Use this brief, time-saving bipolar test to help you determine if you may need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder symptoms include switching between phases with feelings of mania and feelings of depression over time. Bipolar disorder is commonly treated with medications and psychotherapy.

This is screening test only; only a licensed mental health professional or physician can make a reliable, accurate diagnosis of this condition.

Instructions:

The items below refer to how you have felt and behaved over much of your life. If you have usually been one way, and have recently changed, your responses should reflect how you have usually been. In order for the results of this quiz to be most accurate, you should be 18 or older and have had at least one episode of depression.

I am a year old Female / Male / Non-binary 1. At times I am much more talkative or speak much faster than usual. Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much 2. There have been times when I was much more active or did many more things than usual. Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much 3. I get into moods where I feel very ‘speeded-up’ or irritable. Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much 4. There have been times when I have felt both high (elated) and low (depressed) at the same time. Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much 5. I have been much more interested in sex than usual. Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much 6. My self-confidence ranges from great self-doubt to equally great overconfidence. Not at all

Just a little

Somewhat

Moderately

Quite a lot

Very much

Learn More About Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are characterized by cycles between depression and mania. A person with this disorder has experienced at least one episode of depression and also experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. A manic episode is characterized by, for over a week at a time, feelings of: hyperactivity, irritability (especially in younger people), racing thoughts, needing little sleep, and an overall sense of happiness and ability to accomplish anything, instantly. A hypomanic episode is characterized by similar symptoms, but they only need be present for four (4) or more days.

A depressive episode is similar to that experienced and diagnosed for clinical depression, and is characterized by loneliness or sadness, lack of energy or interest in things, and lack of pleasure in things that normally bring a person joy or happiness. There is often an overwhelming sense of hopelessness during a depressive episode.

The cycling of depression can be fast or slow; some people can cycle between episodes within days, while others may have weeks or even months in-between different episodes.

Learn more: Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Learn more: Causes of bipolar disorder

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is typically treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication is used to keep a person with this condition maintain more consistent moods, keeping future manic or hypomanic episodes at bay. Treatment for the depressive episodes tends to be more complicated. Most people with this disorder usually find a personalized medication regimen that works for them, one that often needs to be maintained through a person’s lifetime (much like a person with diabetes takes insulin throughout their life).

Learn more: Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Living with Bipolar Disorder

For most people with this condition, it is a chronic concern. Therefore, learning the best ways to cope and maintain their lifestyle can be helpful to people with this disorder. We’ve compiled an amazing list of resources and tips on how to live with bipolar disorder successfully, throughout every stage of one’s life.

Learn more: Living with bipolar disorder



Copyright 1993 Ivan Goldberg. All rights reserved. Adopted from the printed edition of the Goldberg Bipolar Screening Inventory for electronic distribution. For personal use only; other use may be prohibited by law. Used here with permission.