They are exactly the kinds of behaviors that seem poised to push our buttons.
What Is Attention-Seeking Behavior?
It is a human instinct to want to be noticed, taken seriously, and loved.
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So in a certain way, attention-seeking behaviors come from a place that most of us can understand.
In these instances, the behavior can come across as extreme or hysterical.
What Does Attention-Seeking Behavior Look Like?
There are many ways that attention-seeking behaviors can present themselves.
Sometimes a behavior is overt, such as when someone makes a confrontational comment.
Sometimes the behaviors are more subtle, such as someone who seems to be constantly fishing for compliments.
The most common reason why someone might exhibit these behaviors is that they are experiencing low-self esteem.
Low self-esteemoften can look like someone who is down on themselves and who is struggling with depression.
Childhood neglect, abuse, or traumacan be linked with attention-seeking behaviors.
Is Attention-Seeking Behavior Ever Normal?
Is Attention-Seeking Behavior Part of Mental Illness?
One of the primary features of histrionic personality disorder is attention-seeking behavior.
Someone with BPD may be moody and experience low self-esteem.
It can be difficult for them to control their behavior and maintain healthy relationships.
Remember, often, someone who seems to need constant attention is actually experiencing low self-worth.
Ask them what they might be struggling with, and tell them that they are loved and supported.
Many people with this behavior are reluctant to admit they are acting inappropriately, and may not seek help.
Therapy or counseling is a great place to start if you are seeking help for this behavior.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Your mental health is important, too!
Help is available, and emergency care is warranted.
An attention seeker may have a personality disorder, such as histrionic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder.
However, attention-seeking behavior can also be associated with other causes including poor self-esteem, narcissism, and loneliness.
Attention-seeking is often associated with ADHD, although often misunderstood.
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American Psychiatric Association.What are disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders?
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?
