Wondering If You Might Have Bipolar Disorder?

This quick self-check is a first step to help you better understand your mood patterns and whether they might point to bipolar disorder.

AM I BIPOLAR?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings that oscillate between periods of high energy and impulsive decisions and periods of deep depression. It affects millions of men, but it is often misunderstood or goes undiagnosed for years.[1]

It’s not uncommon for bipolar disorder to be confused with depression. The main difference is that bipolar disorder involves mood swings between depression and a distinct manic or hypomanic “high” state, whereas depression (major depressive disorder) involves only depressive episodes.

During a manic or hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder, a person experiences elevated mood, increased energy, and a decreased need for sleep, which is absent in depression. Both conditions share symptoms of depression, but the presence of a manic or hypomanic episode is the key factor for a bipolar disorder diagnosis.

While there are no significant differences between men and women when it comes to the prevalence of bipolar disorder, men tend to report mania more commonly as an initial symptom.[2]

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, as it can cause significant difficulties in a person’s social life, relationships, and ability to work or manage daily activities.[3]

Getting effective help for bipolar disorder begins with proper assessment of one’s symptoms.

TAKE A BIPOLAR DISORDER TEST

If you’ve ever wondered whether you may be experiencing bipolar depression, taking this free, anonymous bipolar quiz is the place to start. It doesn’t provide a formal diagnosis, but tailored feedback will be provided based on your responses. You can also print your results to use as a conversation starter with a therapist or healthcare professional.

Disclaimer

This assessment is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a psychometrically-validated tool that is used in clinical and research settings to test for bipolar disorder.  

This assessment tool should not be used on its own for self-diagnosis. You may wish to save or print your results to share with your primary healthcare provider as a way of starting a conversation.

Privacy

This survey is anonymous and does not collect directly identifying information. However, under UBC policies and BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), some demographic data may still be considered personal information.

Responses are securely stored on Canadian servers and used only for research and content development. For questions, contact [email protected].

Contact information for our email newsletter (if you choose to opt-in) and your responses are stored separately. 

See our terms, privacy, and conditions for more information.

References

  1. Cuellar, A. K., Johnson, S. L., & Winters, R. (2005). Distinctions between bipolar and unipolar depression. Clinical psychology review, 25(3), 307–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2004.12.002
  2. Kawa, I., Carter, J. D., Joyce, P. R., Doughty, C. J., Frampton, C. M., Elisabeth Wells, J., Walsh, A. E., & Olds, R. J. (2005). Gender differences in bipolar disorder: Age of onset, course, comorbidity, and symptom presentation. Bipolar Disorders, 7(2), 119-125. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2004.00180.x
  3. Vieta, E., Berk, M., Schulze, T.G., Carvalho, A.F., Suppes, T., Calabrese, J.R., Gao, K., Miskowiak, K.W., Grande, I., 2018. Bipolar disorders. Nat. Rev. Dis. Primers 4, 18008. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2018.8