You can't self-diagnose; only a mental health professional can tell if you're bipolar or narcissistic, but key differences are that bipolar symptoms are episodic (mania/depression) with mood shifts and potential remorse, while narcissism is a pervasive, stable personality pattern of grandiosity, arrogance, and lack of empathy, often without guilt over exploiting others. Bipolar grandiosity is temporary during highs, whereas narcissistic traits in NPD are constant and enduring, though both conditions can overlap or co-occur.
Perhaps the one identifiable distinction is that the bipolar individual is usually experiencing strongly elevated energy along with elevated mood whereas the grandiose narcissist will experience their inflation on a psychic level, but he or she may not feel like they have three times their normal amount of physical ...
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.
Sense of self. People with NPD, for example, see themselves as superior to others. They have an inflated sense of their own abilities and their accomplishments. In contrast, those with BPD have an unstable self-image and often see themselves as “bad” or worthless.
12 signs of narcissism
Narcissism itself is not a symptom of BPD listed in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5). However, as many as 40% of people with BPD may also have narcissistic personality disorder,1 so people with BPD may also show signs of narcissism.
Manipulative Behaviors Commonly Associated with Bipolar Disorder
People with a bipolar illness diagnosis might be more likely to have some of the “big 5” personality type, such as neuroticism.
The 5 main habits of a narcissist center on an inflated self-image, need for adoration, lack of empathy, sense of entitlement, and manipulative behavior, often seen as grandiosity, constant need for admiration, inability to understand others' feelings, expecting special treatment, and exploiting people for personal gain. These traits, rooted in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), create a cycle of seeking validation, demeaning others, and using manipulation for control.
Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are frequently misdiagnosed as one another due to some overlapping symptoms. These disorders differ in their symptoms, causes, and treatments. Misdiagnosis of BPD with bipolar disorder, and vice versa, can affect a person's recovery.
Complications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along with it include:
The first red flag of bipolar disorder often appears as significant changes in sleep patterns, mood instability (irritability/euphoria), increased energy/agitation, and rapid thoughts/speech, frequently mistaken for unipolar depression or normal moodiness, with sleep disruption (insomnia or oversleeping) and heightened irritability being very common early signs, notes Better Mental Health.
You can use a 48 hour rule where you wait at least 2 full days with 2 nights sleep before acting on risky decisions. Review your decision to avoid a tempting, but risky, behaviour.
While people with bipolar disorder may exhibit a lack of empathy when in the throes of a manic or hypomanic mood swing, this is usually an episodic condition. On the other hand, lack of a strong capacity for empathy is one of the hallmark ongoing features of narcissistic personality.
Five key signs of bipolar disorder involve extreme mood shifts, including manic symptoms like inflated energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsivity (spending, risky behavior), and irritability, alongside depressive symptoms such as profound sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, significant sleep/appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts, all lasting for extended periods and impacting daily life.
Bipolar rage triggers can include high levels of stress, sleep deprivation, and sudden changes in routine or medication. In that case, it's crucial to recognize that these feelings could be associated with a larger issue like bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
🤔🚫 Five Questions a Narcissist Can't Answer 🚫🤔 Here are five questions a narcissist simply can't answer: 1️⃣ Anything regarding the truth 🧐 2️⃣ Anything about giving credit to others 🙅♂️ 3️⃣ Anything about failing or losing ❌ 4️⃣ Anything about vulnerability or their true self 🌫️ 5️⃣ Anything about their interactions ...
Narcissistic traits often peak in late adolescence and early adulthood (around ages 14-23), particularly with grandiosity and entitlement, as individuals seek identity and status, but then tend to decline as people mature and face life's realities, though some individuals with NPD may see intensification in these years before a potential mellowing in middle age.
The "3 E's of Narcissism" refer to three core traits often seen in individuals with narcissistic tendencies: Empathy impairment, a profound lack of understanding or sharing of others' feelings; Entitlement, a belief they deserve special treatment and admiration; and Exploitation, using others for personal gain without guilt. These characteristics highlight how narcissists often struggle to connect emotionally, feel superior, and manipulate people to meet their own needs.
BPD Meltdown
During a meltdown, people may experience extreme mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty calming down. Understanding how BPD contributes to meltdowns is crucial for developing coping strategies and providing support to manage and navigate these overwhelming emotional experiences.
Key Differences Between NPD and BPD
Self-image: NPD is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, whereas an unstable self-image and fluctuating sense of self-worth mark BPD. Fear of abandonment: The fear of abandonment is a central feature of BPD, which is not typically present in NPD.
While not a medical term, "BPD eyes" is often used to describe a common observable characteristic within the BPD community. Many observers note that there can be a void or absence of emotional depth perceived in the eyes of those suffering from this disorder.
The Big Five personality comprises independent traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness (McCrae and John 1992) and forms the basis of several personality inventories (Costa and McCrae 1992).