Histrionic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called "Cluster B" or "dramatic" personality disorders. They have an intense, unstable emotions and distorted self-images and have an intense need for the approval of others. They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed, and often behave dramatically and may be sexually inappropriate to get attention. The word histrionic means "dramatic or theatrical."

This disorder is more common in women than in men and usually is evident by adolescence or early adulthood.