Narcissism refers to a personality style — or, at its extreme, a diagnosable disorder — characterized by excessive self-focus, grandiosity, entitlement, and a lack of empathy (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) appears in the DSM-5 as a Cluster B personality disorder, involving patterns such as needing admiration, exploiting others, and difficulty handling criticism. The term originates from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
Example: A narcissistic leader might demand loyalty from employees, dismiss dissenting voices, and take credit for team success while blaming others for failure.
Circular insanity, historically known as folie circulaire (Falret, 1854), was one of the first clinical descriptions of what is now called bipolar disorder. It referred to alternating periods of mania (high energy, grandiosity, rapid speech) and depression (sadness, fatigue, hopelessness). The “circular” nature described the continuous cycle between these emotional states. Unlike narcissism, circular insanity is a mood disorder, not a personality style.
Example: A person with circular insanity might have a month of euphoric productivity, little need for sleep, and impulsive spending (manic phase), followed by weeks of deep depression and withdrawal.
Psychological Mechanisms
Psychologically, narcissism is rooted in personality development — often shaped by early childhood experiences, either overindulgence or emotional neglect. It is ego-syntonic (the person feels their behavior is consistent with who they are). Circular insanity is biological and cyclical, involving dysregulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and is ego-dystonic (the person often recognizes something is wrong during depressive episodes).
Similarities Between Narcissism and Circular Insanity
At first glance, mania and narcissism can look similar. Both may display:
- Grandiosity: Elevated self-esteem, exaggerated confidence.
- Impulsivity: Risk-taking, poor judgment.
- Lack of empathy (temporarily): During mania, people can overlook others’ needs due to racing thoughts and self-focus.
This is why historically, some manic individuals were mischaracterized as simply arrogant or self-centered.
Differences Between Narcissism and Circular Insanity
| Aspect | Narcissism | Circular Insanity (Bipolar Disorder) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Personality disorder (chronic) | Mood disorder (episodic) |
| Duration | Stable over time | Cycles between mania & depression |
| Cause | Psychological + developmental | Biological + neurological |
| Empathy | Chronically low | Can fluctuate (intact between episodes) |
| Insight | Often limited | Often present during depressive phases |
| Treatment | Psychotherapy (CBT, schema therapy) | Mood stabilizers, therapy, lifestyle changes |
Biblical Perspective
Biblically, narcissism reflects the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16) and mirrors Lucifer’s fall (Isaiah 14:12–15). Circular insanity resembles the “afflictions” and “troubled soul” described in Psalms, pointing to emotional suffering rather than moral rebellion. Jesus showed compassion to those tormented in mind (Mark 5:15), highlighting that mood disorders call for care, not condemnation.
Modern Implications
Confusing narcissism with bipolar disorder can be harmful. Someone with bipolar disorder needs medical treatment, mood regulation, and support — not moral judgment. Someone with narcissistic patterns may need confrontation, boundaries, and therapy to build empathy and humility. Distinguishing the two prevents misdiagnosis and ensures proper intervention.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
- Falret, J. P. (1854). La folie circulaire. Archives générales de médecine, 4(5), 382–400.
- Kernberg, O. (2016). Narcissistic Personality Disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 374, 1741–1749.
- Goodwin, F. K., & Jamison, K. R. (2007). Manic-Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
- The Holy Bible, King James Version. (1769/2023). (Isaiah 14:12–15; 1 John 2:16; Mark 5:15).
THE BROWN GIRL DILEMMA 