Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Self-test

Only if you answer 'yes' to the first three questions should you continue on with the checklist.

Question 1:
Have you had episodes of clinical depression - involving a period of at least 2 weeks where you were significantly depressed and unable to work or only able to work with difficulty - and had at least 4 of the following:

  • Loss of interest and pleasure in most things
  • Appetite or weight change
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Physical slowing or agitation
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Feeling hopeless and helpless
  • Poor concentration
  • Suicidal thoughts

If yes, proceed.

Question 2:
Do you have times when your mood 'cycles', that is, do you experience 'ups' as well as depressive episodes?
If yes, proceed.

Question 3:
During the 'ups' do you feel more 'wired' and 'hyper' than you would experience during times of normal happiness?
If yes, proceed.

Please complete the checklist below, rating the extent to which each item applies to you during such 'up' times.

Feel more confident and capable
See things in a new and exciting light
Feel very creative with lots of ideas and plans
Become over-involved in new plans and projects
Become totally confident that everything you do will succeed
Feel that things are very vivid and crystal clear
Spend, or wish to spend, significant amounts of money
Find that your thoughts race
Notice lots of coincidences occurring
Note that your senses are heightened and your emotions intensified
Work harder, being much more motivated
Feel one with the world and nature
Believe that things possess a 'special meaning'
Say quite outrageous things
Feel 'high as a kite', elated, ecstatic and 'the best ever'
Feel irritated
Feel quite carefree, not worried about anything
Have much increased interest in sex (whether thoughts and/or actions)
Feel very impatient with people
Laugh more and find lots of things humorous
Read special significance into things
Talk over people
Have quite mystical experiences
Do fairly outrageous things
Sleep less and not feel tired
Sing
Feel angry

Downloadable versions are also available:

Results

Please note that while great care is taken with the development of this Self-Assessment tool, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional clinical advice. While the results of the Self-Assessment may be of assistance to you, users should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions they have regarding their health.

22 or more
A score of 22 or more, together with episodes of clinical depression, suggests possible Bipolar I or II Disorder and would warrant detailed clinical assessment.

less than 22
A score of less than 22 is only returned by about 2% of those with true Bipolar Disorder, so that if your score was less than 22, the likelihood of you having the condition is low - but cannot be excluded.