Bipolar Disorder Test – Check for Mood Disorder Symptoms

This is a screening tool for Bipolar Disorder (also called manic depression), designed for anyone experiencing extreme mood swings or significant changes in energy levels. The assessment takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a validated screening tool widely used by mental health professionals in Canadian clinical settings. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), approximately 2-3% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime. These aren’t just normal ups and downs—they’re intense shifts that significantly affect energy, activity levels, and ability to function in daily life.

Important Disclaimer

Please note: This is a screening tool only and does not provide a diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition with proper medication and therapy. We strongly encourage you to discuss your results with your family doctor or a psychiatrist. All responses are anonymous and confidential.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of extreme mood changes that differ dramatically from a person’s usual functioning:

Manic Episodes (Bipolar I):

• Abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that’s clearly different from usual
• Significantly increased energy and activity levels
• Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only a few hours)
• Racing thoughts and rapid, pressured speech
• Impulsive or risky behaviour (spending sprees, reckless driving, sexual indiscretions)
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity (unrealistic beliefs about one’s abilities)
• Extreme distractibility
• Lasts at least one week or requires hospitalization

Hypomanic Episodes (Bipolar II):

• Similar symptoms to mania but less severe in intensity
• Doesn’t cause major impairment in functioning
• Lasts at least four consecutive days
• Represents a noticeable change from usual behaviour that others can observe

Depressive Episodes:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Low energy, fatigue, and physical slowness
• Significant changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping) and appetite
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-blame
• Sometimes recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

• Bipolar I: Characterized by manic episodes (may also experience depressive episodes)
• Bipolar II: Involves hypomanic and depressive episodes (no full manic episodes)
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Periods of hypomania and depression that don’t meet full diagnostic criteria

Why Screening Matters

Research from the University of British Columbia shows that bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depression because people typically seek help during depressive episodes rather than elevated mood states. Identifying past manic or hypomanic episodes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as treatment approaches differ significantly between depression and bipolar disorder.

The Screening Test

Instructions

To complete this assessment accurately, think about periods in your life when you felt very different from your usual self—times when your mood and energy were noticeably elevated or “high.” Consider your entire lifetime, not just how you’re feeling currently. Answer “Yes” to each question if you’ve ever experienced that symptom during an elevated mood period. Be honest about elevated, “high,” or excessively energetic periods, not just times when you felt depressed. All questions should be answered for accurate results.

Important: This test specifically asks about times when your mood was elevated, high, energetic, or irritable—not about times when you felt depressed. Many people with bipolar disorder seek help during depressive episodes but don’t recognize that their elevated mood states were problematic.

Part 1: The MDQ – 13 Core Questions

Have you ever had a period of time when you were not your usual self and…

Answer “Yes” or “No” to each question:

Part 2: Additional Screening Questions

This question is crucial because bipolar episodes involve multiple symptoms occurring together during the same time period, not isolated incidents spread across many years. True bipolar episodes represent a distinct period when many symptoms cluster together.

Understanding the impact and impairment helps determine if symptoms were significant enough to suggest bipolar disorder. The symptoms should have caused noticeable difficulties in your life, relationships, work, or functioning.

Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component, with research from McGill University showing significantly increased risk among first-degree relatives. Family history is clinically relevant and helps inform diagnosis.

Results & Interpretation

How Scoring Works

A positive screen for possible bipolar disorder requires meeting ALL THREE of the following criteria:

1. 7 or more “Yes” answers to questions 1-13
2. “Yes” to question 14 (symptoms occurred together during the same time period)
3. “Moderate” or “Serious” problem for question 15 (symptoms caused significant impairment)

If you meet all three criteria, you have screened positive for possible bipolar disorder and should seek professional evaluation.

If You Screened Positive (Met All 3 Criteria)

What this means: Your responses suggest symptoms consistent with bipolar spectrum disorder. While this screening doesn’t confirm you have bipolar disorder, it strongly indicates you should be evaluated by a mental health professional, preferably a psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders.

