Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) Screening Tool

Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) Screening Tool

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a screening tool designed to help identify symptoms of bipolar disorder. It includes a series of questions that assess mood changes, energy levels, and behavioral patterns that may indicate manic or depressive episodes. This questionnaire is intended for individuals seeking to evaluate their mental health and is often used by healthcare professionals during assessments. The MDQ can assist in determining whether further evaluation for bipolar disorder is necessary, making it a valuable resource for both patients and clinicians.

Key Points

  • Includes a series of questions to identify symptoms of bipolar disorder.
  • Assesses mood changes, energy levels, and behavioral patterns.
  • Designed for individuals evaluating their mental health.
  • Used by healthcare professionals for mental health assessments.
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Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)
Name: Date:
Instructions: Check (
✓
) the answer that best applies to you.
Please answer each question as best you can.
1. Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and…
…you felt so good or so hyper that other people thought you were not your
normal self or you were so hyper that you got into trouble?
…you were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?
…you felt much more self-confident than usual?
…you got much less sleep than usual and found you didn’t really miss it?
…you were much more talkative or spoke faster than usual?
…thoughts raced through your head or you couldn’t slow your mind down?
…you were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble
concentrating or staying on track?
…you had much more energy than usual?
…you were much more active or did many more things than usual?
…you were much more social or outgoing than usual, for example, you
telephoned friends in the middle of the night?
…you were much more interested in sex than usual?
…you did things that were unusual for you or that other people might have
thought were excessive, foolish, or risky?
…spending money got you or your family in trouble?
2. If you checked YES to more than one of the above, have several of these ever
happened during the same period of time?
Please check 1 response only.
3. How much of a problem did any of these cause you — like being able to work;
having f
amil
y, mone
y, or l
egal tr
oubles; getting into arguments or fights?
Please check 1 response only.
No problem Minor problem Moderate problem Serious problem
4. Have any of your blood relatives (ie, children, siblings, parents, grandparents,
aunts, uncles) had manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder?
5. Has a health professional ever told you that you have manic-depressive illness
or bipolar disorder?
This ques
tionnair
e should be used as a s
t
arting point. It is not a substitute for a full medical evaluation.
Bipolar disorder is a complex illness, and
an accurate, thorough diagnosis can only be made through
a personal evaluation by your doctor.
Adapt
ed fr
om Hir
schf
eld R, Williams J, Spitzer RL, et al. De
v
el
opment and v
alidation of a scr
eening instrument for bipolar spectrum
disor
der: the Mood Disor
der Ques
tionnair
e.
Am J Psychiatry.
2000;157:1873-1875.
Yes No
MQ-36188 3000129717
This instrument is designed for screening purposes only and is not to be used as a diagnostic tool.
How to Use
The questionnaire takes less than 5 minutes
to complete.
Patients simply check the yes or no
boxes in response to the questions. The last
question pertains to the patient’s level of
functional impairment. The physician, nurse,
or medical staff assistant then scores the
completed questionnaire.
How to Score
Further medical assessment for bipolar
disorder is clearly warranted if patient:
•
Answers
Yes
to 7 or more of the events
in question #1
AND
•
Answers
Yes
to question #2
AND
•
Answers
Moderate problem
or
Serious
problem
to question #3
/ 2
End of Document
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FAQs of Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) Screening Tool

What is the purpose of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)?
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is designed to screen for symptoms of bipolar disorder. It helps individuals recognize mood changes and behaviors that may indicate manic or depressive episodes. By answering the questions, users can identify patterns in their mood and energy levels, which can be crucial for early detection and treatment. The MDQ serves as a preliminary tool to determine if further evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted.
How does the MDQ assess bipolar disorder symptoms?
The MDQ consists of a series of questions that ask about various symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, such as periods of high energy, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns. Respondents indicate whether they have experienced these symptoms and how often they occur. The questionnaire also evaluates the impact of these symptoms on daily functioning, helping to identify the severity of the issues. This structured approach allows for a clearer understanding of an individual's mental health status.
Who can benefit from using the MDQ?
Individuals who suspect they may have bipolar disorder or are experiencing significant mood changes can benefit from using the MDQ. It is also a useful tool for healthcare professionals conducting mental health assessments. The questionnaire can facilitate discussions about mood disorders and guide patients toward seeking further evaluation and treatment. By identifying potential symptoms early, individuals can take proactive steps in managing their mental health.
What should individuals do after completing the MDQ?
After completing the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, individuals should review their responses with a healthcare professional. If the results indicate a high likelihood of bipolar disorder, further evaluation and diagnosis may be necessary. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. It is important to take the results seriously and seek professional help to ensure proper management of mental health.
What types of symptoms does the MDQ focus on?
The MDQ focuses on a range of symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, including periods of elevated mood, increased energy, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns. It also examines behaviors such as impulsivity, excessive spending, and social engagement. By assessing these symptoms, the MDQ helps to identify potential manic or depressive episodes, which are key indicators of bipolar disorder. Understanding these symptoms can aid in early detection and intervention.

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