A psychologist hired by Johnny Depp’s team testified that Amber Heard has both histrionic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) and is prone to be “reactive, erratic, and unpredictable” as a result of the combination of HPD and BPD.
What is a personality disorder?
Personality disorders are more state than trait.
- While a person experiencing depression or anxiety can recognize their symptoms and differentiate between their “normal” self and their depressed/anxious self, a person with personality disorder only knows life through the lens of that disorder.
Why is HPD controversial?
The word “histrionic” sounds like “hysterical” and the old name had misogynistic connotations
- It is primarily a diagnosis given to women
- Things that are said to characterize the disorder are vague and often involve a tremendous amount of judgment
What is histrionic personality disorder?
The disorder falls under an umbrella known as “Cluster B” personality disorders, which also include antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
- On the whole, Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by “intense, unstable emotions, distorted self-images, and difficulty in relationships.”
- Whereas the better-understood Cluster B disorders have a clear, disruptive impact on people’s lives, it’s been harder for psychologists to agree if and how HPD uniquely disrupts people diagnosed with the disorder.
How is HPD diagnosed?
Psychologists may diagnose patients with a personality disorder through a series of clinical interviews and questionnaires
- Typically, these questionnaires are designed to assess whether or not someone “endorses” or agrees with the point of view of a given personality disorder.
- Mondimore is wary of diagnoses made through the DSM because several of them have overlapping criteria.
