Bipolar vs Narcissism

Bipolar involves cycling between manic and depressive episodes.

Narcissism is a personality trait that involves feelings of self-importance, grandiosty, and a need for respect and validation.

Although Narcissism is not a symptom of bipolar, some people with bipolar may display narcissistic traits as a result of their other symptoms.

Such as, the narcissist will do anything to protect their secret from you. 

They might lie about it, divert your attention with another story, or project their secret onto you.

They will use all type of abuse to dominate, such as; verbal intimidation, fear or guilt tactics, the silent treatment, withholding or exploiting the finances, increased sexual needs either forced or coerced, isolation from the family, legalism, and even physical harm.

The narcissist fears that if their secret is discovered, then they will be embarrassed or humiliated. This is the worst thing they can imagine...others thinking less of them.

Deep down all narcissists have an overwhelming feeling of insecurity such as a need for love, acceptance, safety, respect, or basic fundamentals. 

The link between Bipolar and Narcissism

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not list narcissism as a symptom of bipolar disorder. However, when a person with bipolar experiences an episode of mania, they may display some narcissistic behaviors, such as high levels of confidence, feelings of self-importance, elevated energy levels, and grandiose self-perceptions.

During periods of depression, a person with a bipolar disorder might also display narcissistic characteristics. For example, a person might neglect caring duties, avoid social contact, or appear insensitive to the needs of others.

This might seem to be narcissistic, but it is more likely that the person is so overwhelmed by their own negative emotions that they may not notice others people's feelings.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bipolar disorders and narcissism are different in the following ways:

Bipolar disorders

People with bipolar disorders experience intense mood swings that last for a period of time. Mania must last at least 7 days or less if the symptoms are so severe that hospitalization is required. To receive a diagnosis for the major depressive episode, a person must exhibit the symptoms of depression for at least 2 weeks.

A person with bipolar I disorder may only have manic symptoms.

These mood swings that people with bipolar experience occur independently of other life circumstances that can cause high and low moods. Also, these fluctuations are more pronounced than the mood swings most people experience.

Symptoms of bipolar disorders include:

• Manic or hypomanic episodes: periods of a highly inflated mood that may include high self-esteem, increased sense of self-worth, entitlement, high energy, gradiose success or fantasies, little sleep, little empathy, arrogant, or aggression.
• Depressive episodes: periods of a depressed mood that may cause intense sadness, guilt, shame, excessive sleep, low energy, and hopelessness.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)

To be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, a person must display narcissism that significantly interferes with their relationships or functioning.

Symptoms of NPD include:

• an exaggerated sense of self-worth or importance that may cause the person to disregard the feelings or needs of others
• fantasies of grandiose success or power
• a belief that one is special or unique, or should only associate with unique or special people
• a sense of entitlement
• low empathy
• arrogant behavior
• taking advantage of others to achieve one's goals
• a sense of entitlement

Summary

Narcissistic personality disorder and bipolar disorders can be frustrating both for the people they affect and for those who love them.

What looks like narcissism in a person with bipolar might be something else. Likewise, people with narcissistic personality disorder might be incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar.

Narcissistic traits that can come with bipolar disorders are not a choice. Narcissism is a personality trait. Bipolar disorders are treatable medical conditions.