How to get a bipolar disorder diagnosis in the UK

Find out the steps to getting a bipolar disorder diagnosis, including what happens during a bipolar disorder assessment and what might happen after.

On this page: Symptoms Diagnosis process Diagnostic questions Benefits

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his page was clinically reviewed by Dr Donna Grant (MBBS, MCRPsych, BSc Hons), Consultant Psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Chelmsford, in October 2023.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that's characterised by extreme mood changes, from manic highs to depressive lows. Understanding these symptoms and getting a diagnosis can be a life-changing step towards managing the condition.

Here’s a guide on how to get diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the UK.

Understand the symptoms

Before seeking a diagnosis, it can be useful to learn as much about bipolar disorder as you can. Having a better understanding of the condition will help during the diagnosis process, as well as helping you to better understand yourself and the challenges you face.

Common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

Elevated mood
Irritability over small things
Increased self-confidence
More talkative nature

Decreased self-confidence
Inability to make decisions
Altered sleep patterns
Negative thoughts about life

How to get diagnosed with bipolar disorder

Visit your GP or contact a private specialist

The first step is to make an appointment to see your GP. In your appointment, you can discuss the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, the impact it’s having on your life, your medical history, and any other relevant factors.

It’s important to note that your GP won't be able to give you a formal diagnosis for bipolar disorder. This needs to be done by a mental health specialist, like a consultant psychiatrist. This would be done as part of a specialist assessment, which your GP can refer you to.

They'll be able to arrange an appointment for you if:

You’ve been experiencing depression

You’ve ever felt very excited or not in control of your mood or behaviour for at least 4 days in a row

As an alternative, you can also approach a private provider of mental health services like Priory. We can offer assessments, diagnosis and treatment for bipolar disorder with leading mental health specialists, without the need to gain a referral from a GP first.

Have an assessment

For your assessment, you’ll meet with a member of a specialist mental health team who are trained in assessing and delivering treatment for people with bipolar disorder.

The specialist will use the assessment to establish if your symptoms are being caused by bipolar disorder. To do this, they’ll ask you a series of questions that cover your:

Thoughts and feelings
Behaviours and anything you find difficult to do
Relationships with friends and family
Lifestyle
Physical and mental health, specifically if you have any other conditions that might also be playing a role

Next steps

Following your assessment, if the specialist believes that you do have bipolar disorder, they should then begin to draw up a treatment plan that can help you to manage your condition.

Effective treatment for bipolar disorder includes:

Residential inpatient care: for the most severe cases of bipolar, you might be advised to come to stay in one of our residential inpatient facilities, which have been purpose-built for people in recovery from mental health issues. This allows you to move away from the stresses and anxieties of normal life and focus fully on getting back on track
Therapy: therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) are designed to recognise any negative thought patterns and behaviours that are contributing to your bipolar disorder, and help you develop more positive and sustainable replacements for them

Medication: certain medication can be used, together with other treatment, to help manage your symptoms and keep you focused on recovery. Common medications used in bipolar disorder include mood stabilisers like lithum, which helps to regulate the highs and lows of bipolar disorder

Treatment will also include teaching you coping strategies for bipolar disorder that can help you manage symptoms as and when they occur, as well as information on what to do if you’re in a crisis.

Questions you might be asked during a bipolar disorder assessment

Here are some typical questions you might be asked during your assessment:

Duration and frequency: how often do you experience episodes of highs and lows, and how long do they typically last?
Impact on daily life: how do these mood changes affect your daily activities or relationships?
Sleep patterns: have you noticed any disruptions in your sleep? Do you sleep too much during some periods and too little during others?
Risky behaviours: during your 'high' phases, do you engage in risky behaviours or overspend?
Family history: is there a history of mental health conditions in your family?

How to prepare for the assessment

Any mental health assessment can be a daunting, but ultimately it’s about securing your long-term mental health and ensuring you feel well enough to live your life. To get the most out of your assessment and ensure an accurate diagnosis, consider these tips for preparing as best you can:

Note down what symptoms you’ve experienced, plus any noticeable triggers for them. Your specialist might ask you to continue this as a diary as you enter treatment
Write down any questions you have for your GP or mental health specialist. You want to feel as comfortable and informed as possible after your assessment, so write down their answers too so you don’t forget
It’s OK to take someone with you to your assessment, for support and reassurance throughout. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian should be involved in the diagnosis process
Be honest. Speaking about your mental health and reaching out for treatment is incredibly brave. Just be sure to be honest when you're speaking to any medical professional. You’re in a non-judgemental environment and any information you say could help get you a more accurate diagnosis and the right treatment

Benefits of getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder

If you have any nerves around attending a bipolar disorder assessment and getting a diagnosis, know that these feelings are perfectly normal. There are many benefits to taking these steps and receiving a diagnosis:

Personal understanding: knowing you have bipolar disorder can provide clarity. It helps you understand yourself a little better, and puts you on a pathway to better wellbeing
Tailored treatment plans: once you know the problem, you can receive effective treatment that matches your symptoms. This tailored approach will help you gain control of your condition and overcome it faster
Support and community: a diagnosis can be a gateway to a supportive community. Joining support groups or engaging in group therapy can make managing the disorder more navigable

Preventing further complications: early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disorder from escalating and causing further complications down the line
Empowerment: while a diagnosis might seem overwhelming initially, in the long run, it empowers people. Understanding your condition means you can actively participate in your care, ensuring that you take steps towards a healthier future

Bipolar disorder can have a profound impact on your day-to-day life. However, bipolar disorder treatment can help you to manage your symptoms and live your life to the fullest. Treatment for bipolar disorder usually consists of a combination of therapeutic methods, including CBT and carefully controlled medication.

Get in touch today and find out how Priory can support you to cope with your bipolar disorder.