Use HiBoop's interactive MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire) preliminary screening to assess for bipolar disorder. This validated self-report tool screens for a lifetime history of manic or hypomanic symptoms. Answer 13 Yes/No questions plus two follow-up items to get an immediate preliminary screen result with clinical interpretation.

MDQ Preliminary Assessment

Mood Disorder Questionnaire for Bipolar Disorder Screening

For educational and screening purposes only, not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional care.In crisis? Get immediate help →

What is the MDQ?

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a validated self-report screening tool for bipolar disorder. Developed by Hirschfeld et al. (2000), it screens for a lifetime history of manic or hypomanic episodes by asking about 13 specific symptoms.

Quick & Validated
Takes 5 minutes, validated sensitivity 0.73, specificity 0.90 (specialty clinic sample)
3-Criterion Screen
Requires symptom count, co-occurrence, and impairment
Lifetime Screen
Assesses whether symptoms ever occurred, not just current state
Preliminary Results
Immediate screen result with clinical recommendations
Clinical Use:These results are intended to inform clinical decision-making in licensed practice. They do not replace evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a positive MDQ score?

The MDQ is positive when: (1) 7 or more of 13 symptom questions are answered 'Yes', AND (2) several symptoms occurred during the same period, AND (3) symptoms caused moderate or serious problems. All three criteria must be met.

What does the MDQ screen for?

The MDQ screens for bipolar spectrum disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymia. It was developed to identify patients who may have been misdiagnosed with unipolar depression.

Who developed the MDQ?

The MDQ was developed by Robert Hirschfeld, MD and colleagues, and validated in the American Journal of Psychiatry (2000). It demonstrated a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 90% in a specialty bipolar outpatient clinic sample (PMID 11058490). Performance may be lower in primary care and general population settings, where bipolar prevalence is lower and false-positive rates are higher.

Can the MDQ miss bipolar II disorder?

The MDQ has lower sensitivity for bipolar II than bipolar I because hypomania symptoms are milder. A negative MDQ does not rule out bipolar II. Clinical interview remains essential for accurate diagnosis.

Should the MDQ replace a clinical interview?

No. The MDQ is a screening aid to facilitate clinical conversations about mood episodes. A positive screen should lead to a detailed psychiatric evaluation including detailed mood history and collateral information.

Should the MDQ replace a…
What's Next

Understanding your results

For clinicians

Automate MDQ delivery, scoring, and longitudinal tracking across your patient panel. See how practices go live in 48 hours.

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For individuals

This tool provides a preliminary screen only, not a substitute for clinical evaluation. Share your results with a qualified mental health professional for proper follow-up.

Learn more about Bipolar Disorder