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.