MDQ
Mood Disorder Questionnaire
Instructions: Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.
Part 1: Symptoms
Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and...
You felt so good or so hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self or you were so hyper that you got into trouble? (Yes/No)
You were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments? (Yes/No)
You felt much more self-confident than usual? (Yes/No)
You got much less sleep than usual and found you didn’t really miss it? (Yes/No)
You were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual? (Yes/No)
Thoughts raced through your head or you couldn’t slow your mind down? (Yes/No)
You were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track? (Yes/No)
You had much more energy than usual? (Yes/No)
You were much more active or did many more things than usual? (Yes/No)
You were much more social or outgoing than usual, for example, you telephoned friends in the middle of the night? (Yes/No)
You were much more interested in sex than usual? (Yes/No)
You did things that were unusual for you or that other people might have thought were excessive, foolish, or risky? (Yes/No)
Spending money got you or your family in trouble? (Yes/No)
Part 2: Timing
If you checked YES to more than one of the above, have several of these ever happened during the same period of time? (Yes/No)
Part 3: Impact
How much of a problem did any of these cause you — like being able to work; having family, money, or legal troubles; getting into arguments or fights?
No Problem
Minor Problem
Moderate Problem
Serious Problem
How to Score
A "Positive Screen" for a bipolar spectrum disorder is indicated if you meet all three of the following criteria:
Yes to 7 or more of the symptoms in Part 1.
Yes to Part 2 (symptoms happened at the same time).
Moderate or Serious Problem in Part 3.
A positive screen does not mean you have a diagnosis! It simply means that your patterns of energy and mood are worth discussing with a professional. Many people with these traits are highly creative and high-achieving; we just want to help you manage the "lows" and the "risky" parts.
Important: If you are in immediate distress or having thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.
Call or Text: Dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Ready to talk through these results?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today!
Credits & Citations
Source: Hirschfeld, R. M., et al. (2000). Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American Journal of Psychiatry.
