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.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Getting an accurate diagnosis is a key step towards understanding your symptoms and finding the right support.
Receiving a diagnosis can feel daunting, but it’s also empowering. It gives you clarity, opens the door to treatment, and helps you take control of your wellbeing.
This guide explains how the bipolar disorder diagnosis process works in the UK, what to expect during an assessment, and how Priory can help you get answers quickly and compassionately.
Recognising the signs of bipolar disorder
Before seeking a diagnosis, it’s helpful to understand the signs that may suggest bipolar disorder. These can vary in intensity and duration, but typically fall into two categories:
Manic or hypomanic symptoms
- Feeling unusually energetic, confident or euphoric
- Talking very quickly or feeling as though your thoughts are racing
- Needing less sleep than usual but still feeling full of energy
- Taking more risks than normal, such as overspending or making impulsive decisions
- Feeling irritable or restless
Depressive symptoms
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy
- Fatigue, low motivation or poor concentration
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have bipolar disorder, that’s why a professional assessment is so important.
The bipolar disorder diagnosis process in the UK
Step 1 – visit your GP
The first step for most people is to make an appointment with their GP. During your consultation, your GP will:
- Ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them
- Discuss how these mood changes affect your life, relationships and work
- Explore your medical and family history
If your GP suspects bipolar disorder, they can refer you to a specialist mental health team for further assessment. GPs can’t formally diagnose bipolar disorder, that must be done by a psychiatrist or another qualified mental health professional.
Step 2 – specialist referral or private assessment
On the NHS, waiting times for mental health referrals can sometimes be lengthy. If you’d prefer to access help sooner, you can book a private mental health assessment with Priory directly, no GP referral required.
Our assessments are carried out by consultant psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who specialise in mood disorders. They’ll take the time to understand your experiences and provide a clear diagnosis, often within days of your enquiry.
What happens during an assessment
Your assessment is a confidential and collaborative conversation designed to help you feel understood. It usually includes questions about your:
- Mood patterns – how long your ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ last and what triggers them
- Thoughts and feelings – including any changes in confidence or energy
- Sleep and activity levels – such as needing little sleep or oversleeping
- Relationships – how your moods affect your connections with others
- Family history – whether anyone else in your family has experienced mental health challenges
- Lifestyle and health – including physical conditions or medication use
Common questions may include:
- How often do your mood changes occur and how long do they last?
- How do these shifts affect your daily life or relationships?
- Have you ever felt excessively energetic, talkative or unable to rest?
- Do you experience periods of deep sadness or hopelessness?
- Have you ever taken risks or acted impulsively during a ‘high’?
This information helps the specialist decide whether your experiences meet the criteria for bipolar disorder or if another condition may be contributing.
Preparing for your bipolar disorder assessment
You can make the most of your assessment by preparing in advance:
- Keep a mood diary: Record your highs, lows, triggers, sleep patterns and energy levels
- Note your symptoms: Write down what you’ve experienced, when it began and how it affects your life
- Bring support: If you feel comfortable, take a trusted friend or family member with you
- Be open and honest: Clinicians are there to help, not judge. The more detail you share, the more accurate your diagnosis will be
Assessments at Priory are compassionate, confidential and designed to help you feel comfortable from the very first step.
What happens after a bipolar disorder diagnosis
If you’re diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your clinician will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include:
- Medication: Mood stabilisers (such as lithium), antidepressants or antipsychotics to help balance mood changes
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) to help you manage symptoms and build coping strategies
- Lifestyle support: Sleep routines, stress management and relapse prevention planning
- Family education: Helping loved ones understand bipolar disorder and how to offer support
If you aren’t diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your clinician may explore other explanations for your symptoms, such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or personality-related conditions and recommend appropriate next steps.
Benefits of getting a diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but it often brings relief and understanding.
Key benefits include:
- Clarity and understanding: Helps you make sense of your experiences
- Access to treatment: Opens the door to therapies and medications tailored to your needs
- Connection and support: Links you to peer and community networks
- Prevention and planning: Helps identify triggers and reduce relapse risk
- Empowerment: Encourages you to take an active role in your recovery
When to seek help
It’s important to reach out if:
- Mood swings are disrupting your work, studies or relationships
- You experience episodes of high energy or deep depression lasting several days
- You’re unsure what’s causing your mood changes
- You have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you need immediate help:
- Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E
- Contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Call NHS 111 for urgent mental health advice
Getting a private bipolar disorder diagnosis at Priory
At Priory, you can access fast, expert-led assessments and treatment for bipolar disorder without a GP referral.
What to expect:
- Appointments available quickly, often within days
- Assessments led by consultant psychiatrists and psychologists specialising in mood disorders
- A clear diagnostic report and tailored treatment recommendations
- Options for ongoing therapy, medication management and support
You can access assessments in person at one of our UK-wide hospitals or wellbeing centres, or via secure online video consultations for added convenience.
Take the first step towards treatment
You don’t have to face bipolar symptoms alone. With the right support and an accurate diagnosis, it’s possible to manage your condition and live a stable, fulfilling life.
Book a confidential bipolar assessment with Priory today and start your journey towards understanding and support.
