Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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This screening tool is designed for anyone experiencing extreme mood swings or significant changes in energy levels that may indicate Bipolar Disorder (also called manic depression). Taking just 5-10 minutes to complete, this assessment is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a validated screening tool widely used by mental health professionals across the United States. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition causing extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These aren’t just normal ups and downs—they’re intense shifts that significantly affect energy, activity levels, judgment, and ability to function in daily life.
Important Disclaimer:
This is a screening tool only, not a diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is treatable with proper medication and therapy. Please discuss your results with your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of extreme mood changes:
Manic Episodes (Bipolar I):
Hypomanic Episodes (Bipolar II):
Depressive Episodes:
Types of Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as major depression because people typically seek help during depressive episodes when they feel worst. They may not recognize or remember elevated mood states, especially if hypomania felt good. Identifying manic or hypomanic episodes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as treating bipolar depression requires different medications than unipolar depression.
To complete this screening accurately, think about periods in your life when you felt very different from your usual self—times when your mood was “up,” high, or irritable. Consider your entire lifetime, not just how you feel currently. Answer “Yes” if you’ve experienced each symptom during an elevated mood period. Be honest about elevated or “high” periods, not just times of depression. 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 depression but don’t recognize or report elevated mood states, which is why this screening is so important.
Have you ever had a period of time when you were not your usual self and…
Answer “Yes” or “No” to each question:
This question is crucial because bipolar episodes involve multiple symptoms occurring together during the same time period, not isolated incidents spread over many years. True bipolar episodes cluster symptoms together.
Understanding the impact helps determine if symptoms were significant enough to suggest bipolar disorder. Symptoms that cause moderate to serious problems are more likely to represent true bipolar episodes.
Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component, with first-degree relatives having significantly higher risk. Family history is relevant but not required for diagnosis.
A positive screen for bipolar disorder requires ALL THREE of the following:
If you meet all three criteria, you’ve screened positive for possible bipolar spectrum disorder.
What this means: Your responses suggest symptoms consistent with bipolar spectrum disorder. This doesn’t confirm you have bipolar disorder, but strongly indicates you should be evaluated by a mental health professional, preferably a psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders.
Next steps:
Critical information:
If currently experiencing severe symptoms: If you’re experiencing severe mania (no sleep for multiple days, very risky behavior, psychosis, grandiose delusions) or severe depression with suicidal thoughts, contact crisis services immediately by calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), going to the nearest emergency room, or calling 911.
What this means: Your responses don’t suggest bipolar disorder based on this screening. However, other mental health conditions can cause mood changes and energy fluctuations:
If you’re still struggling with mood symptoms:
High “Yes” count (7+) but symptoms weren’t together: May suggest general mood instability or another condition rather than bipolar disorder. Bipolar episodes involve clusters of symptoms occurring simultaneously.
“Moderate/Serious” problem but fewer than 7 symptoms: Could indicate another mental health condition worth evaluating professionally, such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorder.
Family history of bipolar disorder: Having relatives with bipolar disorder significantly increases your risk. Monitor your symptoms carefully and seek early professional help if you develop concerning mood patterns.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition but highly manageable with proper, consistent treatment. Most people achieve stability and live fulfilling lives.
Medication (Essential):
Psychological Therapies:
Lifestyle Management: Maintain a regular sleep schedule—this is crucial for preventing both manic and depressive episodes. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can trigger episodes and interfere with medication. Engage in regular exercise, which helps stabilize mood. Practice stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation. Track mood patterns using mood charts or apps like eMoods or Daylio. Identify and monitor early warning signs of both mania and depression. Build a strong support system of family, friends, and mental health professionals.
Crisis planning: Develop a comprehensive relapse prevention plan with your treatment team. Identify your specific early warning signs for mania and depression. Know exactly who to contact when symptoms emerge (psychiatrist, therapist, emergency contacts). Create advance directives about treatment preferences if you become unable to make decisions during severe episodes.
Your primary care doctor: The first step—request a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders.
Mental health specialists:
Community mental health services:
Specialist support organizations:
Insurance coverage: Most health insurance plans cover bipolar disorder treatment under mental health benefits. Medicaid covers psychiatric care and medication in all states. Contact your insurance provider to understand coverage, find in-network psychiatrists, and learn about prior authorization requirements for medications.
Staying well: Take medication consistently every day, even when feeling completely better—stopping medication is the most common cause of relapse. Maintain highly regular routines, especially sleep schedules (same bedtime and wake time daily). Monitor your mood daily using mood charts or smartphone apps to detect pattern changes early. Recognize and act on early warning signs before episodes become severe. Avoid alcohol, marijuana, and other substances that trigger mood episodes. Manage stress proactively through relaxation techniques, therapy, and lifestyle balance.
Warning signs of mania:
Warning signs of depression:
When to seek immediate help: Contact your psychiatrist, go to the emergency room, or call 988 if you experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe manic symptoms (no sleep for days, psychosis, extreme agitation); psychosis (hallucinations—seeing or hearing things—or delusions—false beliefs); very risky behavior that could harm you or others; or inability to care for yourself or perform basic daily functions.
Supporting recovery: Attend regular appointments with your psychiatrist (monthly or as recommended). Get medication reviews and blood work as needed. Continue therapy sessions even when stable. Participate in support group meetings (DBSA, NAMI). Involve family members in your treatment when appropriate. Access employment or educational accommodations if needed (Americans with Disabilities Act).
How to help: Learn about bipolar disorder to understand what they’re experiencing. Gently encourage consistent treatment adherence without being controlling. Help spot early warning signs of mood episodes. Be patient during episodes—their behavior is driven by illness. Avoid judging or criticizing behavior during manic or depressive episodes. Maintain healthy boundaries and prioritize your own self-care. Offer practical support like attending appointments, medication reminders, or helping with daily tasks.
During manic episodes: Stay calm and avoid arguing or trying to reason with them about unrealistic ideas. Limit access to credit cards or bank accounts if possible to prevent financial damage. Encourage rest, sleep, and reduced stimulation (less noise, activity, and social events). Contact their mental health treatment team if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
During depressive episodes: Encourage small, manageable activities rather than overwhelming expectations. Provide consistent reassurance while acknowledging their pain. Monitor carefully for suicide risk and take all mentions of death seriously. Help with daily tasks like meals, household chores, or childcare if needed.
What NOT to say:
Myth: Bipolar is just normal mood swings. Reality: It involves extreme mood episodes lasting days to weeks with significant functional impairment, not momentary emotional changes.
Myth: People with bipolar are always unstable and unpredictable. Reality: With proper treatment, most people achieve long periods of stability and function normally.
Myth: Medication is optional or only needed during episodes. Reality: Medication is essential and must be taken continuously—bipolar is a chronic biological condition requiring ongoing treatment.
Myth: You can’t work or have relationships with bipolar disorder. Reality: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, marriages, and fulfilling relationships with proper management.
Myth: Mania feels good, so why treat it? Reality: Mania causes serious life problems (financial ruin, damaged relationships, legal issues) and often precedes severe, dangerous depression.
This screening is based on: 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 or qualified mental health provider. Bipolar disorder diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment including detailed history of mood episodes, collateral information, and ruling out other conditions. If you’re experiencing severe mood symptoms, psychosis, or crisis, contact your psychiatrist immediately, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not store or collect personal health information, ensuring your privacy is protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations and applicable privacy laws.