What this test measures
Bipolar disorder is defined by periods, not by everyday ups and downs: stretches of days when mood and energy run unusually high or irritable, sleep feels unnecessary, thoughts race and decisions get riskier, usually alternating with low periods. This screening asks whether you have ever had such a period, looking back over your whole life, and whether the experiences came together and caused real problems.
It is a screening. It can tell you whether what you describe matches the pattern that a recognised screening rule flags for a closer look. It cannot tell you whether you have bipolar disorder; only a clinician who talks with you can do that. A negative screen does not rule it out either: this kind of questionnaire misses some people, especially those whose high periods were milder.
How it is built
The test follows the structure of a widely used mood questionnaire, often called the MDQ: thirteen yes-or-no questions on the experiences that make up a manic or hypomanic period, one question on whether several of them happened in the same period, and one on whether they caused a problem. The screening rule is the questionnaire's own and has three parts, all of which must hold: at least 7 of the 13 experiences, several in the same period, and a moderate or serious problem as a result.
The wording of every question is our own. One difference: the original asks about the size of the problem on a four-point scale, where only "moderate" or "serious" counts toward the rule. We ask it directly as yes or no ("a moderate or serious problem"), which scores the same way. We also leave out the questions on family history and earlier diagnoses, which are not part of the rule.
What your result contains
Your free result shows how many signs you reported (few, some or many) with a short summary, and the three parts as bars. The full report adds the screening verdict with each of its three parts, your count of experiences out of 13 against the threshold of 7, what your result tends to look like, what to do next and what to bring to a conversation with a doctor, and a PDF to keep or to take to an appointment. The test is free; the full report is one payment, no subscription.
Not a diagnosis, and where to get support
A positive screen is a pattern worth discussing with a doctor or psychiatrist, not a label. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed from your full history, often with input from people who know you, and it is very treatable once it is recognised. If you are being treated for depression, tell your doctor about any high periods you recognise: it can change which treatment fits.
If you are struggling right now, these lines are free and confidential: Find a helpline in your country, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US (call or text 988), Samaritans in the UK and Ireland (116 123) and 113 Zelfmoordpreventie in the Netherlands (113 or 0800-0113). If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Bipolar Screening.
How long does the Bipolar Screening take?
About three minutes. There are fifteen yes-or-no questions. Take a moment to think back; the questions are about any period in your life, not just now.
What does the Bipolar Screening measure?
Whether you have had periods of unusually high or irritable mood with the experiences that come with them (less need for sleep, racing thoughts, more energy, risky decisions), whether several happened together, and whether they caused a real problem. How many signs you reported is free; the screening verdict, your symptom count and the full report are one payment, no subscription.
Is this the MDQ?
No. It follows the structure of that questionnaire (thirteen yes-or-no experiences, the "same period" and problem questions, the same three-part rule), but the wording of every question is our own, the problem question is asked as yes or no, and it is not the official instrument.
I am in a good mood a lot. Does that count?
Not on its own. The questions are about periods when you were clearly not your usual self, noticeably different to the people around you, usually lasting days. A cheerful temperament or a great week is not what the questions mean.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a screening. A positive screen means a pattern worth discussing with a doctor; only a qualified clinician can diagnose bipolar disorder, and a negative screen does not rule it out.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your answers are scored in your browser. Mental-health results are never shown on a share card: if you share the test, you share the test, not your result. We do not sell personal data and you can ask for export or deletion at any time.
Can I retake the Bipolar Screening?
Yes. Because it looks at your whole history, the result changes only if you recall or experience new periods. It can help to retake it together with someone who knows you well.