What's a positive MDQ screen?

Three criteria together: (1) ≥7 of the 13 yes/no items endorsed, (2) several of those experiences occurring during the same period, (3) at least 'moderate' problem from these symptoms. All three are required for a positive screen — the original validation reported sensitivity ~73% and specificity ~90% for bipolar I.

Why does correctly diagnosing bipolar matter?

Bipolar depression is commonly misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, and antidepressant monotherapy can destabilise mood in bipolar patients. Mood stabilisers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine) and atypical antipsychotics are mainstays — substantially different from SSRI-led care.

What's the next step if I screen positive?

A structured psychiatric interview at a Class A psychiatry department clarifies whether bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic, or another mood pattern is the right framing. Evaluation typically USD 200–340.

MDQ · 3 minutes

Bipolar mood disorder screener (MDQ)

13 yes/no questions about elevated-mood / activity periods at any point in your life, plus questions about clustering and impairment. A positive screen warrants structured psychiatric evaluation.

← All self-assessments

1 of 150% complete

Question 1

Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and felt so good or so hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self?

Educational tool — not a diagnosis. Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Hirschfeld et al. 2000. Brief validated screener for bipolar spectrum disorders.

Frequently asked

Plain-language answers about bipolar (mdq), this screener, and what evaluation costs at a Class A hospital in China.

What's a positive MDQ screen?: Three criteria together: (1) ≥7 of the 13 yes/no items endorsed, (2) several of those experiences occurring during the same period, (3) at least 'moderate' problem from these symptoms. All three are required for a positive screen — the original validation reported sensitivity ~73% and specificity ~90% for bipolar I.
Why does correctly diagnosing bipolar matter?: Bipolar depression is commonly misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, and antidepressant monotherapy can destabilise mood in bipolar patients. Mood stabilisers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine) and atypical antipsychotics are mainstays — substantially different from SSRI-led care.
What's the next step if I screen positive?: A structured psychiatric interview at a Class A psychiatry department clarifies whether bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic, or another mood pattern is the right framing. Evaluation typically USD 200–340.

About this screener

Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Hirschfeld et al. 2000. Brief validated screener for bipolar spectrum disorders.

What this screener covers

Bipolar disorder(ICD-10 F31)

Validated source

Hirschfeld et al. 2000 — MDQ validation (Am J Psychiatry) ↗

Medical review

Reviewed by Panda Touring Care medical team (Psychiatry coordinator review) · last reviewed 2025-04-01

MDQ is a screening tool. A positive screen does not confirm bipolar disorder — diagnosis requires a structured psychiatric interview. Bipolar disorder is highly treatable but commonly misdiagnosed as unipolar depression; correct diagnosis substantially changes treatment.

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Bipolar mood disorder screener (MDQ)

Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and felt so good or so hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self?

Frequently asked

About this screener

What this screener covers

Validated source

Medical review

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