ASD -The Ignored Ongoing Pandemic!

Attention Seeking Disorder!

(The Ignored Ongoing Pandemic)

 

For many people, receiving some level of attention – to a greater or lesser degree, depends on one’s individual personality – is a basically pleasurable experience. In general terms, being noticed can instinctively make people feel good, as it provides us with validation. However, when a person constantly craves the attention of others, and that need is affecting their thoughts, decisions and behaviour, they may be dealing with Attention Seeking Disorder (ASD), a part of spectrum of Histrionic Personality Disorder.

ASD is often viewed negatively, particularly when it comes from an adult. This affects relationships in all spheres – personal, professional and general. This stems from a range of factors, and can have a serious impact on the life of the person dealing with it, as well as those around them.

Ask yourself, do you know someone who is constantly fishing for compliments, or feel the need for recognition in order to be happy? Have you noticed something in your own behaviour that made you think, ‘do I have ASD?  It’s important to identify the red flags before it becomes problematic.  Let’s take a closer look at what ASD is -

In adults, Attention Seeking Disorder is defined as excessive and repeated attempts by an individual to make themselves the centre of attention; in other words, when a person constantly tries to direct other people’s focus toward themselves. It can be common for people around the individual to find them egotistical, an exhibitionist, or ‘a show-off’. This behaviour may occur consciously or unconsciously, depending on the individual nature of the case, but almost always manifest in efforts to gain admiration or validation in some way.

ASD is characterised by having its motivation rooted in jealousy, loneliness, or low levels of self-esteem. This is generally as a result of imbalanced or unhealthy emotional state, and they constantly feel the urge to receive attention and validation. This behaviour over an extended period can damage or destroy intimate relationships, and can cause rapid mood swings and emotional shifts.

Examples of Attention Seeking Behaviour

Though they are always driven at gaining the attention of other people, the behaviours associated with ASD can take many forms. Sometimes, it is clear to see. For example, a person making direct and inflammatory comments; at other times, the behaviour can be more subtle or difficult to identify. Sharing few common behaviours.

1)    Making deliberately provocative comments, with the person appearing to desire to make other people uncomfortable, or ‘push the boundary’

2)    Behaving in a controversial way, perhaps overt promiscuity or blatant exhibitionism, or other things that may be seen as ‘showing off’

3)    Constantly dragging the topic or focus of conversation back onto themselves

4)    Frequently boasting about their own actions, possessions, wealth or experiences.

5)    Behaving dramatically or tending to overblow negative experiences into complete disasters.

6)    Constantly blaming the other person for lack of empathy, understanding, love, care and making them feel responsible (akin to gas lighting and narcissist trait)

However, one must remember that some amount of attention seeking behaviour is normal, natural and a prime tendency. Humans are social creatures and a desire for validation is a natural emotional urge.

To be continued Part 2………

Till then identify the red flags.

Love,

Juju