Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard: Psychologist confirms Amber's Histrionic and Borderline Personality Disorder; here's all you need to know about the conditions

The tumultuous relationship between actor Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has been in the public gaze for a long time.

After losing the first libel trial in the UK, Depp has now sued Heard over an opinion piece she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018 describing her experience with domestic abuse. "I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture's wrath for women who speak out," she had written.

Although Heard did not mention her ex-husband's name in the op-ed, Depp's lawyer argued that the article was a "clear implication that Mr Depp is a domestic abuser is categorically and demonstrably false." "Her allegations… are part of an elaborate hoax to generate positive publicity for Ms Heard and advance her career," they added.

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In a recent development in the case, Depp's legal team approached Dr Shannon Curry, a clinical psychologist, who told the court that Heard suffered from "histrionic and borderline personality disorders" and "grossly exaggerated symptoms of PTSD". The two conditions are said to cause patterns of emotional instability and attention-seeking behaviour.

Image credit: Instagram/johnnydepp/amberheard

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is a part of a group of psychological conditions where people have intense, erratic emotions and distorted mental image of self.

Also called “Cluster B” personality disorders, people who have this condition often base their self-esteem on other people's approval, making them behave inappropriately to seek attention. Therefore the word histrionic also means theatrical.

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According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), here are some of the symptoms of HPD:

- Uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention

- They have interactions with others characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior

- Display of rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions

- Consistent use of their physical attention to draw attention to self

- Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail

- Show of self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion

- Is suggestible (that is, they are easily influenced by others or circumstances)

- Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that negatively affects the way people perceive and feel about themselves. People who suffer from this condition have trouble regulating and controlling their emotions and resort to harmful measures.

As per National Institute of Mental health, here are some signs of BPD:

- Self-harming behaviors including cutting

- Pattern of intense, unstable relationships with family, friends, significant others, and other loved ones

- Efforts to avoid abandonment, which can include leaving someone first or rushing into emotional or physical relationships with others

- Unstable and distorted self-image

- Impulsive behaviors, including spending sprees, unsafe sexual intercourse, binge eating or drinking, reckless driving, or others

- Feeling of emptiness that doesn’t go away

- Distrust

- Anger issues, which can include irrational, intense anger or issues with controlling anger

- Intense mood swings

- Suicidal thoughts or threats

The exact cause of personality disorders such as Histrionic and Borderline Personality disorders are unknown. However, scientists attribute it to both environmental and genetic factors.

A family history of personality disorders, anxiety, or depression could be a risk factor for Histrionic and Borderline Personality disorder.

Other factors include experience with emotional, sexual, or physical abuse, bullying, attachment issues, social issues, or other traumatic events during your childhood.

Some research also shows changes in certain areas of the brain involved in emotion regulation, impulsivity and aggression could also lead to such conditions.

There are no medical tests to diagnose personality disorders, including histrionic and borderline personality disorder. However, if you have certain associated symptoms, you can visit your primary care provider for a complete physical examination to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Depending on the results you may or may not be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, professionals who are trained in this field.

Your doctor may discuss your medical history, use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate you for a personality disorder.

Psychotherapy is generally a form of treatment for people diagnosed with histrionic and borderline personality disorder. Those who develop anxiety or depression may be prescribed antidepressants or antianxiety medication. However, it is imperative that the medications are taken only under healthcare supervision.