Passive aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) is characterized by negative, resentful attitudes and passive resistance, leading to avoidance of responsibility, resentment of loved ones and authority figures, stubbornness, and general inefficiency. There is no treatment for PAPD, but patients may benefit from therapy and treatment for other issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Someone with passive aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) may appear to be indulging in other people’s wishes when in fact they are passively resisting orders and instructions. He or she may avoid responsibility, respond negatively to suggestions, and appear easily offended. People with this disorder may also develop resentment toward family members, romantic partners, and authority figures over time.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV describes PAPD as a pervasive pattern of negative, resentful attitudes, and passive resistance. The signs of PAPD may be evident in early adulthood and may continue for the rest of the person’s life. These symptoms include avoidance of responsibility, resentment of loved ones and authority figures, stubbornness, and general inefficiency. People who struggle with PAPD may sulk and appear angry, hostile, and offended at inappropriate times. People with other types of personality disorders may exhibit similar negative attitudes and behaviors.
Someone struggling with PAPD will often respond negatively to another person’s suggestions, instructions, or orders. If required to complete a task, the person with PAPD may deliberately avoid listening to instructions or procrastinate while attempting to complete the task. In some cases, the person may intentionally bungle the task as an expression of resentment against the person who issued the order. Passive-aggressive behavior may simply be the person’s outlet for expressing general hostility and anger.
According to the five-factor model for personality, people with passive aggressive personality disorder exhibit highly neurotic, extraverted, and conscientious tendencies. The PAPD Psychological Profile also indicates that people are not very open and sympathetic to others, sometimes appearing paranoid or overly cynical. Despite a high level of intelligence, people who exhibit PAPD symptoms can struggle with relationships and career development.
Passive aggressive personality disorder is diagnosed by a psychologist. The psychologist analyzes the patient’s behavior, noting drug use, survival skills, and psychosocial history. Some of the symptoms of PAPD can also be identified under other types of personality disorder, such as borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder. An extreme and continuous manifestation of passive-aggressive behavior can lead the psychologist to diagnose the patient with PAPD.
There is no treatment for patients with passive aggressive personality disorder. However, patients may struggle with other issues that exacerbate their negative behavior, such as anxiety, depression, and any other drug or alcohol-related issues. People with problems other than PAPD can take medication for anxiety and depression and seek counseling for addiction and behavioral issues. Cognitive behavioral and group therapy could be very helpful for the patient. Group therapy can help the individual deal with her behavior in the context of a group setting and possibly improve relationship problems.
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