Grandiosity in Bipolar Disorder

Grandiosity in Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Mania and Hypomania Print Grandiosity in Bipolar Disorder By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Updated on June 25, 2019 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Cavan Images/Stone/Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Prevalence Causes Symptoms Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment View All Grandiosity is a symptom experienced by people with bipolar disorder (BD) during manic and hypomanic  episodes. People experiencing grandiose delusions often describe larger-than-life feelings of superiority and invulnerability. In short, it is an exaggerated sense of ones importance, power, knowledge, or identity, even though there may be little evidence to support the beliefs. Prevalence It is estimated that around two-thirds of people with bipolar I disorder will experience grandiose delusions at some point in their illness.?? About half of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia and a large number of people with substance use disorders will experience grandiosity as a manifestation of their illness.?? Grandiose delusions may also be a facet of personality disorders, most especially narcissistic  personality disorder (NDP). Causes Grandiosity  is one of the seven symptoms of a manic or hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder. Within the context of the disorder, grandiosity is considered a mood-congruent delusion consistent with a manic state. During manic or hypomanic episodes, the chemistry and activity of the brain will begin to change,  causing nerve signals  to speed up and neurotransmitter concentrations to rise, especially dopamine (the so-called pleasure neurotransmitter).?? No one knows exactly why this happens, or why the symptoms are severe in some people but not in others. While grandiosity is a common feature of bipolar mania and hypomania, it doesnt occur in everyone with BD. According to the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the presence of grandiosity can be used in combination with other manic or hypomanic symptoms to confirm a diagnosis of BD. Symptoms Grande in French means grand. As such, grandiosity refers to an unrealistic sense of superiority in which you consider yourself unique and better than others. It also infers a disdain for those you consider inferior to you, either by way of class, intelligence, beauty, or heritage. As a symptom, grandiosity exists on a spectrum, ranging from inflated self-esteem to sweeping delusions of grandeur. Grandiosity can be difficult to pin down because the people experiencing the symptom, as well as those around them, may not recognize it as anything more than pompousness, arrogance, or boastfulness. It is only when the behavior is extreme that some, usually friends or family, will realize that behavior is inconsistent with the persons usual demeanor. The fact that the behavior occurs in episodes is the main clue that bipolar disorder is involved. Grandiose delusions are one of the most common types of delusions in BD. Examples of grandiosity include: Exaggerating your own achievementsCriticizing and dismissing others achievements or talentsConstantly boasting and talking about yourselfBelieving yourself to be infallible or invulnerableBelieving that you are more intelligent than othersThinking that common rules dont apply to youActing selfishlyTreating others with disdain or contemptNot caring if you hurt someone with your actionsBeing quick to anger if you are challengedBeing unable to see how your behavior affects othersBeing unable to see how unrealistic your beliefs and actions are How to Recognize a Manic or Hypomanic Episode Bipolar vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder At times, it can be difficult to distinguish between grandiose thinking during a manic or hypomanic mood and grandiosity as a facet of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).   Having NPD means that you consistently exhibit  traits of self-adoration in a way that interferes with your relationships and well-being. NPD is broadly characterized by self-centeredness, the inability to have  empathy  for others, and the manipulation of others to get what you want. One of the key ways to differentiate grandiosity in BD from grandiosity in NPD is the co-occurrence of mania symptoms.?? Bipolar mania is a set of mood symptoms characteristic of bipolar I disorder that appears in episodes and can include: Euphoric, elevated, expansive, or irritable moodsIncreased energy and a decreased need for sleepRacing thoughtsPressured speech (excessive or frenzied speaking)Tangential speech (constantly changing unrelated topics)Restlessness and increased goal-directed activityImpulsivity with poor judgment and reckless behaviors (including spending sprees, hypersexuality, and needless risk-taking) If grandiosity accompanies any of these abnormal behaviors, bipolar disorder should be explored as a possible cause. While grandiosity can accompany hypomania, a less severe form of mania, it is usually less problematic and easily missed in diagnosis. Another key differentiator is time. Personality disorders like NPD are pervasive patterns that define ones interactions with others. By contrast, bipolar mania or hypomania typically lasts for weeks to months and is not always present. Consequences and Treatment People experiencing grandiosity as a feature of BD may suffer consequences in their personal and professional lives. To those who dont understand the symptoms, grandiosity can make someone seem unforgivably conceited and rude. This can affect interpersonal relationships at home, with friends and family, or at work. Grandiose delusions can impair your judgment and compromise ability to keep or maintain employment. Grandiosity rarely occurs on its own in people with BD and may require medications, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),?? and social support to effectively resolve the symptoms. If suffering from  bipolar mania, your doctor may treat you with a mood stabilizer and sometimes an antipsychotic drug to quickly control hyperactivity, sleeplessness, hostility, and irritability. If the behaviors are extreme or potentially harmful, hospitalization may be needed to help bring your moods under control. There is no one drug or psychotherapeutic approach that treats grandiosity on its own. Instead, your doctor will aim to resolve the abnormally heightened mood state that defines bipolar mania. By doing, behavioral extremes, like grandiosity, will also be tempered. Treat Bipolar With the Best Online Therapy Programs