Take the Depression and Bipolar Test

Date Posted

January 12, 2022

Author

FFDA Staff

Man on Couch with His Elbows on His Knees

Families for Depression Awareness’ Depression and Bipolar Test may be the right tool for you. First, ask yourself some questions.

Have you or your loved one

  • Felt down or irritable, overly tired, or in pain?
  • Lost interest in your family and friends or favorite activities?
  • Talked very negatively or expressed hopelessness?
  • Shown impulsive behavior or displayed increased energy?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, or you have concerns about you or a loved one having undiagnosed depression or bipolar disorder, take our Depression and Bipolar Test. Keep in mind that only a medical or mental health professional can diagnose someone with a mood disorder (any of the forms of depression or bipolar disorder).

About the Depression and Bipolar Test

Our Depression and Bipolar Test is a screening tool based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). The PHQ-9 and MDQ are validated instruments for screening an individual for depression or bipolar disorder. The test takes only a few minutes to complete. Once you’ve finished, you can print out the results and bring them to a medical professional for further evaluation.

Our version is validated for people aged 18+.  You can download a version of the PHQ for adolescents from other sites.

If you are concerned about privacy, we understand. Your results are completely anonymous and confidential.

Why Caregivers Should Take the Test

As a family caregiver, you may recognize that something is wrong with your loved one before anyone else does. Because you are the person who lives with and/or is most frequently in contact with that loved one, you will likely notice changes in their mood and behavior. You see when they are eating too much or too little, compared to how they used to eat. You also see when they have withdrawn from life or made impulsive decisions. By taking the test, you can reflect on what you have seen and then provide the screening results to your loved one and their doctor or healthcare provider.

Caregivers can take the test for themselves as well. Caregiving for a loved one living with a mood disorder is hard! Caregivers can feel overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out. This can lead to them developing depression.

We hope this information is helpful! Follow the links below for more information.