Which statement best characterizes Histrionic personality disorder?

• A. Attention-seeking behavior, excessive emotions, and an exaggerated need for approval
• B. Detachment from social relationships
• C. Paranoid ideation
• D. Recurrent theft behaviors

Answer: (A)

Histrionic personality disorder is defined by pervasive, dramatic emotionality and a constant need to be the center of attention. The statement that best fits this pattern describes attention-seeking behavior, exaggerated emotions, and an exaggerated need for approval. People with this disorder often feel uncomfortable when they are not the focus of others’ attention, may use physical appearance or dramatic expressions to draw it in, and tend to have relationships that feel intense but are actually shallow or exaggerated in closeness. The other descriptions point to different patterns: detachment from social relationships fits a more schizoid presentation, paranoid ideation fits paranoid personality tendencies, and recurrent theft behaviors suggest antisocial features or a compulsive stealing disorder, none of which capture the core blend of attention-seeking and emotional flamboyance seen in HPD.