The Mood Disorder Questionnaire is a clinician-designed screening for bipolar disorder. It takes about 5 minutes, gives an instant result, and your answers never leave your device. A screening is not a diagnosis - it is a starting point.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist. Last reviewed July 2026.
Why screening matters: Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as depression. The average delay from onset to correct diagnosis is 5-10 years (Hirschfeld et al., American Journal of Psychiatry, 2000). Misdiagnosis can lead to treatment with antidepressants alone, which can worsen the condition.
If you are in crisis, do not wait for a test score. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or call 911.
What is the MDQ?
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was developed by Robert M.A. Hirschfeld and colleagues and published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2000. It is the most widely used screening tool for bipolar disorder. Unlike most screening tools that use a single threshold score, the MDQ requires three conditions to all be met: enough symptoms endorsed, symptoms co-occurring, and significant functional impact.
How is the MDQ scored?
A positive MDQ screen requires ALL three conditions: (1) 7 or more "yes" answers on the 13 symptom items, (2) "yes" on the co-occurrence question (symptoms happened during the same time period), and (3) moderate or serious functional impairment. This three-part structure reduces false positives.
Why is bipolar disorder often misdiagnosed?
People with bipolar disorder typically seek help during depressive episodes, not manic or hypomanic ones. Depression is the dominant mood state in bipolar disorder. Without specifically asking about manic symptoms - which is what the MDQ does - clinicians may diagnose major depression alone.
Can antidepressants worsen bipolar disorder?
Yes. Antidepressants prescribed without a mood stabilizer can trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. This is one of the most important reasons to get an accurate diagnosis before starting any psychiatric medication. A board-certified psychiatrist can distinguish bipolar depression from major depression and recommend the right treatment.