A woman says watching a true-crime documentary unexpectedly helped her recognise patterns in her own behaviour, eventually leading to a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder.
Dayzee Bell, 28, was diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder (HPD) by her psychiatrist in August 2024. She said the realisation began while watching the true-crime series Deadly Women, when she noticed similarities between her own behaviour and descriptions of the condition associated with a woman featured in the programme.
Bell's experience prompted her to discuss the possibility with her psychiatrist, who later diagnosed her with HPD.
Documentary Sparks Recognition
According to Bell, she was watching an episode about American killer Theresa Riggi when she began recognising characteristics that she felt were familiar to her. The programme did not itself provide her with a medical diagnosis. Instead, Bell said it prompted her to raise the possibility with her psychiatrist, who subsequently diagnosed her with HPD in 2024.
Histrionic personality disorder is a recognised mental health condition associated with intense emotions, a strong desire for attention and difficulties with self-image and relationships. Diagnosis is based on a persistent pattern of behaviours and requires assessment by a qualified mental health professional.
Impact on Relationships
Bell described experiencing a strong need for attention and validation in romantic relationships and friendships. She said she could become particularly jealous in relationships and worried that partners might be unfaithful. She also described becoming distressed when she felt ignored or excluded.
Bell told reporters that she married in 2021 partly because of her need for validation. The relationship later ended, with her describing jealousy and concerns about her partner's attention as significant factors.
She also reflected on friendships, saying she would repeatedly ask people about their availability and sometimes turn up to spend time with them without realising that her behaviour could become overwhelming for others.
Looking back, Bell said the diagnosis helped her identify patterns that she had previously struggled to understand. She also recalled experiencing similar feelings during childhood, including becoming upset when she was chosen last during physical education classes. She said she experienced a strong desire to feel accepted and included.
A Difficult Period After Diagnosis
Although the diagnosis initially gave Bell a sense of understanding, she said it did not immediately lead her to change her behaviour. She described spending roughly a year leaning into the emotions and behaviours she associated with the condition. During that period, she said she lost remaining friendships and continued aerial dancing despite an injury to her right wrist.
Her wrist condition eventually became severe enough to require surgery in June 2026. Bell said she had continued performing because of the attention and validation she received from impressing people with her aerial-dancing skills. The experience led Bell to reassess how she sought validation and managed her emotions.
Focusing on Self-Validation
Since her surgery, Bell said she has been spending more time learning to enjoy her own company rather than relying on attention from other people. She said she has taken up activities such as baking, watching new television programmes and singing while recovering from surgery.
Bell's treatment for HPD primarily involves therapy with her psychiatrist, and she said she does not take medication specifically for the disorder. She is also looking to rebuild her social life. Bell said she is interested in meeting new people and has been using online platforms to make connections.
Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder
HPD is classified as a personality disorder and is generally associated with patterns of excessive emotionality and a strong need to be noticed or reassured. People with HPD may experience unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. Symptoms can also include sensitivity to criticism, seeking reassurance and appearing overly dramatic or emotional.
However, recognising individual traits does not mean someone has HPD. A diagnosis requires assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, taking into account a person's history, relationships and persistent patterns of behaviour.
For Bell, the experience began with watching a true-crime programme and later led her to discuss her concerns with a mental health professional. She was diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder in August 2024 and has continued therapy with her psychiatrist.
