Which personality disorder involves a tendency to dramatize and seek attention, often needing reassurance and admiration?

• A. Narcissistic personality disorder
• B. Borderline personality disorder
• C. Paranoid personality disorder
• D. Histrionic personality disorder

Answer: (D)

This describes a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. The hallmark is dramatic expression and a persistent need for reassurance and admiration. People with this presentation often try to be the center of attention, may rely on appearance or theatrical behavior to draw focus, and tend to have shallow, rapidly changing emotions. They might misconstrue relationships as more intimate than they are and seek constant approval to feel valuable. This best fits histrionic personality disorder, distinguishing it from narcissistic (grandiosity and a different need for admiration), borderline (emotional instability and fear of abandonment), and paranoid (distrust and suspiciousness) patterns.