Can bipolar be mistaken for narcissism?

The manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Bipolar patients in the manic phase exhibit many of the signs and symptoms of pathological narcissism – hyperactivity, self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and control freakery.

What are bipolar traits?

Symptoms – Bipolar disorder

• feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.
• lacking energy.
• difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
• loss of interest in everyday activities.
• feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.
• feelings of guilt and despair.
• feeling pessimistic about everything.
• self-doubt.

What is the difference between bipolar and narcissism?

Although Narcissistic Personality Disorder and mania are closely related, the manic phases of the bipolar disorder are more limited in time than NPD . Another difference between the disorders is that in bipolar disorder, mania is followed by depressive episodes.

Which is worse, narcissism or bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorders are mood disorders that cause extreme high and low moods. During a manic episode, symptoms of bipolar might be confused with narcissistic traits, such as a heightened sense of importance or lack of empathy. Narcissism is not a symptom of bipolar, and most people with bipolar are not narcissistic.

What is it like to live with a bipolar person?

Living with a bipolar person can be extremely stressful, both emotionally and financially. Bipolar people can have immense energy and spend lots of money when they are on a high, then be depressed for days immediately after.

Can a narcissist have a happy marriage?

Narcissists can be happily married… to compliant, subservient, self-deprecating and indiscriminately supportive spouses. They also can be happily married to masochists. However, a healthy, normal person would not be happy in an intimate-less narcissistic relationship.