Private Bipolar Assessment in London & Online | Prof. Ahmed El-Missiry
Get a comprehensive, psychiatrist-led bipolar assessment to understand your mood patterns, receive an accurate diagnosis, and start a treatment plan built around your life. Assessments are carried out to DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 standards by Prof. Ahmed El-Missiry, a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience, available in London and by secure video consultation across the UK.
Book an AppointmentWhat Is a Bipolar Assessment
A private bipolar assessment is a 45–50 minute psychiatric consultation in which a Consultant Psychiatrist evaluates your mood history, energy levels, sleep patterns and behaviour against DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria to determine whether you have bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, or another mood condition.
The assessment isn't a tick-box questionnaire. Prof. El-Missiry takes a full history of your current symptoms, past mood episodes, family psychiatric history, and how your mood has affected your work, relationships and daily functioning. Where useful, structured tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) are used alongside the clinical interview to support an accurate diagnosis — not replace it.
You may benefit from a bipolar assessment if you:
- Experience marked mood swings between high energy/elevated states and low, depressive states
- Notice impulsive, risky, or unusually high-energy behaviour during “up” periods
- Have prolonged or recurring periods of low mood, low energy or hopelessness (if low mood is the main issue with no history of highs, our Depression Assessment may be the more accurate starting point)
- Have been told your symptoms “don’t quite fit” a depression or anxiety diagnosis
- Find your mood is affecting your work, education, finances or relationships
- Already have a bipolar diagnosis and want a second opinion or updated care plan
Our Bipolar Assessment Service
Comprehensive Bipolar Assessment
A detailed psychiatric evaluation designed to assess mood changes, identify bipolar symptoms, review your mental health history, and develop a personalised treatment plan that supports long-term mood stability.
£ 250
- 45–50 Minutes
- Remote Consultation
- Comprehensive assessment of mood patterns and symptom history
- Review of medical, psychological, and family mental health history
- Evaluation using recognised bipolar diagnostic criteria
- Personalised treatment recommendations and care planning
- Guidance on medication, therapy, and long-term mood management
Payment & Insurance
Klarna interest-free instalments are available for eligible appointments.Accepted Insurance Providers Aviva, AXA Health, Preferred Health Care Ltd., Vitality Health, Bupa UK, WPA, Allianz Worldwide Care.Pre-authorisation is required using GMC Number: 06032945.
How the Bipolar Assessment Process Works
Complete pre-appointment questionnaires covering your symptoms, mood history and mental health background.
Meet your psychiatrist via secure online consultation or in person, to discuss your experiences and current concerns in detail.
Clinical evaluation of your symptoms, behavioural patterns and mood episodes against DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 criteria to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Receive your written report and care plan, which may include medication guidance, psychological therapy referrals, lifestyle strategies and shared care with your GP.
Ongoing review appointments to monitor progress, adjust treatment, and support long-term mood stability.
Why Choose Prof. Ahmed El-Missiry?
- Consultant Psychiatrist with over 30 years’ experience, MBBCh, MSc, MD/PhD, MRCPsych
- GMC-registered (GMC No. 06032945) and affiliated with the Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Assessments carried out to recognised DSM-5-TR / ICD-11 clinical standards
- Personalised, evidence-based treatment plans rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Integrated approach combining diagnosis, medication management and psychological support
- Compassionate, confidential, and patient-centred psychiatric care
- Consultations available in London or online across the UK
Learn more about Prof. El-Missiry’s experience and clinical approach, or explore the full range of psychiatric conditions and services available.
Understanding the Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder isn’t one single condition — it’s a spectrum, and getting the subtype right matters because it can influence both the diagnosis and treatment plan.
| Feature | Bipolar I | Bipolar II | Cyclothymia |
|---|---|---|---|
| High mood state | Full mania — may involve psychosis or need for hospital care | Hypomania — elevated but without psychosis | Mild, short-lived hypomanic-like symptoms |
| Low mood state | Major depressive episodes (not required for diagnosis) | Major depressive episodes (required for diagnosis) | Low-grade, chronic depressive symptoms |
| Minimum episode length | Manic episode of 7+ days (or any length if hospitalisation is needed) | Hypomanic episode of 4+ days | Symptoms fluctuating for 2+ years, never meeting full criteria |
| Everyday impact | Often significant disruption during manic phases | Depressive episodes usually cause more day-to-day impairment than the highs | Persistent instability, often mistaken for personality or mood “quirks” |
If you’re not sure which pattern fits your experience, that’s exactly what the assessment is for — you don’t need to self-diagnose before booking.
If You’re in Crisis
This assessment service is for planned, non-urgent psychiatric evaluation. If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself, or are concerned about your immediate safety:
- Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if there is immediate danger
- Call NHS 111 for urgent mental health advice
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) for confidential support
Frequently Asked Questions
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed privately in the UK?
Through a detailed clinical interview with a Consultant Psychiatrist, who reviews your mood history, personal and family background, and current symptoms against DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 criteria. Structured tools like the MDQ or YMRS may support this but don’t replace the clinical assessment itself.
Can a private psychiatrist prescribe mood stabilisers for bipolar disorder?
Yes. As a medically qualified Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof. El-Missiry can initiate, adjust and monitor medication such as mood stabilisers, and can also work on a shared-care basis with your GP for ongoing prescribing.
What’s the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?
Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, which can sometimes require hospital care. Bipolar II involves hypomania — a less severe elevated state — alongside major depressive episodes, without ever reaching full mania.
Can I have a bipolar assessment done fully online?
Yes. Online assessments follow the same clinical process and diagnostic standards as an in-person appointment in London, and you’ll receive the same written report and care plan.
How long does a bipolar assessment take?
The core consultation is 45–50 minutes, though you’ll also complete pre-appointment questionnaires beforehand to make the session more focused and efficient.