Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder

Fact: The National Institute of Mental Health says that almost 6 million adults in the United States live with bipolar disorder. The median onset is 25 years, although the illness can develop in people much older or younger.

Fact: There are three main categories of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I is categorized by manic and depressive episodes that last two weeks or that are so severe they require hospitalization. Bipolar II includes shorter manic and depressive episodes. Cyclothymic disorder is the mildest form of bipolar disorder. It involves periods that disrupt your life but don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for manic or depressive episodes.

Take Our Quick & Easy Bipolar Questionnaire

Bipolar disorder can cause intense shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels — but you’re not alone. Take this assessment to identify symptoms commonly associated with bipolar disorder and understand if you may be suffering from a bipolar disorder.

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Important: Questionnaires like this are best completed in the presence of a qualified clinician who can appropriately interpret the scoring and results in the context of your overall health and history. Self-scoring may lead to misinterpretation and should not be used as the sole basis for any health decisions. This health survey is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any personal health concerns. Completion of this survey does not establish a patient-clinician relationship. Responses are NOT monitored. If you are thinking of harming yourself or others please call toll-free 9-8-8 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7), 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. By proceeding, you acknowledge this disclaimer and agree that this tool is for general awareness only. You assume all risks associated with its use. The survey administrators are not liable for reliance on its content.

This questionnaire is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), developed by Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, M.D., et al., in collaboration with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and the University of Florida. Hirschfeld, R. M. A., Williams, J. B. W., Spitzer, R. L., et al. (2000). Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 1873-1875. The MDQ is made available for clinical, educational, and informational use. © Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, M.D., et al.

For each of the following, answer “Yes” or “No.”

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 16

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Part 1: Symptom Checklist

Question 1*

You felt so good or hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self, or you were so hyper that you got into trouble?

Yes	No

Question 2*

You were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?

Yes	No

Question 3*

You felt much more self-confident than usual?

Yes	No

Question 4*

You got much less sleep than usual and found you didn’t really miss it?

Yes	No

Question 5*

You were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual?

Yes	No

Question 6*

Thoughts raced through your head or you couldn’t slow your mind down?

Yes	No

Question 7*

You were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track?

Yes	No

Question 8*

You had much more energy than usual?

Yes	No

Question 9*

You were much more active or did many more things than usual?

Yes	No

Question 10*

You were much more social or outgoing than usual (e.g., telephoning friends in the middle of the night)?

Yes	No

Question 11*

You were more interested in sex than usual?

Yes	No

Question 12*

You did things that were unusual for you or that other people might have thought were excessive, foolish, or risky?

Yes	No

Question 13*

Spending money got you or your family in trouble?

Yes	No

Part 2: Symptom Co-occurrence

Question 14*

If you checked “Yes” to more than one of the previous questions, have several of these ever happened during the same period of time?

Yes	No

Part 3: Functional Impact

Question 15*

How much of a problem did any of these cause you — like being unable to work, having family, money, or legal troubles, or getting into arguments or fights?

No problem	Minor problem	Moderate problem	Serious problem

Your Zip Code*

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Fact: People with bipolar disorder can display several symptoms during a manic episode in addition to elation and high energy. These can include:

• Feeling jumpy and wired
• Insomnia
• Talking faster and more than usual
• Acting agitated or irritable
• Doing risky things like having reckless sex or spending great sums of money

Fact: Symptoms of depressive episodes can also include:

• Sleeping too little or too much
• Feeling worried or empty
• Trouble concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Over- or undereating

Fact: Symptoms don’t show up in nice, neat packages or at regular intervals. People can feel both sad and hopeless, yet energized. Some people with the disorder experience symptoms frequently or rarely.

Fact: Many treatments exist for bipolar disorder. Medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-manics work well for some patients. Supportive psychotherapy also is effective.

Fact: Stress, alcohol, and drug use can trigger manic and depressive symptoms or make them worse.

Fact: Not always, and sometimes never. Many people with the illness have mild and manageable symptoms that medication or therapy can prevent or control.

You’re not alone. Our providers can help.