Unlike ordinary mood swings, bipolar disorder is much more intense and is disruptive to everyday functioning, affecting energy levels, activities, judgment and behaviors. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, why not take this "driving test," to see if you qualify to travel, on the road,on your journey toward wellness.
INSTRUCTIONS: Complete this questionnaire, print it out, and give it to your doctor or therapist. This questionnaire is not intended to give you a diagnosis, only to lead you in the right direction. Only your doctor or licensed counselor can give you an accurate diagnosis.
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a 13-item checklist developed by Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, MD, and published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.1 The MDQ is designed to help your doctor determine what type of mood disorder you may be experiencing.
Take your time and answer all the questions 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? yes no
...you were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments? yes no
...you felt much more self-confident than usual? yes no
...you got much less sleep than usual and found you didn't really miss it? yes no
...you were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual? yes no
...thoughts raced through your head or you couldn't slow your mind down? yes no
...you were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track? yes no
...you had much more energy than usual? yes no
...you were much more active or did many more things than usual? yes no
...you were much more social or outgoing than usual, for example, you telephoned friends in the middle of the night? yes no
...you were much more interested in sex than usual? yes no
...you did things that were unusual for you or that other people might have thought were excessive, foolish, or risky? yes no
...spending money got you or your family into trouble? yes no
2. If you checked YES to more than one of the above, have several of these ever happened during the same period of time? yes no
3. How much of a problem did any of these cause you—like being unable to work; having family, money, or legal troubles; getting into arguments or fights? Please circle only one response.
No Problem Minor Problem Moderate Problem Serious Problem
Did you pass your "driving test?" Well, why not print this questionnaire and give it to your driving inspector (uhm doctor). Your answers will help your doctor to determine what type of mood disorder you may be experiencing and what further instructions you made need, if necessary.
Reference: 1. Hirschfeld R, Williams JB, Spitzer RL, et al. Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157;1873-1875.
Catherine Sinclair, PhD., uses the trade name Dr. Cares™. She is a licensed pastoral counselor. The information contained in this website is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice from your qualified medical "practitioner."
The author of this website is not an M.D. and therefore must post this required FDA disclaimer. None of the statements, self testing, nor recommended alternatives to overcoming bipolar symptoms have been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, the tested and proven experiences, testimonies, supplements and alternative and natural therapies are for informational purposes only and does not purport to prescribe, diagnose or cure any mental or physical condition.
Though as a licensed counselor she does advise her clients to be informed and involved in the recovery of their physical, spiritual and mental health. The above information has transformed many lives and the same can happen for you, but you alone are responsible for the decisions you make concerning all aspects of your health.
Dr. Cares™
Catherine Sinclair, PhD., uses the trade name Dr. Cares™. She is a licensed pastoral counselor. The information contained in this website is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice from your qualified medical "practitioner." 
