Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) –

Double Board Certified Counseling Services
Mark Zauss, LMHC, LPC, CCMHC, NBCC, BC-TMC, ADHD-CCSP, C-DBT, CCTP

Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) – Screening

This brief self-report screens for possible bipolar spectrum disorders. It is not a diagnosis. Please discuss results with a licensed clinician.

Instructions

For each item below, select “Yes” if you’ve ever had the experience for a distinct period in your life (even if not currently).

Part 1 – Lifetime Experiences

1) Felt so good or “high” that others thought you were not your normal self, or you were so “hyper” that you got into trouble?
2) Were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?
3) Felt much more self-confident than usual?
4) Needed much less sleep than usual and didn’t miss it?
5) Were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual?
6) Had thoughts that raced through your head or you couldn’t slow your mind?
7) Were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track?
8) Had much more energy than usual?
9) Were much more active than usual or did many more things than usual?
10) Were much more social or outgoing than usual (e.g., telephoned friends in the middle of the night)?
11) Were much more interested in sex than usual?
12) Did things that were unusual for you or that others might consider excessive, foolish, or risky?
13) Spent money that got you or your family into trouble?
Part 2 – At the same time

If you checked “Yes” to more than one item above, have several of these ever happened during the same period?

Part 3 – Impact

How much of a problem did any of these cause (e.g., ability to work; family, money, legal, or health problems)?

Screening only; not diagnostic. Clinical evaluation is required to confirm or rule out a bipolar spectrum disorder.
Positive MDQ screen (standard rule): 7 or more “Yes” answers on Part 1 and “Yes” on Part 2 (same period) and “Moderate” or “Serious” problem on Part 3.