Who it is for
Adults with periods of elevated or irritable mood, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts and unusual energy or spending, alternating with depression; people whose depression has not responded to treatment or got worse on it; people with a family history of bipolar disorder; and people already diagnosed who want a second look at their treatment, or a psychiatrist to continue it.
How the assessment works
Dr Szigeti
A careful history of your mood across your whole life, ideally with an account from someone who knows you well, because hypomania is easy to miss and easy to over-call. Bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia and mixed states need different approaches, and ADHD or emotional instability can look similar. Physical health, thyroid, alcohol and drugs, and sleep are part of the picture. The findings are explained clearly, whether or not a diagnosis is made.
The diagnosis is made against DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 criteria, with validated questionnaires where they help. Before you meet, you complete the Pre-Assessment Form at home: it saves time during the appointment and helps Dr Szigeti tailor your care from the first meeting. Return it by hand when you meet or through the encrypted upload link we send you, never by email or WhatsApp. The appointment can be in person or by secure video.
Treatment and ongoing care
- Mood-stabilising medication. Chosen with you for your pattern of episodes and your plans, including pregnancy, weighing the evidence for preventing relapse against the precautions each medicine needs; the regular blood tests some of them require are organised with your GP.
- Antidepressants. Used cautiously and rarely alone, because in bipolar disorder they can trigger a switch into elevated mood.
- Knowing your pattern. Your early warning signs, protecting sleep and routine, and a written plan agreed in advance for what happens if an episode begins, shared with the people you choose.
- Follow-ups. Thirty minutes, more frequent at the start and at dose changes; ongoing care with Dr Szigeti, with a hand-back to your GP when you are stable, if you both prefer it.
All treatment options are discussed with you before anything is prescribed or started, including their risks and benefits.
If you are in crisis
Seaward Clinic is not an emergency service. If you or those around you are worried about your safety, call 999 or 112, go to your nearest emergency department, or call the Samaritans on 116 123, free, day or night.
Fees
| Appointment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Psychiatric assessment, one hour | €500 |
| Follow-up appointment, thirty minutes | €180 |
Laya Healthcare, Vhi, Irish Life and other insurers may cover part of the cost. Fees and insurance