### Understanding Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder
Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder is a long-term condition where individuals show hostility in indirect ways. This can look like sulking, being stubborn, procrastinating, making resentful comments, cracking hostile jokes, or repeatedly failing to complete tasks on purpose.
In simpler terms, you might hear it described as having a constant negative attitude and resisting demands to perform well in social or work settings. People with this disorder often seem like they’re going along with what others want, but they’re actually resisting in subtle, passive ways. This pattern can lead them to feel constantly angry and hostile, and they may need professional help to manage their behavior.
#### What Causes It?
The exact cause of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder isn’t known, but it’s believed that both genetics and environment play a role. Similar factors that contribute to other personality disorders might also be at play here. Researchers think that changes in a certain part of the brain that affects social behavior could lead to this disorder.
#### Recognizing the Symptoms
People with this disorder often:
– Procrastinate a lot
– Avoid authority figures or fear them
– Dodge responsibility by claiming they forgot
– Blame others for their own issues
– Disagree with others’ suggestions just to be contrary
– Act sullen or moody
– Complain frequently
– Show hidden anger or hostility
– Purposefully perform tasks poorly
– Show resentment
Sometimes, they might even pretend to be enthusiastic or agreeable but then do the task in a way that’s either unhelpful or too late.
#### How Is It Treated?
Counseling is the best treatment for Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. Through therapy, individuals can start to recognize their behavior patterns and work on changing them. This process is delicate because people with this disorder don’t respond well to direct orders or suggestions.
Therapists usually delve into the person’s past to uncover any situations or events from childhood that may have triggered their current feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or fear. Treating Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder requires a customized approach, so finding a counselor experienced with this specific disorder is essential for effective treatment.