While a person with bipolar disorder may exhibit some of the characteristics of narcissism, such as an exaggerated sense of self-importance or a lack of empathy, they may not have narcissistic personality disorder. However, the two conditions can coexist.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition. It causes extreme mood swings from highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). These mood swings interfere with a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with its own distinct symptoms. These include:

Bipolar I disorder: In this type, a person must have had at least one manic episode, which may be followed by an episode of hypomania or major depression. This sometimes leads to a break from reality (psychosis).

Bipolar II disorder: A person has had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. They have never had a manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder: Adults with this disorder experience several episodes of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms over a two-year period. For young people, the symptoms must occur over a period of only one year. These symptoms are less severe than major depression.

Treatment for bipolar disorder involves medication and psychotherapy to regulate mood.

Narcissism is a lifelong personality disorder. A person with this disorder has the following characteristics:

A high sense of self-importance

A desire for admiration from others

A lack of empathy for others

People with narcissism may appear very confident. But in reality, they have a problem with their self-esteem. This makes them vulnerable to even the smallest criticism. This condition can cause problems in many areas of a person’s life, such as work, relationships, school, or finances.

A person with this disorder may feel sad and disappointed when others do not pay special attention to them or do not do special favors for them. Often, others do not enjoy spending time with people with narcissistic personality disorder. People with this condition do not usually have satisfying relationships.

What is the connection between bipolar disorder and narcissism?

Mental health experts have found that some of the key traits of bipolar disorder and narcissism overlap. These include setting high, sometimes unattainable goals and acting extremely recklessly.

As a result, people with bipolar disorder can often exhibit traits consistent with narcissistic personality disorder during mania or hypomania.

Related : Unpacking Malignant Narcissism

However, there is debate about how much the conditions overlap with trusted Sources or whether they occur separately. Most experts say the two conditions occur separately but that people with bipolar disorder can exhibit narcissistic personality traits.

For example, a person may show signs of narcissism during a mild to moderate mania. They may display particularly grandiose self-perceptions. A person with bipolar disorder who experiences such a mood episode may not have narcissistic personality disorder. Instead, they exhibit narcissism during one or more of their mood episodes.

Comparing symptoms

To get a better idea of ​​the connection between bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, it is helpful to compare the symptoms of each. As mentioned before, symptoms of bipolar disorder vary, but generally include:

Mania and hypomania:

Abnormally upbeat attitude

Tense or tense energy level

Increased activity or energy level

Easily agitated

Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)

Reduced need for sleep

Excessive talkativeness

Racing thoughts

Easily distracted

Poor decision-making

Major depressive episodes:

Depressed mood

Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities

Significant weight loss or gain, or decreased appetite

Insomnia or sleeping too much

Slow or restless behavior

Loss of energy

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Poor concentration

Indecisiveness

Thinking about, planning for, or attempting suicide

Other signs:

Anxiety and distress

Depression

Psychosis

People with narcissistic personality disorder may exhibit these symptoms:

Abnormally high sense of self-importance

Expecting recognition Superior without reason to justify this treatment

Exaggerating talents, abilities, and past achievements

Feeling preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, intelligence, good looks, or the perfect partner

Believing they are superior and can only be related to and understood by equally superior people

Needing constant admiration

Feeling entitled

Expecting others to provide special favors and conform to expectations

Exploiting others to get what they want

Inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

Envy of others and believing that others envy them

Acting arrogantly or haughtily

How can people with bipolar disorder with narcissism manage their narcissism?

Everyone has a different personality. This personality usually doesn’t change much throughout a lifetime. Your personality may be more or less intense some days, but it doesn’t change.

The same is true for people with bipolar disorder, who may only display narcissistic traits during manic or hypomanic episodes. So those around them may not notice these traits all the time.

Related : Is There a Relationship Between Asperger’s and Narcissism?

There are ways to manage both bipolar disorder and narcissistic traits. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment. Treatment should focus on:

Helping you manage your mood
Reducing the severity of your manic and hypomanic episodes
Working on your narcissistic traits in therapy when you’re not experiencing symptoms

It’s especially important for those who display narcissistic traits during manic or hypomanic episodes to take steps to prevent these episodes and address them quickly when they do occur. This can help manage the expression of these traits.

Conclusion

It’s not always possible to change personality traits. But psychotherapy can help people with both conditions manage the expression of their narcissistic traits.

Seeking treatment can improve your quality of life, so it’s important to do so if you need help.

See your doctor or mental health professional for more information.