Next steps:

• Book an appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible
• Request a referral to a psychiatrist (not just a counsellor—bipolar disorder requires psychiatric assessment)
• Bring your test results and be prepared to describe your mood episodes in detail
• Consider keeping a detailed mood diary before your appointment to track patterns
• Be completely honest about any risky behaviours, spending, or impulsive actions during “high” periods

Critical information:

• Bipolar disorder requires mood-stabilizing medication—therapy alone is not sufficient for treatment
• Taking antidepressants without mood stabilizers can trigger manic episodes
• Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening episodes and reduce long-term complications
• With proper medication and support, most Canadians with bipolar disorder live full, productive, and meaningful lives

If currently experiencing severe symptoms:

If you are experiencing severe mania (no sleep for multiple days, extremely risky behaviour, psychotic symptoms) or severe depression with thoughts of suicide, contact your local crisis line, go to your nearest emergency department, or call 911. You can also contact:

• Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
• Crisis Services Canada: Text 45645 (4pm-12am ET)
• Your provincial mental health crisis line

If You Did NOT Screen Positive

What this means: Your responses don’t suggest bipolar disorder based on this screening. However, other mental health conditions can cause significant mood changes and deserve attention:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline personality disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Medical conditions (thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances)

If you’re still experiencing concerning symptoms:

• Schedule an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your mood symptoms
• Describe any patterns or cycles you’ve noticed in your mood or energy
• Consider screening for depression or anxiety disorders
• Request medical tests to rule out physical health causes

Understanding Your Score

High “Yes” count (7+) but symptoms weren’t together: May suggest mood instability or emotional dysregulation rather than bipolar disorder. Other conditions like borderline personality disorder or cyclothymia might be worth exploring.

“Moderate/Serious” problem but fewer than 7 symptoms: Could indicate another mental health condition worth evaluating professionally, such as depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorder.

Family history of bipolar disorder: Research shows this significantly increases your risk. Monitor your symptoms carefully and seek early professional help if you notice concerning patterns emerging.

Treatment & Management

Effective Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but research from Canadian psychiatric centres shows it is highly manageable with proper comprehensive treatment.

Medication (Essential):

Medication is the cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment and is essential for managing the condition:

• Mood Stabilizers: Lithium, valproate (Epival), lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Atypical Antipsychotics: Quetiapine (Seroquel), olanzapine (Zyprexa), aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Antidepressants: Only prescribed with a mood stabilizer (never alone, as they can trigger mania)

Medication prevents future episodes, reduces their severity, and helps maintain stability. You may need to try different medications or combinations to find what works best for you. Regular blood tests are necessary for some medications like lithium to ensure safe therapeutic levels.

Psychological Therapies:

• Psychoeducation: Learning about bipolar disorder, recognizing triggers, and understanding your patterns
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Managing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that affect mood
• Family-Focused Therapy: Involving loved ones in treatment and improving family communication
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Stabilizing daily routines and sleep-wake cycles

Lifestyle Management:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (crucial for preventing mood episodes)
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which destabilize mood
• Engage in regular physical exercise
• Practice effective stress management techniques
• Track mood patterns using a journal or app
• Learn to identify early warning signs of episodes
• Build and maintain a strong support system

Crisis Planning:

Develop a comprehensive relapse prevention plan with your healthcare team, identify your specific early warning signs, determine who to contact during episodes, and consider advance directives about treatment preferences.

Finding Help in Canada

Your Family Doctor: Your first step should be requesting a psychiatric referral for assessment and ongoing treatment management.

Provincial Mental Health Services:

• Community Mental Health Teams with mood disorder expertise
• Crisis response teams for urgent situations
• Early Psychosis Intervention programs (if experiencing psychotic symptoms)
• Mood disorder clinics in major Canadian cities

Specialist Support:

• Mood Disorders Society of Canada: National organization providing resources, education, and support
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Local branches offering support groups and services
• Provincial mood disorder associations (e.g., Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, BC Schizophrenia Society)
• Online peer support communities and forums
• Provincial psychiatric services and specialized mood disorder programs

Private Psychiatry:

If accessible and affordable, private psychiatric care can provide faster access to specialist assessment and ongoing medication management.

