Which personality disorder is associated with excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior?

• A. Narcissistic personality disorder
• B. Histrionic personality disorder
• C. Borderline personality disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Answer: (B)

The key idea is a pattern of dramatic, emotional behavior with a strong need to be the center of attention. This combination defines Histrionic personality disorder: people with this pattern tend to use physical appearance and seductive or theatrical behavior to draw attention, show rapidly shifting and shallow emotions, and view relationships as closer than they really are. They often seek reassurance and praise and can be easily influenced by others.

Narcissistic personality disorder focuses more on grandiosity and a constant need for admiration, not primarily on the theatrical emotional displays and attention-seeking described here. Borderline personality disorder involves unstable moods, self-image, and relationships with a fear of abandonment, rather than a consistent pattern of dramatic emotionality for attention. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder centers on perfectionism, orderliness, and control, which doesn’t fit the attention-seeking, emotional displays emphasized in this description.