Bipolar Test (MDQ)

This bipolar test uses the MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire), the most widely validated brief bipolar screener. 13 yes/no questions about manic/hypomanic symptoms. Positive screen: ≥7 symptoms + same time period + moderate impairment. Hirschfeld et al. (2000).

About This Bipolar Test

This bipolar test is based on the MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire), developed by Hirschfeld and colleagues (2000) and validated across multiple clinical populations. The MDQ is specifically designed to screen for bipolar spectrum disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia, rather than unipolar depression, making it the most diagnostically specific brief bipolar screener available.

The MDQ uses a 3-part positive screen criterion: (1) ≥7 of 13 symptoms endorsed as "yes", (2) several symptoms co-occurred during the same time period, and (3) the symptoms caused at least moderate problems. All three must be met for a positive screen. This specificity minimizes false positives from unipolar depression, anxiety, or substance use.

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.4% of the global population and has an average diagnostic delay of 6–10 years. During this period patients are often misdiagnosed with unipolar depression, leading to monotherapy with antidepressants, which can precipitate manic episodes. Early, accurate detection is critical for appropriate treatment (mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and bipolar-specific psychotherapy).

Bipolar Screener (MDQ)

Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and...

Part 1, Symptom History

Has there ever been a period when you were not your usual self and experienced the following? (Yes/No)

Part 2, Same Time Period

If you checked YES to more than one of the above, have several of these ever happened during the same period of time?

Part 3, Functional Impairment

How much of a problem did any of these cause you, like being unable to work; having family, money, or legal troubles; getting into arguments or fights?

Bipolar I vs Bipolar II vs Cyclothymia

The MDQ screens for the bipolar spectrum. Understanding the distinctions between bipolar subtypes guides diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Bipolar Screening Tools Compared

Mood Disorder Outcome Tracking in HiBoop

MDQ, YMRS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7, integrated mood disorder outcome monitoring for bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and unipolar depression patient panels.