Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a disorder in which you experience intense mood changes, often feeling extremely high or low, with episodes lasting for days or weeks, or months.

Everyone has variations in their mood, but in bipolar disorder these changes can be very distressing and have a major impact on your life.

It is sometimes confusing as the symptoms don’t necessarily last all the time and you experience periods of feeling “well”.

  • Manic symptoms can include unexplained irritability, excitement, increased energy, speeding thoughts, unusual overinflated self-confidence associated with unrealistic plans, out of character impulsive and risky behaviours, less need to sleep, unexplained increased consumption of alcohol.
  • Depressive symptoms can include excessive tiredness and lack of energy, lack of motivation, lack of interest in usual activities, poor concentration, wish to be alone, difficulty to socialise and tendency to isolate oneself, increased or decreased sleep, increased or decreased eating, feeling worthless, and suicidal thoughts.

 

During the assessment, our specialist consultant psychiatrist, will ask you about

  • Your symptoms and when you first experienced them
  • Your feelings leading up to an episode of high or low mood, how long it lasts, how many episodes you have had and how frequently they occur
  • Whether you have any thoughts of harming yourself
  • Medical background
  • Family history
  • The doctor may also check for any physical health problems especially thyroid problems.
  • Bipolar disorder is a lifelong and often recurring illness, you may need long-term support and continuous observation.

OUR SPECIALIST

Dr Boulos Tadros
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr. Tadros is an experienced general adult consultant psychiatrist with over 30 years of practice experience. He’s a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych).

Dr. Tadros studied medicine in Alexandria medical school, Egypt, graduated in 1983, and obtained a post graduate diploma in neuropsychiatry in 1990 from Ain Shams University, Egypt. Following that, from 1990 until 1995, he worked as a Specialist in Psychiatry at The Behman Psychiatric Hospital in Egypt, the largest oldest and private hospital in the Middle East.

Dr. Tadros then moved to the UK, where he completed his psychiatric training at St. George’s rotation. Furthermore, he obtained an MSc in addictive behaviour at St. George’s medical school in London. Then, obtained the membership of the royal college of psychiatrists and was awarded a fellowship for providing high-quality patient care.

Dr. Tadros worked as a Clinical Lead Consultant in Psychiatry at the NHS and independent sector in Cambridge from 2008 to 2013. He is currently working as a Regional Clinical Lead Consultant Psychiatrist at Change, Grow, and Live (CGL).

His approach focuses not only on prescribing medication, but also take into consideration the psychological and social aspect of any condition. Dr. Tadros works with a multidisciplinary team to achieve an understanding of person strengths and weaknesses and set up goals to achieve a full recovery. He strongly believes that every patient has specific needs and their unique circumstances should be taken into consideration in the treatment plan.

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