What characteristic behavior is indicative of a histrionic personality disorder?

Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with this disorder often engage in provocative behavior to draw attention to themselves and to elicit responses from others. This can manifest as being overly theatrical in their expressions or actions, engaging in flirtatious behavior, or displaying exaggerated emotions in various situations. The need for approval and attention significantly influences their interactions, making attention-seeking through provocative behaviors a hallmark of the disorder.

The other choices do not align with the core features of histrionic personality disorder. A desire for independence typically reflects traits more associated with avoidant or some aspects of borderline personality disorders. Emotional detachment from social interactions suggests characteristics of schizoid personality disorder, wherein individuals tend to avoid social relationships and display a restricted range of emotional expression. Practicing obsessive routines is more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, rather than the emotional volatility and attention-seeking behavior seen in histrionic personality disorder.