How to Calculate Mood Disorder Questionnaire
What is Mood Disorder Questionnaire?
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) Calculator screens for bipolar spectrum disorders by assessing 13 symptoms of mania/hypomania, their co-occurrence, and functional impairment to flag individuals who may need a full diagnostic evaluation.
Formula
MDQ Positive Screen = 7+ symptoms endorsed (Part 1) AND co-occurring (Part 2: Yes) AND moderate-to-serious impairment (Part 3)
- SC
- Symptom Count (count (0-13)) — Number of manic/hypomanic symptoms endorsed from the 13-item checklist
- CO
- Co-occurrence (Yes/No) — Whether endorsed symptoms happened during the same time period
- FI
- Functional Impairment (category) — Degree of impairment caused: none, minor, moderate, or serious
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Answer 13 yes/no questions about lifetime history of manic/hypomanic symptoms
- 2Indicate whether any endorsed symptoms occurred during the same time period
- 3Rate the level of functional impairment caused (no problem, minor, moderate, serious)
- 4A positive screen requires all three criteria: 7+ symptoms, co-occurrence, and moderate+ impairment
Worked Examples
Input
Endorsed 9/13 symptoms, co-occurred, moderate impairment
Result
MDQ positive screen — meets all 3 criteria. Referral for comprehensive bipolar disorder evaluation recommended.
Input
Endorsed 8/13 symptoms, but did not co-occur
Result
MDQ negative screen — symptoms did not cluster in the same time period. Monitor and re-screen if clinically indicated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Counting only symptom endorsements without checking co-occurrence and impairment — all three criteria must be met
- ✕Using the MDQ to diagnose bipolar disorder — it screens for possible bipolar spectrum illness requiring formal diagnostic confirmation
- ✕Applying the standard 7-symptom cutoff in psychiatric settings where a lower cutoff (5-6) may improve sensitivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Why screen for bipolar disorder separately from depression?
Bipolar depression looks identical to unipolar depression, but treating it with antidepressants alone can trigger mania. The MDQ helps identify patients who need mood stabilizers rather than (or in addition to) antidepressants.
How accurate is the MDQ?
In clinical settings, the MDQ has a sensitivity of about 73% and specificity of about 90%. It is better at ruling in bipolar disorder (high specificity) than ruling it out (moderate sensitivity).
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