Bipolar Disorder and Narcissism: Understanding the Connection
Understanding the Dual Diagnosis: Bipolar Disorder and Narcissistic Traits
Bipolar disorder is generally classified as a lifelong mental health condition that can cause drastic shifts in mood that may interfere with a person’s quality of life. While narcissistic personality disorder is normally a separate diagnosis, it can also be considered a lifelong condition, and it is not uncommon for a person living with bipolar disorder to exhibit narcissistic personality traits at times. Proper treatment can alleviate many of the symptoms of mental health disorders, and one way to begin treatment may be to connect with a telehealth therapy platform like ReachLink.
Bipolar Disorder – Understanding the Condition
Bipolar disorder, as defined by the American Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Bipolar Information, is normally a lifelong mental health condition that usually causes extreme mood swings that may include intense emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and extreme lows, or depressive periods.
There can be several different types of bipolar disorder, all of which may include periods of mania, hypomania, or depression. The most common types of bipolar disorder may be:
- Bipolar I: This mental illness is typically classified by having at least one manic episode that could potentially be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In certain cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
- Bipolar II: This mental illness is typically classified by having at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: This mental illness is typically classified by having at least two years of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms.
Other types of bipolar disorder may be induced using certain substances, or they may present as the result of a medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis, Cushing’s disease, or stroke.
Recognizing symptoms of mania, hypomania, and depression can be crucial in navigating the symptoms of bipolar disorder. According to researchers, “Hypomania and mania are periods of over-active and excited behavior that can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Hypomania is a milder version of mania that lasts for a short period (usually a few days). Mania is a more severe form that lasts for a longer period (a week or more).”
Symptoms of Manic and Hypomanic Episodes
- An increase in activity, energy or agitation
- A sense of euphoria, or an elevated sense of well-being or self-confidence
- A decreased need for sleep
- Excessive talking, or speaking more quickly than usual
- Racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating
- Impulsive decision-making, such as risky spending or sexual behaviors
With certain bipolar disorders, symptoms of mania and hypomanic episodes may be followed by symptoms of depression or major depressive symptoms. Typically, these depressive periods include symptoms that can impact a person’s day-to-day life. This could look like noticeable difficulty at work, school, or within social situations and relationships.
Symptoms of a Depressive Period
- Noticeably depressed mood; feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or excessive crying
- A loss of interest or pleasure in social, personal, or work-related activities
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Restlessness or slowed behavior
- Fatigue or general loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
In individuals with both bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, these depressive symptoms can be intensified by underlying issues of self-worth and identity.
Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder can be a separate lifelong condition, and it is typically classified by a pattern of grandiosity, as well as a need for attention and a pervasive lack of empathy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder Mayo Clinic NPD Information may include:
- An unreasonably high sense of self-importance or a desire for excessive admiration
- Feeling that certain privileges and special treatment are deserved
- The expectation to be recognized as superior even without achievements
- A tendency to make personal achievements or talents seem bigger than they are
- A preoccupation with success, power, brilliance, beauty, or the perfect mate
- Feelings of superiority
- Unrealistic demands or expectations of others
- A tendency to take advantage of others without guilt or remorse
- An inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
- Excessive feelings of envy toward others, or an unfounded belief that others envy you
Navigating Relationships with Dual Diagnosis Individuals
Narcissistic personality disorder can present significant challenges in a partnership. In some cases, it may lead to narcissistic abuse, in which the individual with narcissistic tendencies attempts to exert control in the relationship through various forms of emotional, physical, and verbal abuse. A person with narcissistic personality disorder may manipulate their partner by isolating them from friends and family, making threats, name-calling, and ignoring previously set boundaries.
Again, narcissistic personality disorder is normally a separate diagnosis from bipolar disorder, but studies show that some of these symptoms can present in people living with bipolar disorder, particularly during periods of mania or hypomania.
When Bipolar Disorder Presents with Narcissistic Traits
During manic and hypomanic episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit narcissistic behavior. This may include an inflated sense of self-esteem, increased goal-directed behavior, and impulsivity. The exaggerated sense of self-confidence associated with both narcissism and mania, however, often arises out of different concerns. In people with personality disorders, a seemingly inflated sense of self is actually thought to be due to a lack of self-worth Research on Self-Worth. In individuals experiencing mania, however, feelings of superiority or elevated importance are typically connected to delusions of grandeur, which are beliefs that aren’t grounded in reality.
Key Distinctions Between Bipolar-Related Narcissism and NPD
Differences between bipolar narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder are often subtle but important to recognize. Another primary difference between bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is the pervasiveness of narcissistic behaviors. While narcissistic traits in bipolar disorder are typically episodic and tied to periods of mania or hypomania, in NPD, these traits are a constant and defining feature of the individual’s personality.
Someone with bipolar disorder typically only displays narcissistic personality traits during periods of mania or hypomania, while a person with NPD may display narcissistic traits all the time.
Additionally, someone with bipolar disorder may experience feelings of regret or remorse following impulsive or grandiose behaviors during manic episodes, whereas individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often lack insight into the impact of their actions and may not typically express such feelings. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Proper diagnosis and treatment require a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional who can differentiate between bipolar disorder symptoms and enduring personality traits. Treatment approaches may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation tailored to address both mood stabilization and personality-related challenges.
Living with a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and narcissistic traits can be complex, but with appropriate support and intervention, individuals can learn to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Recognizing the episodic nature of narcissistic traits in bipolar disorder versus the persistent patterns seen in narcissistic personality disorder is a crucial step toward effective care.
Ultimately, seeking help from experienced clinicians and utilizing resources like telehealth platforms ensures that both conditions are addressed holistically, fostering greater understanding, stability, and personal growth.
