Which of the following best describes avolition?

A. Delusions are a positive symptom of schizophrenia, not a negative symptom. They are false, fixed beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. Common types include persecutory, grandiose, and bizarre delusions. Positive symptoms result from excess dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway.

B. Avolition is a negative symptom characterized by a lack of motivation to initiate and sustain goal-directed activities. It leads to difficulties with personal hygiene, work, and social engagement, significantly impairing daily functioning.

C. Apathy is a negative symptom marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or emotional responsiveness. Individuals with schizophrenia may show indifference to social interactions, personal achievements, or daily activities.

D. Alogia (poverty of speech) is a negative symptom where individuals speak less and provide minimal verbal responses. This reflects impaired thought processing and reduced cognitive engagement, common in schizophrenia's mesocortical dopamine pathway dysfunction.

A. Criminality. Criminal behavior is more characteristic of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) rather than histrionic personality disorder (HPD). Individuals with ASPD display persistent disregard for social norms, often engaging in deception, aggression, and illegal activities. In contrast, those with HPD focus on gaining attention through dramatic and emotionally expressive behavior, not criminal acts.

B. Dramatic. Individuals with HPD exhibit excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors, often overreacting to minor situations. Their interactions tend to be theatrical, exaggerated, and highly expressive, driven by a deep need for validation. This dramatic presentation can make their emotions seem intense but superficial, affecting personal and professional relationships.

C. Center of attention. A key feature of HPD is the constant desire to be the center of attention, leading to excessive efforts to draw focus in social settings. They may use flirtation, provocative behavior, or exaggerated stories to remain the focal point. If attention shifts away, they may become distressed or act impulsively to regain it, often without considering long-term consequences.

D. Emotionally shallow. Despite their expressive and intense emotional displays, individuals with HPD often lack emotional depth and sincerity. Their emotions can rapidly shift and may seem inconsistent or exaggerated, making it difficult to form genuine, long-lasting relationships. This superficiality often stems from their reliance on external validation rather than internal emotional awareness.