Bipolar Disorder & Lying: Why This Happens & How to Respond

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense emotional highs, called manic episodes, followed by spells of deep sadness or depression. These symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary in severity and can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

People can go through bipolar cycles where they cycle between mania and depression. Depending on which type of bipolar disorder somebody has, they may cycle through these stages within days, weeks, or even years.

The types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar I: Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes may happen as well, typically lasting at least two weeks.¹
• Bipolar II: Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The hypomanic episodes are less severe than bipolar I manic episodes.¹
• Cyclothymia: Cyclothymia is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.¹

What Is the Connection Between Bipolar Disorder & Lying?

There is no clinical evidence or research linking bipolar and lying. Some people with bipolar disorder may lie, but lying isn’t necessarily associated with the disorder. Lying can become a coping mechanism to avoid the potential stigma associated with bipolar disorder. Additionally, during manic phases, people may engage in risky behaviors, exhibit racing thoughts, and experience more self-confidence, which can cause unintentional lying.²

Symptoms of bipolar disorder that may influence lying include:

• Poor decision-making: Stopping to make a decision can be difficult during a manic episode. As a result, it’s easy not to consider the consequences of their actions, often leading to poor decision-making. When an individual makes a poor decision, they may feel embarrassed and lie to cover it up.
• Impulsivity: During manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder may experience heightened impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors. This impulsivity can lead to impulsive lying, where people may make up stories or distort the truth without considering the consequences.
• Pressured speech: Pressured speech is when people talk in a fast, frantic, or urgent manner. This is common in bipolar manic episodes. The inability to fully process thoughts before speaking can cause inaccuracies in recalling events or information and result in unintentional lying.
• Inflated self-esteem: Manic episodes often bring about an inflated sense of self-esteem and delusions of grandeur. This distorted perception of oneself can cause people to lie about their abilities, achievements, or experiences to present themselves in a more favorable light.
• Altered reality: During manic or depressive episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience significant shifts in their perception of reality. This can lead to confusion and difficulty distinguishing between what is true and what is not.

How Bipolar Lying Can Affect Relationships

Fearing judgment, discrimination, or a negative impact on personal and professional relationships, people with bipolar disorder may conceal their diagnosis or downplay the severity of their symptoms. Although the intentions are not malicious, lying can cause relationship issues, including trust issues, emotional distance, and a breakdown in healthy communication.

Below are complications associated with lying in a relationship:

• Trust issues: Relationships are built on trust. When that trust is broken through dishonestly, it leaves the other person feeling betrayed and hurt.
• Resentment: Continual lying and deception can put immense strain on the relationship, leading to constant conflict, resentment, and dissatisfaction. Resentment can act like a poison, making the relationship incredibly difficult to rebuild.
• Divorce or separation: Trust, honesty, and vulnerability are crucial components of deep intimacy and connection in a relationship. When one partner lies, it creates a barrier to this level of intimacy and can result in divorce or separation.
• Communication breakdown: Once somebody tells a lie, it often leads to a web of more lies to cover up the initial deceit. This cycle of lies chips away at the authenticity of a relationship, leaving both partners feeling disconnected and guarded.
• Emotional distance: Lying in a relationship can create emotional distance between partners. When one partner feels betrayed or deceived, they may withdraw emotionally to protect themselves from further pain.
• Increased suspicion: Once trust is shattered by lies, suspicion and doubt often become more prevalent. The deceived partner begins to question the authenticity of their partner’s words and actions, constantly doubting their honesty.

Bipolar Lying Vs. Pathological Lying

Bipolar lying refers to the tendency for people with bipolar disorder to lie excessively, even when there is no apparent motive or benefit. In contrast, pathological lying refers to the habitual pattern of lying without apparent reason, even when the lie brings no obvious advantage. A pathological liar often fabricates stories, exaggerates details, and manipulates reality to gain attention, sympathy, or control.

Treating Bipolar Disorder & Lying

Treatment for bipolar disorder is essential to help people manage their symptoms effectively. It is crucial to address the underlying causes of lying rather than simply focusing on the behavior itself. While psychotherapists discover why lying occurs in their clients with bipolar disorder, they can develop personalized treatment plans to address these issues.

Managing bipolar symptoms and addressing lying tendencies can be challenging, but a multidimensional therapeutic approach can lead to significant improvements. By combining medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, support networks, and mindfulness techniques, people with bipolar disorder can improve their symptoms, including unintentional lying.

Treatment for bipolar disorder & lying may involve:

Medication

Medication is typically the first line of defense in managing bipolar symptoms. Psychiatrists commonly prescribe medications to help balance mood swings and reduce the severity of manic or depressive episodes. Typical medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers like lithium and anticonvulsants. When looking to be prescribed medication, online psychiatrist options offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging.

Therapy

It is crucial for those struggling with bipolar disorder to work closely with a therapist or a counselor to explore individualized strategies and develop coping mechanisms to promote stability and living with bipolar disorder successfully. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for bipolar disorder is considered the gold standard treatment.

While finding the right therapist may seem like a daunting task, consider using an online therapist directory to search for therapists in your area who specialize in bipolar disorder treatment. Alternatively, an online therapy platform is a great way to find a therapist who practices virtually and can provide you with services from the comfort of your own home.

How to Respond to Bipolar Lying

Whether it is a family member or you are in a relationship with someone who has bipolar, it is important not to take their lying personally or judge their character. People with bipolar disorder may lie for a variety of reasons, including to cope with emotional pain, to avoid consequences, or because they have difficulty distinguishing between reality and their own thoughts.

Here are nine tips for supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder:

1. Educate yourself about bipolar: The more you understand about bipolar disorder, the better equipped you will be to handle the challenges that come with it. Psychoeducation will help you separate the person from their illness and approach the situation with empathy.
2. Remain empathetic and understanding: Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings and respond with empathy and understanding. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them.
3. Maintain open communication: Establishing open and honest lines of communication in the relationship is essential when dealing with bipolar lying. Create an environment where they feel safe and comfortable expressing their emotions and concerns.
4. Avoid accusations or confrontations: Accusing or attacking the person may exacerbate their symptoms and cause further stress. Instead, express your concerns in a calm and compassionate manner, focusing on the impact their actions have on you and your relationship.
5. Validate their emotions: People with bipolar disorder may resort to lying as a way to manage overwhelming emotions or to protect themselves from perceived judgment or rejection. Validate their emotions and let them know that you understand they are going through a challenging time.
6. Encourage therapy and treatment: Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that often requires professional help. Help your loved one by encouraging them to seek therapy or medical assistance from qualified healthcare professionals.
7. Establish boundaries: While it’s important to be understanding and supportive, you should also set boundaries to protect your well-being. Communicate your expectations and boundaries regarding honesty and trust within the relationship.
8. Encourage involvement in support groups: Encourage your loved one to join local or online support groups to connect with people who understand what they are going through. Support groups can provide valuable advice, resources, and a sense of belonging.
9. Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can be emotionally draining. Practice self-care, seek support from others, and consider seeking therapy for yourself.