Which feature is most characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder?

• A. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• B. Excessive emotionality and attention seeking
• C. Detachment from relationships
• D. Fear of abandonment

Answer: (B)

Histrionic Personality Disorder is defined by a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking. The hallmark is a strong need to be the center of attention, with emotions that feel dramatic but shallow and quickly changing. People often use seductive or provocative behavior and rely on appearance to draw attention. Their speech can be impressionistic and lacking in detail, and they may describe relationships as more intimate than they actually are. These features collectively reflect the core tendency to seek constant attention and to express emotions in a way that keeps others focused on them. In contrast, grandiosity points toward Narcissistic PD, detachment from relationships toward Schizoid PD, and fear of abandonment toward Borderline PD, so the combination of attention seeking and dramatic emotionality most accurately fits HPD.