Mental Health
Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)
Bipolar spectrum screening — 13 yes/no items plus co-occurrence and impairment.
The MDQ is the Mood Disorder Questionnaire developed by Hirschfeld and colleagues. It asks about past periods of unusually high mood, energy or activity, and whether those changes caused problems in daily life. It is a screening questionnaire for adults who want to check whether their mood swings are worth discussing with a doctor — it cannot tell you whether you have any condition.
This tool is for awareness only. It cannot diagnose any condition.
- Has there ever been a period when you felt so good or hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self?
- ...you were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?
- ...you felt much more self-confident than usual?
- ...you got much less sleep than usual and found you didn't really miss it?
- ...you were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual?
- ...thoughts raced through your head or you couldn't slow your mind down?
- ...you were so easily distracted by things that you had trouble concentrating?
- ...you had much more energy than usual?
- ...you were much more active or did many more things than usual?
- ...you were much more social or outgoing than usual?
- ...you were much more interested in sex than usual?
- ...you did things that were unusual for you or that other people thought were excessive, foolish, or risky?
- ...spending money got you or your family in trouble?
- Did several of these ever happen during the same period of time?
- Have these caused you a moderate or serious problem (work, family, money, legal trouble, fights)?
What your score means
Positive screen — Worth discussing with a doctor. You answered yes to 7 or more of the 13 mood questions, said several of them happened during the same period, and said they caused a moderate or serious problem. All three conditions must be met. This does not mean you have bipolar disorder — it means a psychiatrist or your doctor should review your history.
Negative screen — No pattern flagged today. One or more of the three conditions was not met, so the questionnaire did not flag a bipolar spectrum pattern. A negative screen does not rule anything out. If your mood, sleep or energy still worry you, see a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive MDQ mean I have bipolar disorder?
No. The MDQ is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnostic test. It only indicates that your answers are worth reviewing. Only a qualified doctor or psychiatrist can diagnose a mood disorder, after talking with you in person.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if the screen is positive, if your mood swings are affecting work, money, relationships or sleep, or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself. If you are in immediate danger, seek urgent medical help the same day.
Can I still have a mood problem if the screen is negative?
Yes. A negative screen does not rule out bipolar disorder, depression or anything else. Trust your own experience and speak to a doctor if something feels wrong.
Are my answers stored?
Nothing is saved unless you are signed in and choose to save the result to your own history. Your answers are never sold or shared.