THE EXPERT VIEW

Dr Chi-chi Obuaya is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical director at The Soke (thesoke.uk), where he treats bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions

What is bipolar disorder?

It’s a mental health condition in which people experience episodes of depression – characterised by symptoms such as a low mood, poor appetite, lethargy and poor concentration – and manic episodes, in which there is mood elevation, grandiose thinking, disinhibition, pressured (rapid, uninterruptible) speech, irritability and increased risk-taking behaviour. There are two types: in bipolar I, the mood elevation occurs over a period of at least seven consecutive days and leads to a severe deterioration in normal day-to-day functioning (eg, reckless behaviour and spending money excessively). In bipolar

II, the mood elevation must occur for at least four consecutive days, but the symptoms occur to a lesser degree.

Who is most likely to be diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder affects 1% of the UK population. Studies show that incidence is equal between men and women. However, it’s strongly heritable (eg, if you have a parent or sibling who suffers from it, the risk is raised compared with the general population). Rates are not thought to vary across ethnicity.

What are common barriers to getting help?

The symptoms of bipolar disorder overlap with some other mental health conditions, including forms of psychosis, such as paranoid schizophrenia. Likewise, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate bipolar disorder from depression, and it can also mimic the effects of psychoactive substance misuse, some personality disorders and ADHD. Bipolar disorder is sometimes romanticised in popular culture, with a focus on the creative skills that come to the fore when people are experiencing manic episodes. This tendency makes light of the significant harm that can arise as a result of this often-debilitating condition.

How can people seek help?

If you think you might have bipolar disorder, your first port of call is to make an appointment with your GP, who will assess your symptoms and refer you to a specialist psychiatrist who can make the diagnosis. Seeking therapy privately? Search for a professional who specialises in helping those with the condition.

For more information and advice about bipolar disorder, visit

Bipolar UK (bipolaruk.org)