Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The MDQ is a structured bipolar-spectrum screening tool that combines endorsed manic/hypomanic symptom count with symptom co-occurrence and functional impact criteria.
Formula: Common positive screen pattern: symptom count >= 7, same-period clustering present, and moderate or serious impairment.
Meeting the common positive MDQ pattern suggests bipolar-spectrum symptoms may be present and supports formal mood-disorder diagnostic assessment.
Use when bipolar-spectrum symptoms are suspected, especially before initiating or escalating long-term antidepressant therapy.
Screening performance varies by setting and comorbidity. The MDQ does not replace longitudinal clinical history, collateral information, or formal diagnostic interview.
For related assessments, see PHQ-9, GAD-7 and MDI Depression Scale.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Free PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire. Take the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depression severity with instant scoring and interpretation. Also screen for anxiety with [GAD-7](/tools/gad7).
Mental HealthFree GAD-7 anxiety screening questionnaire. Take the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale to assess anxiety severity with instant scoring and interpretation. Also screen for depression with [PHQ-9](/tools/phq9).
Mental HealthScreen for depression using the WHO-endorsed Major Depression Inventory (MDI). A 10-item self-report questionnaire scoring 0–50.