Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition in which patients experience periods of depression, as well as other episodes of intense elevated mood and energy, also known as mania. Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, especially without the right diagnosis or support. Whether you’ve been previously diagnosed or are just starting to recognise changes in mood, energy, or behaviour, our private psychiatry service can help. Dr McCann offers comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and ongoing psychiatric care for bipolar disorder and related mental health conditions.
We do not currently offer assessments or treatment for individuals under 16.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by alternating periods of high mood (mania or hypomania) and low mood (depression). Manic and hypomanic episodes are periods of increased energy and elated mood, with hypomanic episodes being slightly less intense. These changes can affect sleep, energy levels, decision-making, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Bipolar disorder effects every patient differently and Dr McCann is dedicated to understanding your individual circumstances in order to develop the treatment plan which is right for you. Patients respond differently to different treatments, and Dr Mccann is committed to understanding your individual case.
Some people experience rapid cycling, where mood episodes change more frequently. There are also subtypes such as bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia, which may require tailored treatment plans. Bipolar I disorder is where patients have episodes of depression and mania, with the manic episodes lasting more than a week. These manic episodes can be very intense and can sometimes lead to risky behaviour that can put the patient in danger.
Bipolar II patients experience periods of depression and hypomania, where the 'high' that they experience is less intense. These hypomanic episodes last for at least four days. Although less severe than manic episodes, these episodes can also be very disruptive to the patient's life. Cyclothymia is a mental health condition in which patient's go through cycles of their mood being up and then down. The change between these cycles is less sudden than in Bipolar I or Bipolar II. This condition is considered to be a less severe form of bipolar disorder.
Psychiatrists play a central role in diagnosing and providing treatment for bipolar disorder, helping patients stabilise mood, manage symptoms, and improve long-term functioning. Dr McCann offers:
Therapy sessions for bipolar disorder are aimed at developing effective strategies to cope with mood swings and feel more stable. This can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy which focuses on your thought processes in the present moment. This can help you develop effective coping skills.
Treatment resistant bipolar depression can be difficult to overcome. First line treatments involve therapy and medications. In cases that are very difficult to overcome, a psychiatrist may off electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. This is a form of therapy which uses electrical currents to induce a mild form of seizure activity in the brain, under the supervision of a medical team. This treatment has been shown to be effective in treatment resistant depression and mania and can be used to treat bipolar disorders.
There are many benefits to effective treatment for bipolar disorder. Patients who are able to manage the changes in their mood cycles can see huge benefits to other areas of their lives. Helping patients through depressive episodes can enable them to function more effectively at work, and in their relationships with friends and family. Recovering energy can also help you to better take care of your physical health, through better diet and exercise. This can improve patients’ over-all health and overall well-being.
Patients can also benefit from controlling their manic or hypomanic episodes. One of the major challenges of manic behaviour is increased risk-taking behaviour. This can come in many forms and can lead to physical, emotional or financial risk taking. Controlling these episodes can help you avoid harm, as well as benefitting your friends and family. Family-focused therapy can also help to guide loved ones on how to support patients with bipolar disorder.
Overall, maintenance treatment aims to make your mood more stable, and avoid the highs and lows experienced in bipolar disorder. This helps patients to live happier and more stable lives, manage stress, and build healthy relationships.
All bipolar disorder assessments at are carried out by Dr Peter McCann, mental health professional, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Medical Director.
What’s included:
There are many reasons for people with bipolar disorder to choose Dr McCann as their mental health medical provider. He is extremely experienced in managing patients with bipolar disorder; helping them to manage their condition effectively.
Dr Peter McCann is a highly experienced psychiatrist, dually certified in the UK and US, with particular expertise in complex and co-occurring disorders.
Many individuals with bipolar disorder experience overlapping challenges such as trauma, addiction, or anxiety. Dr McCann’s multidisciplinary team supports the full picture of your mental health. His team are experienced in manging related disorders such as anxiety, OCD and drug and alcohol misuse.
Avoid NHS waitlists. He offers fast-track appointments, online or in-person, with no referral required. He can help you get the care that you need as quickly as possible.
Dr McCann provides care in a safe and supportive environment, respecting each individual’s lived experience. We help to understand each individual's unique circumstances and provide care that is tailored to suit them.
Dr Peter McCann, MBBS, MSc, MRCPsych
Dr McCann is an experienced psychiatrist and an expert in the field of bipolar disorder.
offer partial or full reimbursement, and we're more than willing to help with any paperwork or information you might need to support your inquiry.
Contact our team to find out more information regarding private medical insurance. Our team is on hand to answer questions and help with anything you may need to provide to your insurer.
We offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs; whether you prefer to visit us in person at our clinic at Castle Craig nestled in the scenic Scottish Borders, 20 miles from Edinburgh or you prefer to connect with us online from anywhere in the UK. Regardless of how you choose to engage, our commitment remains the same: to provide you with professional, compassionate, and evidence-based care throughout your treatment journey.
Our team at Castle Craig is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We are here to support you (or your loved one) with your eating disorder, to ensure your mental and physical health and emotional well-being are cared for and prioritised and to provide access to care that will support lasting recovery.
If you feel you are struggling with a mental illness or mental health challenges you can begin by self-referring through a phone call or email
If you're unsure about what support you need or if you have any concerns, we're more than happy to assist you. Whether you’re looking for more information about the services, the types of treatments available, or simply need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to get in touch.