Bipolar screen (MDQ)
Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and —
This check uses the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) — 15 questions: 13 yes/no questions about periods of unusually high energy or mood, then two follow-ups about whether several of those experiences happened during the same period of time and how much they affected you. All three parts count toward the result, exactly as the MDQ is scored in clinics. It screens for bipolar spectrum symptoms, not for depression alone.
Your answers stay on this device — nothing is sent or saved anywhere.
DocSana self-checks are for information only. They are screening tools, not diagnoses: only a licensed clinician can diagnose a mental health condition. Your answers are scored in your browser and are never sent to or stored by DocSana. We count visits to these pages with privacy-friendly analytics that use no cookies and never receive your answers or results. There is no advertising tracking on self-check pages. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in immediate danger.
Common questions
What is the MDQ?
The MDQ — the Mood Disorder Questionnaire — is a 15-question bipolar screening tool used in clinics worldwide. It asks about lifetime periods of unusually elevated mood or energy. A positive screen needs all three parts: yes to 7 or more of the 13 symptom questions, several of those experiences happening during the same period of time, and those experiences causing moderate or serious problems.
Is the MDQ a diagnosis?
No. It's a screening tool that flags possible bipolar spectrum symptoms. Only a licensed clinician — ideally a psychiatrist — can diagnose bipolar disorder.
What's the difference between mood swings and bipolar disorder?
Everyone's mood goes up and down. Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of unusually elevated mood and energy (mania or hypomania) that are clearly different from your usual self and often cause problems. The MDQ asks about exactly those periods.
I screened positive. What now?
Book with a psychiatrist for a full evaluation — bring your MDQ result. If you also have depressive periods, mention those too. Treatment for bipolar conditions works best when the full picture is clear.
Who made the MDQ?
Drs. Robert M.A. Hirschfeld, Joseph R. Calabrese and colleagues. It's free to use.
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was developed by Hirschfeld et al. Free to use.
Related checks
Clinical review pending This page was written by the DocSana team and is awaiting review by a licensed clinician.