Clarity and stability, over the long term.
A thorough psychiatric assessment and long-term management plan for adults living with bipolar disorder or significant mood swings -with careful diagnosis and ongoing medication management at the centre of care.
Beyond ordinary ups and downs
Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of altered mood -periods of depression, and periods of elevated mood or energy known as hypomania or mania -that go well beyond ordinary emotional ups and downs. Episodes can vary widely in length and intensity, and the condition is often misdiagnosed or missed entirely for years before an accurate diagnosis is reached.
Getting the diagnosis right matters, because treatment for bipolar disorder is different from treatment for depression alone. A careful assessment, including your full mood history, is the foundation of effective long-term care.
What bipolar disorder can look like
Presentations vary widely, but some patterns are common across depressive and elevated episodes:
Depressive episodes
Periods of low mood, low energy and loss of interest, similar to major depression, lasting weeks or longer.
Elevated mood or energy
Periods of unusually high energy, elevated or irritable mood, and a reduced need for sleep.
Impulsivity
Increased risk-taking, impulsive spending, or decisions that feel out of character during elevated periods.
Racing thoughts
Thoughts moving quickly, rapid speech, or difficulty staying on one topic during elevated episodes.
Sleep pattern changes
Sleeping far more during depressive episodes, or needing far less sleep during elevated ones.
Fluctuating functioning
Periods of high productivity followed by periods where everyday tasks become very difficult.
How bipolar disorder is assessed and managed
Accurate diagnosis first, then a long-term plan built around stability.
Full mood history
A detailed review of past mood episodes -depressive and elevated -their duration, severity and impact over time.
Diagnostic clarification
Distinguishing bipolar disorder from other conditions it's commonly confused with, to guide the right treatment.
Medication management
Mood-stabilising treatment tailored to your presentation, with close monitoring, especially in the early stages.
Long-term follow-up
Regular review to monitor mood stability, adjust treatment, and catch early warning signs of a new episode.
Alongside medication, structured psychoeducation and CBT-based strategies can help with recognising early warning signs.
Consultations for bipolar disorder
Ongoing care is billed as a standard consultation -there is no separate rate for bipolar disorder specifically.
Fees
Bipolar disorder -your questions
I've only ever had depressive episodes -could it still be bipolar disorder?
Yes, this is common. Elevated episodes can be brief, mild, or not recognised as unusual at the time. A detailed history often reveals a pattern the person themselves hadn't identified as significant.
Is bipolar disorder a lifelong condition?
It's typically a long-term condition, but with the right treatment and monitoring, many people achieve good mood stability and lead full, productive lives.
Do you offer online consultations?
Yes, follow-up consultations and medication reviews can be carried out by secure video call where clinically appropriate. Initial assessments are generally recommended in person.
Are your fees covered by insurance?
Many private health insurers offer partial cover for psychiatric consultations. I'd recommend checking directly with your provider, as cover varies by plan.