Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBipolar Disorder SymptomsNPD SymptomsWhat’s the Connection?DiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
NPD Symptoms
What’s the Connection?
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Close
These are two conditions that require lifelong treatment. While they are fundamentally different, there is some overlap between the symptoms of each condition.
The connection between bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder lies in the symptoms of each condition. Someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience manic or hypomanic anddepressiveepisodes.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms
For example, someone with this illness may become obsessed with fantasies of immense success and power. Others might fixate on having a “perfect life,” complete with an attractive partner, big house, and a fancy job.
Furthermore, it isn’t uncommon for those experiencing this disorder to take advantage of others to meet their needs and not feel remorse. Grandiosity is also a clear indicator of this condition. Some experiencing this illness will be convinced they have a talent or quality that sets them above others.
What’s the Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Narcissism?
The behavior someone exhibits while experiencing a manic episode can look similar to that of someone who experiences narcissistic personality disorder. When someone is manic, they may have an inflated sense of self-esteem or displaygrandiosebehaviors.
For example, they may believe they’re a genius or one of the most attractive people in the world. With grandiosity can come setting impossibly high goals, and strong impulsivity may be involved. Sometimes mania isn’t just intense feelings of confidence and excitement. People who are experiencing a manic episode may become irritable or angry. In moments of rage or severe impulsivity, it can appear that they lack empathy for those around them.
Symptoms That Overlap: Grandiosity and Lack of EmpathyConsidering the aforementioned symptoms, it is clear where overlap occurs. Those experiencing manic or hypomanic bipolar episodes may present with narcissistic traits such as:GrandiosityLack of empathyHowever, when one receives consistenttreatmentfor bipolar disorder and their condition is managed, the severity and frequency of the episodes can diminish significantly. As a result, narcissistic traits may not be as pronounced.
Symptoms That Overlap: Grandiosity and Lack of Empathy
Considering the aforementioned symptoms, it is clear where overlap occurs. Those experiencing manic or hypomanic bipolar episodes may present with narcissistic traits such as:GrandiosityLack of empathyHowever, when one receives consistenttreatmentfor bipolar disorder and their condition is managed, the severity and frequency of the episodes can diminish significantly. As a result, narcissistic traits may not be as pronounced.
Considering the aforementioned symptoms, it is clear where overlap occurs. Those experiencing manic or hypomanic bipolar episodes may present with narcissistic traits such as:
However, when one receives consistenttreatmentfor bipolar disorder and their condition is managed, the severity and frequency of the episodes can diminish significantly. As a result, narcissistic traits may not be as pronounced.
Bipolar Disorder and NPD Symptoms Start Around the Same Age
Another connection between bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder is that they have a similar age of onset. Bipolar disorder begins to present in thelate teen or early adulthood years.
Narcissistic personality disorder traits also begin to present around the same time, usually in early adulthood.
Bipolar DisorderOnsets in early adulthoodGrandiosity, uncharacteristically high self-esteemImpulsivity and racing thoughtsRelationship issues due to manic or depressive symptomsAttention-seeking or risky behaviorNPDOnsets in early adulthoodInflated self-esteemFantasies of power, control, and intelligenceRage in response to personal slights or criticismConsistent hunger for attention and power
Bipolar DisorderOnsets in early adulthoodGrandiosity, uncharacteristically high self-esteemImpulsivity and racing thoughtsRelationship issues due to manic or depressive symptomsAttention-seeking or risky behavior
Onsets in early adulthood
Grandiosity, uncharacteristically high self-esteem
Impulsivity and racing thoughts
Relationship issues due to manic or depressive symptoms
Attention-seeking or risky behavior
NPDOnsets in early adulthoodInflated self-esteemFantasies of power, control, and intelligenceRage in response to personal slights or criticismConsistent hunger for attention and power
Inflated self-esteem
Fantasies of power, control, and intelligence
Rage in response to personal slights or criticism
Consistent hunger for attention and power
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Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and NPD
Collaborating with a licensed mental health professional is essential to receive a correct mental health diagnosis.
Narcissistic personality disordercan present alongsidea mood disorder like bipolar disorder, so it is critical to have a qualified clinician assess any presenting issues.
Diagnosing bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder requires a mental health assessment.
In a mental health assessment, a professional will consult theDSM-5-TRand ask a series of questions that will help them evaluate your current mental state. They will also likely ask about your health history, upbringing, and lifestyle to ensure they get a full picture of what you’re experiencing.
Bipolar Disorder and NPD Treatment
There isn’t a cure for either of these disorders. That being said, treatment options are available that can help folks manage each of these conditions.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.Mood stabilizerslike lithium or off-label anticonvulsants like lamotrigine are often prescribed to manage bipolar symptoms. Sometimesantipsychoticsmay be prescribed as well.
Psychotherapyis recommended to help individuals learn how to manage their triggers, challenge disturbing thoughts, and tend to their personal relationships.
NPD Treatment
There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of NPD. However, doctors have found that medication is sometimes necessary to treat the presenting symptoms. Similar to bipolar disorder, doctors may prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, and psychotherapy is recommended. However, unlike bipolar, some doctors may prescribeantidepressantsto people with NPD.
How to Recognize a Covert Narcissist
Coping With Bipolar Disorder and NPD
Living with bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder can be very challenging. Unfortunately, each of these conditions is highly stigmatized, and there can be a lot of misinformation regarding people with these diagnoses.
In addition to finding a qualifiedmental health professional, it can be very helpful to find social support. Meeting others who experience the same challenges as you can minimize some of the stigmas and offer a supportive community.
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2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar disorder.Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar disorder.Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar disorder.Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar disorder.
Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. Treasure Island, FL. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
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