Bipolar & Mood
Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)
A 13-item screen for symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorders.
About this test
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a public-domain screen for the bipolar spectrum. It asks whether you have ever had a period when several symptoms of elevated or irritable mood occurred together. A positive screen (7 or more) is a reason to seek a full evaluation, especially if the symptoms happened in the same period and caused problems.
What your score means
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–6 | Negative screen |
| 7–13 | Positive screen |
About this questionnaire
The MDQ is a freely available screening questionnaire. We present it exactly as published and add a plain-language explanation of your result.
It is for education and self-reflection, not a diagnosis — a score is a snapshot, not a label. If your result worries you, talk to a qualified professional. See how we choose and check our tests and our editorial standards.
Further independent, authoritative sources on this topic:
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive MDQ mean I have bipolar disorder?
No. A positive screen (7 or more) suggests you should have a full assessment. The complete MDQ also asks whether the symptoms happened together and caused problems. Only a clinician can diagnose.
Is the MDQ free?
Yes. It is in the public domain and free to use.
Related screenings
Source: Hirschfeld et al. (2000). Public domain.