Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)
Self-report screening tool for bipolar spectrum disorders. Positive screen requires ≥7 of 13 symptoms, symptom clustering, and moderate/serious functional impairment.
Score interpretation
MDQ screen negative. Bipolar disorder unlikely.
→ Assess for other mood/anxiety disorders. Reassess if symptoms evolve.
MDQ positive: ≥7 symptoms + clustering + moderate/serious impairment. Sensitivity ~73%, Specificity ~90% for bipolar I.
→ Formal psychiatric evaluation. Avoid antidepressant monotherapy until bipolar disorder excluded.
All three criteria met — high suspicion for bipolar spectrum disorder.
→ Urgent psychiatry referral. Comprehensive mood disorder evaluation. Review current medications for mood-destabilising agents.
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.