ADHD & Bipolar: Straight-Talking Help in Ireland ONLINE Limerick, Dublin & Cork clinics
Summary: ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) affects our focus, organisation and impulsivity most days. Bipolar disorder is a mood condition with episodes of high ( referred to as: mania/hypomania) and low (depression). You can have one, the other, or both. Good care starts with a clear assessment, a plan you can live with, and steady follow-up. We offer both ONLINE appointments across Ireland, and in-person in our rooms in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Kanturk, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin and Dungarven we support adults, teens and children with counselling, psychotherapy, couples/marriage counselling, Registered Nutritionist services using Functional Medicine, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis for addictions/trauma and RTT®.
Why this matters, especially if your life feels chaotic
If you’re in Ireland and you’re thinking, “Is this ADHD? Is this bipolar? Why do I swing between stuck and sprint?”, you are not alone. Labels aren’t about boxing you in – these are road signs. They point to what helps: safer routines, practical tools, therapeutic support, relationship support, lifestyle, mental and emotional supports.
Clear ADHD and Bipolar disorder definitions in plain English
- ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Common signs: trouble focusing, losing track of tasks, fidgeting, acting quickly without thinking, and time blindness. Symptoms start in childhood and often continue into adulthood.
- Bipolar disorder is a mood condition with episodes:
- Mania/hypomania: unusually high or irritable mood, fast thoughts and speech, less need for sleep, overspending/risk-taking.
- Depression: low mood, loss of interest, tiredness, sleep/appetite changes, slower thinking.
Between episodes you may feel well.
How to tell them apart quickly: ADHD is steady-ish over time; bipolar comes in waves (days to weeks). ADHD = attention and impulse control problems; bipolar = mood polarity (highs and lows) plus energy/sleep shifts. Some symptoms overlap (restlessness, poor sleep), which is why proper assessment is crucial.
Yes, ADHD and bipolar can co-exist
This pairing is more common than many realise. When both are present we usually stabilise mood first, then treat any leftover ADHD symptoms. That sequencing reduces the risk of manic spikes and makes everyday tools (planners, routines, therapy skills) stick.
What working with Counselling Experts looks like
Step 1 – Listening & mapping: We explore your story, current stresses, medical history, sleep, gut and hormonal patterns, and any addictions you wish to discuss and want help with (vaping, alcohol, gambling, porn or sex addiction, drug addictions, other Addictions, and much more..). If relevant, we can help you involve a partner sensitively.
Step 2 – Clear plan: Plain-English goals, quick wins for the next weeks, and we can work with any other of your care team members or signposting for medical steps (GP/psychiatry) if needed.
Step 3 – Active supports:
- Counselling/psychotherapy to build routines, emotion regulation and communication.
- Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy to ease anxiety, sleep problems and cravings/urges.
- RTT® as an intensive, focused intervention alongside your wider plan.
- Registered Nutritionist services to help with food, nutrition and dietary improvements and lifestyle adjustments to help you feel great!
- Couples/marriage counselling or parent /child counselling to reduce conflict and improve problem-solving.
Step 4 – Review & refine: We track progress and adjust. Tiny improvements, repeated, become momentum.
ONLINE across Ireland, UK, UAE, worldwide + in-person in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Midleton, Kanturk, Youghal, Cork, Dublin, Dungarven, Waterford
Everyday pillars that support both conditions
Sleep & rhythm (your boring Superpower): Keep wake/sleep times steady (including weekends), get outdoor morning light, reduce bright light late evening, and pace caffeine. This stabilises mood and sharpens attention.
Nutrition & the gut-brain axis: Many clients with ADHD or autism report IBS-type symptoms (reflux, bloating, constipation/diarrhoea). While research is ongoing, regular meals, adequate protein, more plant fibre and hydration often reduce “brain fog” and energy dips. If you have coeliac disease, thyroid issues, hormonal issues, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, we factor these into your plan so physical symptoms don’t masquerade as mood or attention problems.
Hormones & mid-life changes: For some women, perimenopause and the premenstrual week intensify ADHD symptoms or mood swings. Tracking cycles and adjusting routines—and, where appropriate, discussing medication timing with your clinician—can make a big difference.
Addictions & urges: ADHD and bipolar can raise risk for nicotine, alcohol and drug misuse. We combine urge-surfing tools, cue management, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy for cravings, focus and sleep, and practical guardrails that fit real life.
Relationships: Mood shifts and executive-function challenges strain communication. Couples/marriage counselling or parent/child counselling gives you a shared map, repair skills, and calmer conversations.
Two short Irish snapshots (anonymised to protect our clients)
- “Maeve”, 34, Midleton: Years of distractibility plus post-natal mood crashes. A psychiatrist confirmed bipolar II. We stabilised mood first; later a carefully titrated ADHD protocol, weekly counselling/ psychotherapy, improved diet and nutrition to restore nutritional deficiencies and sleep-light routines restored predictability at home and work.
