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Mood Disorder Questionnaire
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About Mood Disorder Questionnaire
Scale Name
Mood Disorder Questionnaire
Author Details
Robert M.A. Hirschfeld, Janet B.W. Williams, Robert L. Spitzer, Joseph R. Calabrese, Laurie Flynn, Paul E. Keck Jr., Lydia Lewis, Susan L. McElroy, Robert M. Post, Daniel J. Rapport, James M. Russell, Gary S. Sachs, and John Zajecka
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), developed by Robert M.A. Hirschfeld and a team of collaborators in 2000, is a self-report screening tool designed to identify bipolar spectrum disorders, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and subsyndromal bipolarity. Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the MDQ was created to address the underdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in clinical settings, where manic or hypomanic symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for unipolar depression. It is widely used in primary care, psychiatry, and research to facilitate early detection and appropriate referral.
The MDQ consists of 17 items across three sections: 13 yes/no questions assess lifetime manic or hypomanic symptoms (e.g., elevated mood, increased energy), 1 question evaluates symptom clustering, and 1 question gauges functional impairment. A positive screen typically requires 7 or more “yes” responses, symptom co-occurrence, and moderate-to-severe impairment, though scoring can vary by context. Taking just 5-10 minutes to complete, the MDQ is concise and patient-friendly, with translations into multiple languages enhancing its global applicability. Its focus on bipolar-specific symptoms makes it a critical tool for distinguishing bipolar disorder from other mood conditions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the MDQ from its original publication in Hirschfeld et al. (2000) via American Journal of Psychiatry or authorized mental health resources, ensuring ethical use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the questionnaire screens for bipolar disorder symptoms to identify potential risks and guide further evaluation.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to answer each of the 17 items based on their lifetime experiences, using the yes/no format and additional questions, and encourage honesty.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 5-10 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s reading speed and reflection time.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the MDQ in a private setting, via paper or digital format, ensuring confidentiality to promote accurate self-reporting.
Reliability and Validity
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire exhibits strong psychometric properties, as established in Hirschfeld et al. (2000). Internal consistency is high, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90, indicating reliable measurement of bipolar symptoms. Test-retest reliability over a short interval yields coefficients around 0.85, reflecting stability in stable populations.
Validity is well-supported. Sensitivity and specificity in psychiatric outpatients are 73% and 90%, respectively, for detecting bipolar disorder against DSM-IV diagnoses via structured interviews. Concurrent validity is shown through moderate correlations (r = 0.60-0.70) with clinician-rated mania scales, though its self-report nature limits precision in some cases. Content validity aligns with DSM-IV bipolar criteria, and its predictive validity is evidenced by its ability to identify individuals needing further assessment, making it a reliable and valid screening tool.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Hirschfeld, R. M., Williams, J. B., Spitzer, R. L., Calabrese, J. R., Flynn, L., Keck Jr, P. E., … & Zajecka, J. (2000). Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American journal of psychiatry, 157(11), 1873-1875.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MDQ measure?
It screens for bipolar spectrum disorder symptoms.
Who developed the MDQ?
It was developed by Robert Hirschfeld and team in 2000.
How long does it take to complete the MDQ?
It takes about 5-10 minutes.
What score indicates bipolar disorder on the MDQ?
Typically, 7+ “yes” answers with clustering and impairment.
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