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Long-term Management

Staying well:

Take medication consistently every day, even when feeling completely well (stopping medication is the most common cause of relapse). Maintain highly regular daily routines, especially consistent sleep and wake times. Monitor your mood regularly using mood charts, apps, or journals. Learn to recognize your personal early warning signs of episodes. Avoid mood-destabilizing substances including alcohol and recreational drugs. Manage stress proactively through healthy coping strategies.

Warning signs of mania:

• Decreased need for sleep (feeling energized on much less sleep)
• Increased talking, rapid speech, or pressured speech
• More irritable, agitated, or argumentative than usual
• Taking on multiple new projects simultaneously
• Increased impulsive spending or financial decisions
• Increased goal-directed activity or restlessness

Warning signs of depression:

• Significantly low energy and motivation
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Increasingly negative, hopeless, or pessimistic thinking
• Social withdrawal and isolation from friends and family

When to seek immediate help:

Contact emergency services if experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe manic symptoms (no sleep, extreme agitation); psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions); very risky behaviour that could cause serious harm; or inability to care for yourself or manage basic needs.

Supporting recovery:

• Regular scheduled appointments with your psychiatrist
• Periodic medication reviews and adjustments
• Ongoing therapy sessions
• Support group attendance
• Family involvement in treatment when appropriate
• Employment or education support services if needed

For Family & Friends

Supporting Someone with Bipolar Disorder

How to help:

• Educate yourself thoroughly about bipolar disorder and its patterns
• Encourage consistent treatment adherence and medication compliance
• Help identify and monitor early warning signs of episodes
• Practice patience and compassion during difficult episodes
• Avoid judging or criticizing behaviour during episodes (it’s the illness, not the person)
• Maintain your own boundaries and prioritize your self-care
• Offer practical support like attending appointments or medication reminders

During manic episodes:

• Stay calm and avoid getting into arguments or debates
• Limit access to credit cards and bank accounts if spending is problematic
• Encourage sleep and reduced environmental stimulation
• Contact their mental health treatment team if symptoms are severe
• Ensure safety if behaviour becomes risky

During depressive episodes:

• Gently encourage small, manageable activities
• Provide reassurance that the episode will pass with time
• Monitor carefully for suicide risk and take threats seriously
• Offer help with daily tasks like meals or household chores

What NOT to say:

• “Just snap out of it” (minimizes a serious medical condition)
• “You’re overreacting” or “You’re making too much of this”
• “Everyone has mood swings” (trivializes bipolar disorder)
• “You seem fine, maybe you don’t need medication” (dangerous advice)

Bipolar Disorder Myths

Myth: Bipolar is just regular mood swings everyone experiences.
Reality: Bipolar involves extreme mood episodes lasting days or weeks with significant impairment, not momentary mood changes or normal emotional responses.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder are always unstable and unpredictable.
Reality: With proper treatment and management, most Canadians with bipolar disorder achieve long periods of stability and normal functioning.

Myth: Medication is optional or only needed during episodes.
Reality: Medication is essential and must be taken continuously. Bipolar disorder is a biological brain condition requiring ongoing pharmaceutical management.

Myth: You can’t work or maintain relationships with bipolar disorder.
Reality: Many Canadians with bipolar disorder have successful careers, fulfilling relationships, and meaningful lives when properly treated.

Myth: Mania feels good, so there’s no reason to treat it.
Reality: Mania causes serious life problems including financial ruin, damaged relationships, and legal issues, and often precedes severe depression or mixed states.

Scientific Source & Disclaimer

Basis for This Screening

This screening tool is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a validated screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorders developed and widely used in psychiatric practice.

Reference: Hirschfeld, R.M., Williams, J.B., Spitzer, R.L., et al. (2000). Development and Validation of a Screening Instrument for Bipolar Spectrum Disorder: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(11), 1873-1875.

The MDQ has been validated in Canadian populations and is used by psychiatrists across Canada for bipolar disorder screening and detection.

Important Disclaimer

This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument and does not provide a clinical diagnosis. It provides guidance and educational information only and cannot replace professional evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment including a detailed history of mood episodes, symptoms, functioning, and family history. If you are experiencing severe mood symptoms, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of self-harm, please contact your family doctor immediately, call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7). This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not collect, store, or share any personal health information (compliant with Canadian privacy legislation including PIPEDA).