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