About the MDQ
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire is a brief screening instrument commonly used in primary care and psychiatric settings to identify potential bipolar disorder. It consists of 13 symptom questions plus two additional items asking whether multiple symptoms occurred during the same period and whether they caused significant impairment. The tool does not provide a diagnosis by itself but highlights individuals who may benefit from a full mental health evaluation. Early detection is important because untreated bipolar disorder can disrupt relationships, career goals, and personal safety.
Clinicians typically consider a positive result when seven or more symptom questions are answered “yes,” the respondent reports that the symptoms happened at the same time, and they resulted in at least moderate problems. This scoring approach maximizes both sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, cultural differences and comorbid conditions may affect how people interpret these questions, so follow-up with a mental health professional is essential.
Using This Calculator
This interactive version allows you to check each symptom you have experienced at any point in your life. After completing all questions, you’ll see your total and whether you meet the common screening threshold. A positive result is not definitive proof of bipolar disorder, but it indicates you should discuss these experiences with a healthcare provider. Conversely, a negative score does not guarantee the absence of a mood disorder, especially if your symptoms are subtle or vary in intensity.
If you are concerned about your mood swings, energy levels, or impulsive behaviors, keep a journal of your feelings and actions. Tracking patterns over weeks or months can help a professional determine whether you exhibit cycling between manic and depressive states, which is characteristic of bipolar disorders. Treatment often involves medication and psychotherapy, and many people achieve good control of their symptoms once properly diagnosed.
Understanding the Bipolar Spectrum
Not everyone experiences mood changes in the same way. Some people have brief periods of hypomania that feel productive or creative, while others endure severe manic episodes that impair judgment. Depressive phases can range from mild to debilitating. Learning about this spectrum helps you communicate your experiences to healthcare providers more effectively.
Because symptoms may overlap with other conditions like depression or ADHD, professional evaluation is crucial. A specialist can distinguish between bipolar disorder and other mental health issues, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment plan.
Next Steps After Screening
If your responses suggest a high likelihood of bipolar disorder, consider scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist or licensed therapist. Bringing notes about your mood patterns and life events can make that conversation more productive.
Support from trusted friends, family, or peer groups can also be invaluable as you seek care. Many communities offer resources such as crisis helplines and local support meetings for those living with mood disorders.
Scoring Math
The MDQ condenses thirteen yes-or-no symptom questions into a single score. Mathematically, each checked item contributes 1 to the sum , where equals 1 if the symptom is present and 0 otherwise. A positive screen requires in addition to affirmative answers for the episodic clustering question and the impairment question. Some clinicians modify the threshold to improve sensitivity, but 7 remains the most widely cited cutoff.
Worked Example
Imagine a person who has experienced energetic moods, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and periods of risky spending. They also note that these symptoms occurred simultaneously and caused serious problems at work. In the questionnaire this yields 5 symptom yeses, plus the two secondary criteria, for a total symptom score . Because the symptom count is below 7, the overall screening result is negative even though impairment was present. This example shows how the MDQ emphasizes clusters of multiple symptoms rather than isolated episodes.
Comparison Table
The table below summarizes how different symptom counts influence the interpretation when the additional two criteria are met. It provides a quick glance at the probability that further evaluation is recommended:
| Symptom Count | Screen Result | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 | Negative | Unlikely bipolar; consider other causes |
| 7–9 | Positive | Moderate likelihood; recommend assessment |
| 10–13 | Positive | High likelihood; prioritize evaluation |
Researchers report that using a cutoff of seven symptoms yields sensitivity around 0.6 and specificity around 0.8 in outpatient settings. Adjusting the cutoff to five increases sensitivity but produces more false positives. The table reminds users that the MDQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic verdict.
Limitations and Assumptions
The MDQ captures lifetime experiences rather than current mood, so it may miss rapid cycles or newly emerging symptoms. Cultural background influences how individuals interpret concepts like “racing thoughts” or “increased goal-directed behavior,” which affects accuracy. Self-report bias, memory gaps, and reluctance to disclose risky activities can also skew results. This calculator preserves the MDQ’s structure but cannot replicate a clinician’s nuanced follow-up questions. Treat the outcome as a prompt for conversation, not a diagnosis.
If you are in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help from emergency services or crisis hotlines. Online screening tools are not substitutes for personalized medical care.
Related Calculators
For broader wellness insights, try the Perceived Stress Scale Calculator to gauge daily strain or explore sleep habits with the Sleep Debt Calculator. Both tools complement mood tracking by highlighting lifestyle factors that influence mental health.