Bipolar Screening Test – The Lawson Clinic

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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 Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

See things in a new and exciting light Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel very creative with lots of ideas and plans Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Become over-involved in new plans and projects Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Become totally confident that everything you do will succeed Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel that things are very vivid and crystal clear Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Spend, or wish to spend, significant amounts of money Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Find that your thoughts race Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Notice lots of coincidences occurring Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Note that your senses are heightened and your emotions intensified Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Work harder, being much more motivated Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel one with the world and nature Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Believe that things possess a 'special meaning' Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Say quite outrageous things Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel 'high as a kite', elated, ecstatic and 'the best ever' Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel irritated Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel quite carefree, not worried about anything Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Have much increased interest in sex (whether thoughts and/or
actions) Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel very impatient with people Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Laugh more and find lots of things humorous Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Read special significance into things Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Talk over people Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Have quite mystical experiences Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Do fairly outrageous things Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Sleep less and not feel tired Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Sing Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Feel angry Much more than usual Somewhat more than usual No more than usual

Score

Results

Please note that while great care is taken with the development of this self-test, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional clinical advice. While the results of the self-test 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.

Contact Details

The Lawson Clinic, Mood Disorder Specialists, 748 Pacific Highway Gordon NSW 2072, Tel: (02) 9418 4488, Fax: (02) 9418 4499