PAPD vs. Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Differences

Passive-aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) and bipolar disorder share a number of symptoms but are distinct mental health conditions. Pronounced differences are observed in causation, diagnosis, and treatment of PAPD and bipolar.

Bipolar Causes

• The National Mental Health Information Center reports bipolar disorder is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain which may be improved or worsened by environmental factors.

PAPD Causes

• The Mayo Clinic explains PAPD is largely the result of environment during developmental years, but genetics may predispose individuals to the disorder.

Bipolar Diagnosis

• The National Institute of Mental Health states doctors compare a patient's symptoms to those outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM) to diagnose bipolar disorder.

PAPD Diagnosis

• Many experts still consider PAPD a legitimate disorder, but the US National Library of Medicine tells us that passive-aggressive personality disorder is no longer a clinical diagnosis included in the DSM.

Treatment

• The US National Library of Medicine recommends long-term therapy to treat PAPD. The National Institute of Mental Health reports bipolar disorder is managed with medication.