Table of Contents
Counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy
Counseling may help a person with passive-aggressive personality disorder identify and change behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, or individual psychotherapy may be used. Treatment is aimed at helping the person better relate to others. Some experts say that counseling can just increase the person's irritability and anxiety. This happens when he or she is forced to look at the negative behavior. [6]
Group therapy
Group therapy can be extremely useful because it provides individuals with this personality disorder an opportunity to learn how to manage their hostility. When their hostility emerges, group leaders can comment on hostile behavior and encourage other group members to respond. The group leader can assist these individuals in processing what it is they want or need at that moment and to rehearse appropriate behavior within a group context. [6] Likewise, sharing coping strategies with others who understand can be extremely productive.
Medications
Unfortunately, there is no cure for passive-aggressive personality disorder but there are medications which may help reduce some symptoms. Medications used to treat depression, called antidepressants, may reduce irritability. Fluoxetine or sertraline are commonly used. However, they may cause sleep disorders, drowsiness, or stomach upset. [7]
Treatment Techniques
When assessing individuals with PAPD, the following areas should be noticed:
- Survival skills and self-care
- Use of OTC drugs
- Psychosocial and AOD history
- Mental status
- Coexisting anxiety disorders
- Medication evaluations for antidepressants
- Identification of typical passive-aggressive mane
Incidence of Co-Occurring Substance-Abuse Disorders
Unfortunately, the incidence of co-occurring substance abuse with PAPD is extremely high. These individuals are prone to using drugs to regulate mood states. They believe they are entitled to an external solution to problems and are likely to use their addictions to justify their angry or violent behavior or to provide a rationale for nonperformance, incapacitation, or inaccessibility. Prescribed pain killers and anti-anxiety agents, in combination with alcohol, are probably the most common pattern of abuse.