How does passive aggressive behavior develop

Research shows it likely develops due to some combination of:. Some people may experience PAPD in addition to another mental health condition, such as:. People with PAPD tend to experience a disconnect between what they say and do. While PAPD can manifest in a variety of ways, common symptoms include:. However, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or doctor who is familiar with mental health conditions may be able to help people identify their destructive behaviors and distorted thought patterns and adjust them.

Healthcare professionals may also use assessment tools to identify or diagnose other mental health conditions that may be present along with PAPD. If there is a relation between PAPD and a diagnosable mental health condition, healthcare professionals can often effectively treat PAPD using a combination of therapy and medication. Therapies and medications that healthcare professionals typically use to treat common conditions associated with PAPD include:.

Therapies used to treat other mental health conditions, including other personality disorders, may be useful in treating PAPD. During treatment, psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors may help people learn how to identify and address their negative emotional and behavioral patterns and reduce the impact of PAPD. PAPD causes people to subtly express negative thoughts and feelings in ways that seem to contradict what they say or do. There is no specific treatment for PAPD. However, a psychologist or counselor may often help people learn ways to identify, address, and stop engaging in these contradictory behaviors and actions.

People who think they may have PAPD should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Working with a counselor or psychiatrist, for example, may help them develop safe and effective coping strategies that will allow them to enjoy a more satisfying life.

Covert narcissist is the term to describe someone with a subtle form of narcissistic personality disorder. There's a disconnect between what a passive-aggressive person says and what he or she does.

For example, a passive-aggressive person might appear to agree — perhaps even enthusiastically — with another person's request. Rather than complying with the request, however, he or she might express anger or resentment by failing to follow through or missing deadlines. Although passive-aggressive behavior can be a feature of various mental health conditions, it isn't considered a distinct mental illness. However, passive-aggressive behavior can interfere with relationships and cause difficulties on the job.

If you're struggling with passive-aggressive behavior — or you think a loved one is — consider consulting a therapist. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Instead, these feelings are expressed in subtle or passive ways. This lack of direct action can create a separation between what people say versus how they act. For example, in a work environment people with passive-aggressive tendencies may oppose a new plan. Yet, they will not voice their opposition and will openly state that they agree with the new plan.

In reality, they will quietly resist the new plan as much as possible by not showing up for meetings or missing deadlines. For interpersonal relationships, this behavior looks a little different but here are some signs :. These behavior signs mean that these actions are sometimes difficult to identify. What one should watch for is are repeating and consistent patterns of behavior. The occasional demonstration of negative behaviors is part of being human.

However, if these thought patterns are persistent, they could be symptoms of an undiagnosed mental health condition. Constant displays of passive-aggressive behavior may be a sign of conditions like depression or related to symptoms like PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder. Here are a few of the more common traits that are associated with this thought pattern. This display of negative emotion and behavior is a way to exert greater control and power over events in their life.

Yet, human emotions are complex and it is difficult to explain the origin of passive-aggressive traits.