Signs of a Bipolar Narcissist

Imagine living with someone whose mood swings can take them from euphoric highs to devastating lows, all while displaying an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. This is the reality for those dealing with a bipolar narcissist. 

These individuals exhibit traits of both bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, creating a complex and often challenging dynamic, and understanding the nuances of these conditions is key for managing relationships and ensuring mental well-being. 

Explore the characteristics, signs, and strategies for coping with a bipolar narcissist, and call us today if you or a loved one require mental health support.

What Is a Bipolar Narcissist?

A bipolar narcissist is an individual who exhibits traits of both bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic episodes of high energy and depressive episodes of low energy. During manic phases, individuals may also display narcissistic behaviors such as an inflated sense of self-importance, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. On the other hand, narcissistic personality disorder involves a persistent pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. 

When these conditions coexist, the person may experience heightened narcissistic traits during manic episodes, making their behavior more unpredictable and challenging to manage. To better understand what a bipolar narcissist is, let's define each of the terms:

Bipolar Disorder

Extreme mood fluctuations define this mental health condition. People with bipolar disorder go through powerful highs known as "mania," during which they may feel very energized, joyful, or even euphoric. However, these highs are followed by extremely low periods, known as "depression," in which people might experience intense sadness, hopelessness, and poor energy. These mood swings can be intense and unpredictable.

Narcissism

A person who exhibits narcissism has an excessive feeling of self-importance and a continuous need for approval from other people. Narcissists frequently think they are better than other people and may lack empathy for others around them. They tend to be arrogant and may find it challenging to build solid connections.

Signs of a Bipolar Narcissist

Signs of a bipolar narcissist include extreme mood swings, grandiosity, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy, especially during manic episodes. These traits can make their behavior unpredictable and challenging to both identify and deal with. Let’s explore these signs further:

Extreme Mood Swings

Bipolar narcissists go through sudden mood swings. They may experience great euphoria, confidence, and energy during manic stages while experiencing depression, irritability, and self-absorption during depressive phases.

Exaggerated Self-Importance

Bipolar narcissists often have an overblown sense of their value, much like narcissists do. They could act as though they deserve special treatment, think they are better than others, and constantly look for praise and approval.

Lack of Compassion

Bipolar narcissists tend to lack empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the emotions of others. They could struggle to understand or give thought to the needs and feelings of others around them.

Manipulative Behavior

These people may employ manipulation techniques to gain attention, admiration, or material items. To further their goals, they could manipulate other people's feelings.

Strong Desire for Attention

Bipolar narcissists want praise and approval from other people. In social settings, they could make tremendous efforts to be the center of attention; if they don't get it, they might get offended.

Impulsivity

They could act impulsively and dangerously during manic stages, such as overspending, driving recklessly, or substance abuse. A need for immediate fulfillment frequently motivates these activities.

Depressive Isolation

Bipolar narcissists may isolate themselves and avoid social situations during their depression stages. They could start to become insensitive to the needs of others and self-absorbed.

Blaming Others

When things go wrong, they may quickly blame others and avoid taking responsibility for their actions or mistakes.

Unstable Relationships

Bipolar narcissist relationships may be turbulent and unstable. Due to their mood swings, self-centeredness, and manipulative conduct, they could find it difficult to develop strong and healthy interactions with others.

Inconsistent Self-Image

Depending on their mood, they could have a continually changing view of themselves. They may believe they are unstoppable while manic, but they may have very low self-esteem when depressed.

Is Narcissism Common with Bipolar?

Narcissism can co-occur with bipolar disorder; however, neither of these conditions must or always include this trait. In other words, every person with bipolar disorder will exhibit narcissistic traits, and not all people with narcissistic traits will have bipolar disorder. 

Still, evidence shows that in some people, these two conditions may coexist. Here are a few key points to understand regarding the connection between narcissism and bipolar disorder:

Co-Occurrence

Some people who have bipolar disorder can also display narcissistic characteristics. This indicates that during the manic or hypomanic stages of their bipolar disorder, people may experience heightened self-importance, a strong desire for admiration, and a lack of empathy. These narcissistic characteristics, however, might not continue during depressed episodes.

Variability

Bipolar disorder patients can show narcissistic behaviors with different levels of seriousness. Not all individuals with bipolar disorder will exhibit selfish behaviors, and even those who do may not do so consistently.

Distinct Conditions

There are differences between bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Bipolar disorder comprises mood swings between manic and depressed states. In contrast, NPD is a personality disorder marked by a widespread pattern of narcissistic features.

How to Live with a Bipolar Narcissist?

Living with a bipolar narcissist can be challenging. Still, navigating this complex situation with patience, understanding, and strategies to maintain your well-being is possible. Here are some tips for dealing with a bipolar narcissist:

• Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn as much as possible about bipolar disorder and narcissism and how they can develop together. Understanding the conditions can help you predict and manage their behaviors.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear and healthy boundaries. Communicate your limits and what behaviors are unacceptable to you. Consistency is key in enforcing boundaries.

• Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is required. Make time for self-care activities that help you manage stress and maintain your mental health.

• Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group for help and understanding. Dealing with a Bipolar Narcissist can be isolating, so having a support network is vital.

• Effective Communication: Try to communicate openly and calmly with the person. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and needs without accusing or blaming them.

• Choose Your Battles: Not every issue needs to be a confrontation. Decide which issues are most important to address and when it's best to let things go.

• Encourage Treatment: Encourage the Bipolar Narcissist to seek professional help. Both bipolar disorder and narcissism can benefit from therapy and treatment. Be supportive and offer assistance in finding the right healthcare professionals.

• Be Prepared for Mood Swings: Understand that mood swings are a part of bipolar disorder. During manic phases, they may be energetic and confident, while depressive phases may lead to withdrawal and sadness.

• Limit Enabling Behaviors: Avoid enabling destructive behavior. For example, do not give in to excessive spending or other impulsive behaviors during manic phases.

• Document Everything: Keep a record of significant events, mood swings, and problematic behaviors. This documentation can be useful when discussing concerns with a therapist or healthcare provider.

• Take Care of Yourself Financially: Be mindful of financial stability. Bipolar Narcissists may have impulsive spending habits during manic phases, which can impact the family's finances.

• Consider Your Well-Being: If living with a bipolar narcissist becomes emotionally or physically harmful, evaluating your living situation may be necessary and considering other options, such as seeking counseling or alternative living arrangements.

Bipolar Narcissist Treatment

Treatment for bipolar narcissism is a comprehensive approach that addresses both bipolar disorder and narcissistic traits. Psychotherapy, mood-stabilizing medication, and counseling to address narcissistic traits are frequently used in this treatment. Individuals may also benefit from therapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to control their mood swings and create healthy interpersonal dynamics. 

The goal of treatment is to lessen the harmful effects of narcissistic tendencies on the individual and their relationships while increasing self-awareness, emotional control, and empathy. The precise treatment strategy should be customized to the person's particular requirements and circumstances.

Bipolar Narcissist Medication

The main goal of treatment for bipolar narcissists is to reduce their symptoms. Depending on the patient's unique needs, mood stabilizers, including lithium, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, may be recommended. Even though these medications can help calm mood fluctuations, narcissism cannot be treated with medications.

Bipolar Narcissism Can Be Managed. Call Us to Find Out How!

Understanding the signs of a bipolar narcissist is the first step toward healing and recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with the challenges of bipolar disorder and narcissistic traits, know that you are not alone.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we offer compassionate and comprehensive support to help you navigate these complex issues. Our dedicated team is here to provide the guidance and treatment necessary to reclaim your life. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced future.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

January 16, 2025