- “Conor”, 28, Limerick City: ADHD and weekend binges. Reflux and poor sleep fed his cycle. With ADHD-informed counselling, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy for urges/sleep, and simple nutrition changes, he cut binges and kept Mondays steady and is thriving in his career, relationship and financially!
FAQs
1) How do I know whether it’s ADHD or bipolar?
Patterns over time. ADHD traits are present most days since childhood; bipolar shows distinct episodes of highs/lows. A thorough assessment separates them and checks for both.
2) Can ADHD medication trigger mania?
It can if started when bipolar mood is unstable. That’s why clinicians stabilise mood first and monitor closely if stimulants are added later.
3) Can therapy help even if I’m on medication?
Yes. Medication can open the door; therapy helps you walk through it—routines, planning, communication, relapse prevention, and values-based decisions.
4) What if I also have IBS, coeliac or thyroid problems?
We integrate medical and nutrition steps so physical symptoms don’t drown out progress. Coordinated care reduces fatigue, brain fog and irritability.
5) How do hormones affect symptoms?
Some people notice premenstrual worsening or perimenopausal changes in focus and mood. Tracking helps. In some cases clinicians adjust timings/doses; we match routines to your cycle.
6) Do you work with couples?
Yes—couples/marriage counselling to reduce conflict, improve understanding and build shared plans around mood and attention.
7) How soon can I be seen?
I offer ONLINE appointments across Ireland and regular in-person clinics in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin and Dungarven.
In Clinic and ONLINE supports to further help
- ADHD Assessment & Support in Ireland (service)
- Bipolar: Relapse-Prevention Plan (resource)
- Sleep, Insomnia & Circadian Rhythm Guide (resource)
- Gut & Digestive Care (IBS, reflux, bloating, SIBO, H. pylori) (service/resource)
- Hypnosis for ADHD, Hypnosis for Addictions (Drugs, gambling, porn, sex, smoking, vaping, alcohol) (service)
- Couples Counselling, relationship counselling, child and parent counselling in Limerick & Cork (service)
Contact Claire Russell
Contact Shane Murphy
Disclaimer
This article/resource is educational only and not ever a substitute for medical advice. Ensure you always discuss diagnosis and treatment with your GP, Psychiatrist, or seek advice from your specialist. If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harming yourself, contact emergency services immediately. We are here to support you within the limitations of our professions.
Book a Consultation Now
Appointments: ONLINE across Ireland, UK, UAE + in-person in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin and Dungarven.
Services: Counselling • Psychotherapy • ADHD Therapy • Autism Support • Registered Nutritionist Services • Functional Medicine • Couples/Marriage Counselling • Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy • Hypnosis for Addictions/Trauma • RTT®.
Book: Phone/Text or send us an email or use the online form to choose a convenient time to arrange an appointment or chat with us to discuss how we can help
References
- NICE Guideline NG87: ADHD—diagnosis and management. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87
- NICE NG87—Recommendations (adults). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/chapter/recommendations
- NICE Clinical Guideline CG185: Bipolar disorder—assessment and management. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg185
- HSE: Bipolar disorder—symptoms and treatment (Ireland). https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bipolar-disorder/
- HSE: National Clinical Programme—Adult ADHD. https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/mental-health/adhd/
- ADHD Ireland / HSE Model of Care (Adult ADHD). https://adult.adhdirl.ie/hse-model-care-adhd
- Schiweck C, et al. Comorbidity of ADHD and adult bipolar disorder: meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33515607/
- Viktorin A, et al. Methylphenidate and treatment-emergent mania: registry study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27690517/
- Viktorin A, et al. Risk of mania with methylphenidate monotherapy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6641557/
- CADTH. ADHD medications for adults: evidence summary. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610422/
- Tonon AC, et al. Sleep and circadian disruption in bipolar disorder—review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11804932/
- Song YM, et al. Circadian rhythm disruption and mood: eBioMedicine. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964%2824%2900129-4/fulltext
- Anker E, et al. ADHD and substance-use disorders—review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7515748/
- Ng RWY, et al. Association between ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-04303-x
- Gkougka D, et al. Gut microbiome and ADHD—systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35354932/
- Jakobi B, et al. Adult ADHD and gut microbiome. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X24001585
- Leader G, et al. GI symptoms in autism—systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35406084/
- Osianlis E, et al. Sex hormones and ADHD in females—systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12145478/
- Lin PC, et al. Premenstrual dysphoric symptoms and ADHD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38836765/
- de Jong M, et al. Female-specific pharmacotherapy in ADHD—case illustrations. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1306194/full
