Conditions And Causes Linked To Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder is a mental disorder that presents with patterns of anger, combative behavior, defiance, and arguing. Patients with this condition usually begin exhibiting symptoms during their preschool years. In some cases, the symptoms may manifest later, but it's extremely rare for them to develop later than an individual's early teen years. The behaviors have negative consequences in a patient's work, school, social activities, and familial relationships. Oppositional defiant disorder patients lose their tempers easily and often, are easily annoyed by others, and often exhibit anger or resentfulness. They also argue with authority figures and adults, defy rules and requests, deliberately cause upset or annoyance to others, and often blame others for their own behaviors. There's also spiteful and vindictive behavior. Individuals with this condtion tend to feel like everyone around them is a problem, and they may not see issues with their own actions. Because the goal of many interactions is defiance and conflict-starting rather than conflict resolution, they may exhibit passive-aggressive behavior because they believe others deserve it. Oppositional defiant disorder is generally treated with therapy to learn skills and manage aggressive behavior. If other mental health disorders occur alongside this condition, medication and additional therapy might be helpful.