Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)
Self-report screen for bipolar spectrum disorder. A positive screen needs all three: 7 or more of the 13 symptom questions answered 'Yes', several of them at the same time, and a moderate or serious problem.
Score interpretation
Fewer than all three MDQ criteria met.
→ Assess for other mood/anxiety disorders. Reassess if symptoms evolve.
All three criteria met. Sensitivity 0.73 and specificity 0.90 for bipolar spectrum disorder in psychiatric outpatients (Hirschfeld 2000).
→ Formal psychiatric evaluation. Avoid antidepressant monotherapy until bipolar disorder is excluded.
Interpretation bands for the MDQ. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Hirschfeld RM et al. Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157(11):1873-1875.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Carbamazepine (Psychiatric Use) · Mood Stabiliser (Sodium Channel Blocker) — Bipolar Disorder
- Carbamazepine (Paediatric) · Antiepileptic — Focal Seizures / Trigeminal Neuralgia / Bipolar Disorder
- Lamotrigine (Psychiatric Use) · Mood Stabiliser (Sodium Channel Blocker) — Bipolar Depression
- Sodium Valproate · Antiepileptic / Mood stabiliser
- Valproic acid · Antiepileptic / mood stabiliser
- Risperidone (Paediatric) · Atypical Antipsychotic — Autism Spectrum Disorder / Schizophrenia / Tic Disorders
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.