Bipolar Disorder Test – Check for Mood Disorder Symptoms

Are you experiencing extreme mood swings or sudden changes in energy? This quick Bipolar Disorder screening tool (also called manic depression) helps identify possible signs of mood disorder in just 5–10 minutes. Based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a validated tool used by mental health professionals, this test is completely anonymous and confidential.

What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings, cycling between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts go beyond normal ups and downs, significantly affecting energy, activity levels, and daily functioning.

Disclaimer:
This is not a diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is treatable with proper medication and therapy. Always discuss results with a GP or psychiatrist.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood changes that go beyond typical ups and downs. These mood shifts can include manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, each affecting energy, activity, and daily functioning.

Manic Episodes (Bipolar I):

• Abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
  
• Increased energy and activity
  
• Decreased need for sleep
  
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
  
• Impulsive or risky behaviour
  
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
  
• Easily distracted
  
• Lasts at least one week or may require hospitalisation

Hypomanic Episodes (Bipolar II):

• Similar to mania but less severe
  
• Does not cause major impairment
  
• Lasts at least four days
  
• Noticeable change from usual behaviour

Depressive Episodes:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
  
• Loss of interest in activities
  
• Low energy and fatigue
  
• Changes in sleep and appetite
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  
• Sometimes thoughts of death or suicide

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

• Bipolar I: Manic episodes, may include depression
  
• Bipolar II: Hypomanic and depressive episodes, no full mania
  
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Periods of hypomania and depression that do not meet full criteria

Why Screening Matters

 Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression because people seek help mainly during depressive episodes. Detecting manic or hypomanic symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

The Screening Test

To complete this test:

• Reflect on times when you felt very different from your usual self.
  
• Consider your entire lifetime, not just your current state.
  
• Answer “Yes” if you have experienced each symptom.
  
• Focus on periods of elevated, high, or irritable mood, not just depression.
  
• Answer all questions to ensure accurate results.

Important: This test specifically asks about elevated mood states, not depressive episodes. Many people with bipolar disorder seek help only during depression and may not recognise periods of mania or hypomania. Honest reflection on these high periods is key to meaningful results.

Part 1: The MDQ – 13 Core Questions

Have you ever experienced a period of time when you were not your usual self, feeling different in mood, energy, or behaviour? 

Answer “Yes” or “No” to each question based on your experiences.

These 13 questions focus on periods of elevated or high mood, helping to identify possible signs of mania or hypomania. Answering honestly based on your lifetime experiences is essential for meaningful results. Keep in mind that even if you experience some of these symptoms occasionally, it does not automatically mean you have bipolar disorder. This screening tool is designed to help guide further discussion with a mental health professional.

Part 2: Additional Screening Questions

This question is important because bipolar episodes involve multiple symptoms occurring together, not isolated incidents spread across years. Recognising symptom clusters helps distinguish bipolar disorder from other mood conditions.

Understanding the impact of these symptoms helps determine whether they were significant enough to suggest bipolar disorder, affecting daily life, work, or relationships.

Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component, so knowing your family history can provide important context for assessment and support early intervention if needed.

Results & Interpretation 

How Scoring Works

A positive screen for bipolar disorder requires all three criteria:

1. Seven or more “Yes” answers to questions 1–13
2. “Yes” to question 14 (symptoms occurred together)
3. “Moderate” or “Serious” problem for question 15

If all three criteria are met, you have screened positive for possible bipolar disorder.

If You Screened Positive (Met All 3 Criteria)

Your responses suggest symptoms consistent with the bipolar spectrum. This does not confirm a diagnosis, but indicates a need for evaluation by a mental health professional, preferably a psychiatrist.

Next steps:

• Book an appointment with your GP urgently
• Request referral to a psychiatrist (counsellors alone cannot prescribe medication)
• Bring your test results and describe your mood episodes
• Consider keeping a mood diary before your appointment
• Be honest about any risky behaviours during “high” periods

Critical information:

• Bipolar disorder requires medication; therapy alone is insufficient
• Antidepressants without mood stabilisers can trigger mania
• Early treatment prevents worsening episodes
• With proper treatment, most people lead full, productive lives

If currently experiencing severe symptoms:

• Severe mania (no sleep for days, very risky behaviour, psychosis)
• Severe depression with suicidal thoughts
• Contact crisis services or go to A&E immediately.

