Typical profile of personalities who have a high need for attention

With family, as a couple, with friends… our relationships are often passionate, full of love but also insecurities. They have a strong sense of needing others and their attention, but between healthy emotional bonds and dependence on others, this line is sometimes thin. Some personalities are more sensitive than others, prone to being overly aggressive, dramatic, and a little manipulative.

As others turn away, they can’t help but feel anxious and compulsively look at their phones, waiting for the call. They then adopt dramatic attitudes to attract attention and are constantly afraid of abandonment. They are historical and account for 3% of the population officially diagnosed.

Five characteristics of historical personality

Referred to in the MSD manual, histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a constant need for attention and a search for approval. Psychoanalyst Christian Richom explains, “The relationships of those affected are often superficial and they may have difficulty maintaining deep and stable relationships with others.” Their emotions may be considered exaggerated or inappropriate. According to the expert, this disorder results in five main symptoms:

• Constantly attracting attention. Histrionic people feel uncomfortable or lost when they are not the center of attention. They actively seek the attention of others.
• Dramatic and exaggerated behavior. They may dramatize events, exaggerate their emotions, or use flashy body language to attract attention.
• Charming or manipulative behavior. Some people may use their physical appearance or attractiveness to influence others and get what they want.
• Superficial emotions. Their emotional expression may seem shallow, quickly changing, and overly influenced by the situation.
• Difficulty establishing stable relationships. Their relationships may be superficial or unstable, where emotional intensity is more important than stability or depth.

General behavior in historical personalities

The behaviors associated with this need for attention are specific. So much so that we can even recognize historical personalities by their appearance. Sadhus make clothes for them. Christian Richom explains that they pay special attention to their bodies – often excessively – and choose very flashy clothes or accessories to attract attention.

Great anxiety in the event of abandonment, the feeling of not being able to live without the other, difficulty acting for oneself… Historical personalities cannot tolerate loneliness and start worrying as soon as they are away from themselves. Unable to stop themselves, those whose approval they systematically seek. According to psychoanalysts, people who act out adopt seductive or provocative behavior, sometimes even sexually suggestive or provocative, to attract the attention of others. Ultimately, rapid changes in mood can alert us. Emotions may be exaggerated and often seem related to the immediate situation, in a superficial manner and without stable emotional depth.

Impact of the disorder on the life of histrionics

Without a doubt, this disorder affects social and professional life, Christian Richom tells us. “The relationships of people with historical personalities can often be superficial or intense, but often lack long-term emotional stability,” he adds. In a professional context, they may be perceived as overly dramatic or distracting, which may affect their reputation or career.

Ultimately, their behavior is a way of expressing a deep need to be valued and loved, although it can sometimes result in excessive and inappropriate behavior. Often considered to be an overly dramatic, dramatic personality, although they lack self-confidence and have great emotional vulnerability. This constant need for the presence and attention of others is detrimental to their relationships, but it is possible to gain confidence and free yourself. If you recognize yourself in this specific profile, do not hesitate to consult a professional for diagnosis and appropriate assistance.