In assessing a patient suspected of having a specific personality disorder, what behavior might indicate a histrionic personality disorder?

Individuals with histrionic personality disorder are characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. They often engage in dramatic and overly emotional responses in various settings, seeking to be the center of attention. This can manifest as theatrical gestures, vivid storytelling, or highly expressive emotions. These behaviors serve to captivate others and often reflect an underlying need for approval and reassurance from those around them.

In contrast, behaviors associated with severe avoidance of social situations would align more with avoidant personality disorder, where individuals tend to feel inadequate and are hypersensitive to negative evaluation. Excessive cleanliness and orderliness are indicative of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, reflecting a preoccupation with order and control rather than emotional expression. Little interest in social activities may suggest depressive symptoms or a personality disorder that includes detachment, such as schizoid personality disorder, rather than the overt emotionality typical of histrionic personality disorder.

Thus, dramatic and overly emotional responses are a hallmark of histrionic personality disorder, making it the correct choice when assessing for this particular condition.