Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to passive-aggressive personality disorder. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.

Symptoms include:

• Contradictory and inconsistent behavior. An individual with passive-aggressive personality disorder may appear enthusiastic to carry out others’ requests, but he or she purposely performs in a manner that is not useful and sometimes even damaging.
• Intentional avoidance of responsibility. Some behaviors that may be used to avoid responsibility include:
  • Procrastination – to delay or postpone needlessly and intentionally
  • Deliberate inefficiency – purposefully performing in an incompetent manner
  • Forgetfulness
• Feelings of resentment toward others
• Stubbornness
• Argumentative, sulky, and hostile, especially toward authority figures
• Easily offended
• Resentful of useful suggestions from others
• Blames others
• Chronically impatient
• Unexpressed anger or hostility

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including mental health history. Then, the doctor will most likely refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

To locate mental health services in your area, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s “Locate Services” website at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/HealthInformation/GettingHelp.cfm .