Bipolar Self Test at Black Dog Site

Posted in Bipolar Disorder on 17. Feb, 2010

Here is an interesting self test at Black Dog Institute’s site.  Friends sometimes ask me to describe the difference between bipolar and normal. The differences between normal and bipolar moods and behaviors are hard for me to articulate to people who haven’t experienced either a manic or a depressive bipolar episode. Perhaps it’s just a matter of extremes but there is definitely a big difference between normal and bipolar. The lowest possible score is O and the highest 54. My results below.

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.

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


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.

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