Which of the following best describes avolition?

A. Lacks empathy. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) show a profound lack of empathy, often disregarding the feelings and needs of others. They may appear emotionally detached and struggle to recognize or validate other people’s experiences, leading to superficial and exploitative relationships.

B. Takes advantage of others. A key characteristic of NPD is a pattern of exploiting others for personal gain, whether in professional, social, or personal relationships. Individuals with NPD often manipulate people to maintain their sense of superiority and entitlement, showing little remorse for their actions.

C. Needs constant admiration. People with NPD have an excessive need for admiration and validation to support their inflated self-image. They may seek praise, attention, and recognition, becoming defensive or hostile when they feel unappreciated or criticized.

D. Mood swings. While mood instability can occur in response to narcissistic injury (perceived criticism or rejection), frequent and extreme mood swings are more characteristic of borderline personality disorder (BPD) or mood disorders like bipolar disorder. NPD primarily involves grandiosity, entitlement, and emotional detachment, rather than rapid emotional shifts.

A. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, leading to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or dependence on supplements. Unlike anorexia, it is not driven by body image concerns but rather by sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, or lack of interest in eating.

B. Pica involves the persistent consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances (e.g., chalk, paper, dirt) for at least one month. It is commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron or zinc deficiency), pregnancy, and developmental disorders such as autism.

C. Rumination disorder is characterized by repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. It is seen in infants, children, and individuals with intellectual disabilities and is not due to a gastrointestinal or medical condition.

D. Food picking disorder. There is no recognized disorder called "food picking disorder" in the DSM-5. While some individuals may display picky eating behaviors, this does not qualify as a clinical diagnosis unless it significantly impairs nutritional intake, as seen in ARFID.