Which of the following best describes histrionic personality disorder?

Which of the following best describes histrionic personality disorder?

• A. A pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking
• B. A pattern of social withdrawal and detachment
• C. A grandiose sense of self-importance
• D. An intense fear of rejection in social situations

Answer: (A)

Histrionic personality disorder is defined by a pattern of excessive emotionality and a constant need to be the center of attention. People with this presentation often seek approval and reassurance, display dramatic or theatrical behavior, and use physical appearance or provocative actions to draw notice. Their emotions can seem superficial or rapidly shifting, and they may view their relationships as more intimate than they actually are. This combination of attention-seeking and heightened emotional display is what sets this pattern apart from others. The other descriptions align with different disorders: social withdrawal and detachment fit schizoid personality disorder; a grandiose sense of self-importance fits narcissistic personality disorder; and an intense fear of rejection in social situations fits avoidant personality disorder.

Histrionic personality disorder is defined by a pattern of excessive emotionality and a constant need to be the center of attention. People with this presentation often seek approval and reassurance, display dramatic or theatrical behavior, and use physical appearance or provocative actions to draw notice. Their emotions can seem superficial or rapidly shifting, and they may view their relationships as more intimate than they actually are. This combination of attention-seeking and heightened emotional display is what sets this pattern apart from others.

The other descriptions align with different disorders: social withdrawal and detachment fit schizoid personality disorder; a grandiose sense of self-importance fits narcissistic personality disorder; and an intense fear of rejection in social situations fits avoidant personality disorder.