Which personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and a need to be center of attention?

Which personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and a need to be center of attention?

• A. Histrionic personality disorder
• B. Dependent personality disorder
• C. Borderline personality disorder
• D. Antisocial personality disorder

Answer: (A)

Attention-seeking behavior paired with heightened emotional expression is a hallmark pattern. In histrionic personality disorder, individuals display pervasive excessive emotionality and a persistent need to be the center of attention. They often behave in a dramatic or theatrical way to keep the spotlight on themselves, may use their appearance to draw attention, and tend to have relationships they view as more intimate than they actually are. Their emotions can be rapidly shifting and shallow, and they can be highly suggestible, readily influenced by others. This differs from dependent personality disorder, which centers on a strong need to be cared for and fear of separation, rather than a drive to be the focus of others’ attention. Borderline personality disorder involves instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, with fears of abandonment and impulsivity rather than a primary emphasis on attention-seeking. Antisocial personality disorder features disregard for others’ rights and norms, deceit, and a lack of remorse, not the dramatic emotional display or attention-seeking pattern described here.

Attention-seeking behavior paired with heightened emotional expression is a hallmark pattern. In histrionic personality disorder, individuals display pervasive excessive emotionality and a persistent need to be the center of attention. They often behave in a dramatic or theatrical way to keep the spotlight on themselves, may use their appearance to draw attention, and tend to have relationships they view as more intimate than they actually are. Their emotions can be rapidly shifting and shallow, and they can be highly suggestible, readily influenced by others.

This differs from dependent personality disorder, which centers on a strong need to be cared for and fear of separation, rather than a drive to be the focus of others’ attention. Borderline personality disorder involves instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, with fears of abandonment and impulsivity rather than a primary emphasis on attention-seeking. Antisocial personality disorder features disregard for others’ rights and norms, deceit, and a lack of remorse, not the dramatic emotional display or attention-seeking pattern described here.