit of love, admiration, and safety. Borderline, narcissistic, and schizoid adaptations: the pursuit of love, admiration, and safety. (2019).

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed). (2013).

Don’t you know who I am?: how to stay sane in an era of narcissism, entitlement, and incivility. Durvasula. (2021).

DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Lenzenweger, Lane, Loranger, & Kessler. (2007). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019

Gender differences in narcissism: A meta-analytic review (2015). https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038231

Grief counseling and grief therapy: a handbook for the mental health practitioner (Fifth edition). Worden. (2018).

Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (Eleventh edition). Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz. (2015).

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Current Review. Ronningstam. (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-009-0084-z

Pathological Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (2010). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.121208.131215

Prevalence, Correlates, Disability, and Comorbidity of DSM-IV Narcissistic Personality Disorder (2008). https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.v69n0701

Rethinking Narcissism: The Bad - and Surprising Good - about Feeling Special. Sharma. (2018). https://doi.org/10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_136_18

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