Bipolar vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What’s the Difference?
A correct diagnosis can help one seek proper treatment and work on the concerns in a structured way. Bipolar Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can share some common signs, thereby making it important for practitioners to be careful with the diagnosis.
Through this blog, we aim to highlight the distinguishing factors between narcissistic personality disorder and bipolar disorder to create mental health awareness among our readers.
Bipolar Disorder and Narcissism: Is There a Hidden Connection?
The signs and symptoms of different mental health disorders can often be overlapping and therefore differential diagnosis plays a pivotal role in understanding the identifying features of each disorder. Manic episodes are a major characteristic of bipolar disorder that incorporates high goals and impulsive behaviour. Similar characteristics can also be observed in narcissism.
It might happen that someone who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder may also get a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder; however, that is not necessary. Bipolar disorder psychiatrists near you in Gurgaon and NCR can conduct detailed psychological assessments for proper diagnosis and understanding if there is any comorbid mental health concern.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder falls under the category of mood disorder wherein fluctuating moods from manic episodes to depressive episodes can be observed. There are further sub-types within bipolar disorder such as:
Bipolar Disorder I
A manic episode along with a depressive episode can be identifying characteristics of Bipolar Disorder I.
Bipolar Disorder II
Depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes can be distinguishing features of Bipolar II Disorder.
Cyclothymic Disorder
If the criteria for hypomanic and depressive episodes are not met, then psychiatrists and psychologists may conduct assessments, and as per symptomology, cyclothymia can be diagnosed.
Bipolar Disorder vs Narcissism: A Detailed Symptom Comparison
| Features | Bipolar Disorder | Narcissistic Personality Disorder |
|---|---|---|
| Category of Disorder | Mood disorder | Personality Disorder |
| Impact on Mood | Fluctuating mood from manic episode to depressive episode | Persistent feeling of grandiosity |
| Perception of oneself | It can keep on changing based on mood | Usually, high self-esteem |
| Impact on Relationships | Unstable mood can lead to deterioration of relationships | Need for admiration and entitlement can impact relationships |
| Duration of Symptoms | Varies based on the nature of the episode and type of Bipolar Disorder | No specific duration; symptoms can be observed in day-to-day life as personality traits |
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary based on the specific type of bipolar disorder. A few commonly observed symptoms are mentioned below:
- Fluctuating mood, for example, from extremely sad to euphoric feeling
- Racing thoughts, for example, being unable to cope with intrusive thoughts
- Disrupted psychosocial functioning, for example, unable to maintain social relations
- Self-harm tendencies or suicidal ideation and behaviour
- Increased risk of substance use
Mania, hypomania and depressive states are two characteristic features of bipolar disorder however within these also each individual might have different experiences. Thus, the above-listed points give a glimpse of diverse bipolar disorder symptoms.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Overview
According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was an individual who loved himself so much that he fell into the water while admiring his reflection there. Gradually, as researches were conducted to better understand mental illnesses, the term ‘Narcissistic Personality Disorder’ was introduced. It is one of the many different types of personality disorders that can impact an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
One can look for a suitable Narcissistic Personality Disorder treatment in mania to support oneself achieve optimal well-being.
Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
The diagnosis of NPD can be done only by qualified mental health practitioners through a thorough assessment process. Given below are a few signs that one can be mindful of and if needed seek support from a qualified psychiatrist and psychologist for proper assistance.
- A lot of fantasies about success, ideal love and power amongst many others
- Inflated sense of self-importance shown in many ways such as exaggerating one’s achievements
- Believing self to be ‘unique’ or ‘special’ such that only people with high status or great personalities can understand the person
- A need for constant and excessive admiration from those around the individual
- One can be exploitative in interpersonal relationships, for example, manipulating others for individual advantage
- Minimised level of empathy for others making it difficult to recognize what others are experiencing
- Arrogant behaviour and attitude depicted in many ways such as disregarding other’s needs
- The person might be envious of those around or may feel that others are envious of this particular individual
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Causes
Multiple factors have been reported to contribute towards the development of narcissistic personality disorder such as genetics and heredity factors. Furthermore, challenging life circumstances can also impact an individual’s wellness, for example, childhood rejection. At times, the attachment pattern can also influence the way an individual perceives the world and oneself. Avoidant and dismissive attachment patterns can also be associated with an impact on a child’s self-esteem and can contribute towards narcissistic traits development.
Types of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Grandiose Subtype
This involves over-grandiosity along with behaviour that is more specifically presented for seeking attention. The individuals with this sub-type can exploit others and show a high sense of entitlement.
Vulnerable Subtype
This is also known as the think-skinned subtype wherein the individuals are extremely sensitive to what others say about them. Comparison with others is a commonly observed behaviour pattern here. These people can be shy in social situations whilst having thoughts related to inflated self-esteem.
Most Effective Therapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Individual counselling sessions can provide the space to be able to express oneself without any fear of judgement. Diverse therapeutic modalities can be used to help the individual achieve their mental health goals. A few of the many therapeutic techniques include:
Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
Feelings of grandiosity, aggression and defensive behaviour are better understood and worked upon through TFP.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, increasing mindfulness and improving interpersonal relationships are major elements of DBT.
Mentalization Based Treatment
The process enables one to introspect and reflect upon their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Schema Focused Therapy
Cognitive and behavioural exercises are included here to help the client manage their mood and thoughts.
Bipolar and Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatments
Seeking support from qualified mental health professionals can be a stepping stone in one’s mental health recovery journey. As one embarks on this journey, the treatment process can include the following steps:
- Initial consultation with the psychiatrist and psychologist
- Assessment, detailed history taking and diagnosis
- Development of personalised care plans to support the individual
- Individual counselling sessions, pharmacotherapy and group sessions can be included in the treatment plan
- Charting the progress regularly and evaluating the individual’s progress
- Using specific modalities as per the concerns and goals of the client
- As one progresses, gradually minimising the session frequency
- Follow-up session and continuing care plan for maintenance of health
One can look for in-patient or out-patient treatment facilities as per the severity of concerns, facilities available and being mindful of individual needs. Bipolar Disorder Treatment often involves in-patient facilities especially when there is a high risk of harming self or others.
Conclusion
If you have been searching for a long time for the best psychiatrists for mania treatment in Gurgaon or the best bipolar disorder psychiatrists near you in Gurgaon and NCR then you can take a sigh of relief as Athena Behavioral Health is now here to be your trusted mental health partner!
Our licenced, experienced and empathetic team of mental health professionals leave no stone unturned to help their clients. We also have a women-centric treatment center –Athena Behavioral Health that can help identify bipolar disorder symptoms in females, and narcissistic personality disorder symptoms and provide the treatment for the same.
Book your consultation today with the top mania treatment doctors in Gurgaon by connecting with our team of trusted experts.
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