If You Did NOT Screen Positive

Your responses do not suggest bipolar disorder. Other conditions may cause mood changes, including:

• Major depression
• Anxiety disorders
• ADHD
• Borderline personality disorder
• Substance use
• Medical conditions (thyroid problems)

If you’re still struggling:

• Speak to your GP about your mood symptoms
• Describe patterns you’ve noticed
• Consider screening for depression or anxiety
• Rule out medical causes

Understanding Your Score

High “Yes” count (7+) but symptoms weren’t together → may indicate mood instability

“Moderate/Serious” problem but fewer symptoms → could suggest another mental health condition

Family history of bipolar → increases risk; monitor symptoms and seek early help if concerned

Treatment & Management 

Effective Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with proper treatment, it is highly manageable.

Medication (Essential):

• Mood stabilisers: Lithium, valproate, lamotrigine
  
• Atypical antipsychotics: Quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole
  
• Antidepressants: Only used alongside a mood stabiliser, never alone
  Medication helps prevent episodes and reduces their severity. Some trial and error may be needed to find the most effective combination, and regular blood tests are required for certain medications.

Psychological Therapies:

• Psychoeducation: Learn about bipolar disorder and triggers
  
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Manage thoughts and behaviours
  
• Family-Focused Therapy: Involve loved ones in treatment
  
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy: Stabilise daily routines and sleep patterns
  

Lifestyle Management:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
  
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
  
• Engage in regular exercise
  
• Manage stress and track mood patterns
  
• Identify early warning signs of episodes
  
• Build a strong support system

Crisis Planning:

• Develop a relapse prevention plan
  
• Know early warning signs and who to contact
  
• Make advance decisions about treatment preferences

Finding Help in the UK

• GP: First step, request referral to a psychiatrist
  
• NHS Services: Community Mental Health Teams, Crisis Resolution Teams, Early Intervention in Psychosis services
  
• Specialist Support: Bipolar UK (0333 323 3880), support groups, peer support, online resources
  
• Private psychiatry: Faster access to assessment and ongoing medication management

With a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle management, and support, most people with bipolar disorder can lead full, productive lives.

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Long-term Management 

Staying well with bipolar disorder involves consistent medication adherence, maintaining regular routines, especially slee,p and tracking mood with charts or apps. Recognizing early warning signs, avoiding triggering substances, and managing stress proactively are key to preventing episodes.

Staying well:

• Take medication consistently (even when feeling better)
• Maintain regular routines, especially sleep
• Monitor mood with mood charts or apps
• Recognise early warning signs
• Avoid triggering substances
• Manage stress proactively

Warning signs of mania:

• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased talking or activity
• More irritable than usual
• Taking on too many projects
• Increased spending

Warning signs of depression:

• Low energy and motivation
• Loss of interest in activities
• Sleep changes
• Negative thinking
• Social withdrawal

When to seek immediate help:

• Thoughts of suicide
• Severe manic symptoms
• Psychosis (seeing/hearing things)
• Very risky behaviour
• Unable to care for yourself

Supporting recovery:

Regular appointments with a psychiatrist, medication reviews, therapy sessions, attending support groups, family involvement, and employment or education support all contribute to long-term stability and a fulfilling life.

For Family & Friends

Supporting Someone with Bipolar Disorder

How to Help:

• Learn about bipolar disorder and its symptoms
• Encourage treatment adherence and attending appointments
• Help spot early warning signs
• Be patient and avoid judging behaviour during episodes
• Maintain boundaries and practice self-care
• Offer practical support, such as medication reminders or transportation

During Manic Episodes:

• Stay calm and avoid arguments
• Limit access to credit cards or finances if possible
• Encourage sleep and reduced stimulation
• Contact the mental health team if symptoms are severe

During Depressive Episodes:

• Encourage small activities and provide reassurance
• Monitor for suicide risk
• Help with daily tasks if needed

What NOT to Say:

• “Just snap out of it”
• “You’re making too much of this”
• “Everyone has mood swings”

Bipolar Disorder Myths (100 words)

Myth: Bipolar is just mood swings.
Reality: It involves extreme mood episodes lasting days or weeks, not brief changes.

Myth: People with bipolar are always unstable.
Reality: With proper treatment, most experience long periods of stability.

Myth: Medication is optional.
Reality: Medication is essential, as bipolar is a biological condition.

Myth: You can’t work or maintain relationships.
Reality: Many people with bipolar have successful careers and relationships.

Myth: Mania feels good, so why treat it?
Reality: Mania often leads to serious problems and can precede severe depression.

Scientific Source & Disclaimer

This screening is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ).
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.Important Disclaimer: This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional evaluation by a psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment, including detailed history of mood episodes. If you are experiencing severe mood symptoms or a crisis, contact your GP, call 999, or go to A&E. This tool is for informational purposes only, and we do not store personal health information (GDPR compliant).