The Difference Between Narcissism and Bipolar Disorder

A friend, co-worker, or spouse displays fits of anger, verbal abuse or self-centeredness. Is this person suffering from bipolar disorder or do they possess a narcissistic personality?

Bipolar disorder in the manic phase has many of the same signs and symptoms of narcissism, such as hyperactivity, lack of empathy and controlling demands. The person is euphoric and has grandiose fantasies, unrealistic schemes, or can be irritable if/when their wishes and plans are not readily accepted.

Manic phases of bipolar disorder, however, are limited in time '" whereas, narcissism is not. Bipolar persons sink into deep self-depreciation, low self-esteem, pessimism. The narcissist does not forego grandiosity, sense of entitlement, control or lack of empathy.

The narcissist becomes dejected if confronted with the abyss between inflated self-image and grandiose fantasies. Most often, the reality of their life consist of failures, lack of accomplishments, disintegrating relationships, and low status, yet one dose of narcissistic energy is more than enough to elevate a narcissist from the depth of misery to the heights of manic euphoria.

However, the bipolar person often feels as if they lost control of their brain, speech, attention span and even motor functions. However, the narcissist remains in full control of their faculties even when overly agitated.

The bipolar person tends to display reckless behavior and substance abuse during the manic phase. The narcissist does drugs, drinks, gambles, shops on credit, indulges in sexual activities or other compulsive behaviors when elated or deflated.

Usually, the bipolar's manic phase interferes with social and occupational interactions. In contrast, many narcissists reach the highest rungs of their community, church, employment or other organizations. They function flawlessly, however, the blowups and extortion of narcissistic bouts usually bring an end to careers or social relationships.

The manic phase of bipolar can require hospitalization, and often involves psychotic traits. Narcissists, on the other hand, are never hospitalized because self-harm risks are very small.

A bipolar's mania causes discomfort in family, loved ones, as well as strangers. Their constant insistence on interpersonal, sexual, occupational, or professional interactions provokes unease and repulsion. Rapid shifts between uncontrollable rage and unnatural good spirits is intimidating. The narcissist's gregariousness is calculated, controlled, and goal oriented. Their cycles of mood and affect are less pronounced and less rapid.

The inflated self-esteem, self-confidence, grandiosity, and fantasies are the sources of diagnostic confusion for bipolars. However, bipolar and narcissist people tend to give advice, carry out assignments, or begin an enterprise that they are unqualified and lack necessary talents, skills, knowledge or experience.

Sleep Disorders: Insomnia are common in bipolar but uncommon in narcissism. Also, loud, rapid, dramatic and sometimes incoherent are not unusual with bipolar. This reflects inner turmoil and his/her inability to control racing thoughts.

Goals and Interactions:

Bipolar people are easily distracted and unable to focus on projects or relevant data. They are all over the place, often embarking on many business ventures, joining many organizations, act in domineering, demanding and even intrusive manners. They totally disregard the needs and emotions of the unfortunate recipients. Rarely do bipolar's follow up on their projects.

Regret or Apologetic:

Opposed to narcissists, bipolars regret their actions or words after a manic phase and try to right their actions. During the depressive phase, they blame themselves for failures and mistakes. A manic episode is fast and furious, and results in a visibly transformation of the person's behavior and/or personality. Narcissism is detectable in early adolescence, but the full-fledge bipolar disorder rarely occurs before the age of 20. Narcissists are rarely apologetic for their actions because they believe they have every right to step on everyone that does not comply with their wishes. They are not regretful or remorseful for their actions, demands, or flare-ups.