# Bipolar Disorder Test: Are My Highs and Lows More Than Mood Swings?

> A free, anonymous 16-question screening questionnaire to assess episodes of elation, irritability, boundless energy and low mood across your lifetime.

*https://mypsicotest.com/en/bipolar-disorder-test/ · 16 questions · 5 min · 100% free and anonymous · Updated: 2026-10-27*

Have you lived through spells when you barely slept, talked non-stop and felt capable of anything, followed by weeks when you could hardly get out of bed? **Bipolar disorder** is characterised by episodes of elation or irritability alternating with depressive episodes, and it often takes years to identify because people only seek help when they are at their lowest. This test helps you make sense of what you have experienced in five minutes, with no sign-up and without sending your answers to any server.

## The 16 questions in this test

*Think about your whole life, not just the last few weeks, and indicate how often you have experienced what each question describes.*

1. Have there been periods of several days when you felt so elated, "high" or irritable that you were not yourself, and other people told you that you seemed different?
2. Have there been periods of several days when you slept much less than usual (for example, three or four hours) and still felt rested and full of energy?
3. Have there been periods of several days when you talked much more and much faster than normal, to the point that others struggled to follow or interrupt you?
4. Have there been periods of several days when your thoughts raced, jumping from one idea to the next, and you could not slow them down?
5. Have there been periods of several days when you felt far more self-confident than usual, convinced that you could take on anything or that you had special ideas or abilities?
6. Have there been periods of several days when you had far more energy and activity than usual: starting several projects at once, unable to sit still or doing more than ever before?
7. Have there been periods of several days when you spent money excessively or did risky, impulsive things that were out of character (reckless driving, hasty decisions, business ventures or gambling)?
8. Have there been periods of several days when you were much more sociable, outgoing or interested in sex than usual, for example calling people at any hour or seeking encounters that later surprised you?
9. Have there been periods of at least two weeks when you felt sad, empty or down most of the day, nearly every day?
10. Have there been periods of at least two weeks when you lost interest or pleasure in almost everything, even the activities and people you normally enjoy?
11. Have there been periods of at least two weeks when you felt slowed down and drained of energy, slept far more than usual, or found that any simple task took enormous effort?
12. Have there been periods of at least two weeks when you felt worthless, guilty or hopeless, with the feeling that nothing would ever get better?
13. Have several of these changes (in mood, sleep, energy, the way you talk or act) happened at the same time, during the same period?
14. Does your mood alternate between spells of being "up" and spells of being down that last days or weeks and are not fully explained by what is going on around you?
15. Have people close to you (family, partner, friends, colleagues) told you that your changes in mood or energy are abrupt, striking or worrying?
16. Have these changes caused you real problems at work or in your studies, with money, with the law, with your family or partner, or led you to do things you later regretted?

**Answer scale:** 0 = Never · 1 = Rarely · 2 = Sometimes · 3 = Often · 4 = Very often

## Your result

### Few indicators of bipolar disorder (Score ≤ 16)

Your answers reflect few episodes of elation, boundless energy or deep lows, and little sense of alternation between the two. Everyone has better and worse days, times of enthusiasm and spells of discouragement; what defines the **bipolar spectrum** is that these changes form clear episodes, lasting days or weeks, that alter sleep, energy and judgement and cause problems. According to this screening, that is unlikely to be your case.

- If what worries you is mainly low mood, the depression test will give you a more accurate picture of how you are right now.
- If your ups and downs last hours and depend heavily on what happens with other people, they may reflect difficulties with emotional regulation that a psychologist can help you work on.
- If you have relatives with bipolar disorder, keep a regular sleep routine and retake the test if you notice unusual changes in energy.

### Some indicators of the bipolar spectrum (Score ≤ 31)

You show some ups and downs in mood or energy that resemble those of the bipolar spectrum, but at a frequency or intensity that is not clearly significant. They may be temperament traits, reactions to periods of heavy stress or another condition (depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep problems). Check the breakdown by area: if the elation subscale scores high and you have also indicated that the changes coincide in time, it is worth discussing with a professional.

- For a few weeks, keep a simple daily record of your mood, hours of sleep and energy level; it is the most useful tool for spotting cycles.
- Look after the regularity of your sleep and go easy on alcohol and other substances: they are the most common triggers of mood changes.
- If you have had repeated depressions or someone in your family has bipolar disorder, mention this result at your next appointment.

### Moderate indicators of bipolar disorder (Score ≤ 46)

Your score describes a pattern of episodes of elation, irritability or boundless energy and of lows that is **consistent with the bipolar spectrum**. People who score in this range often recall spells when they slept very little, did a thousand things and made decisions they later did not recognise as their own, followed by weeks of collapse. This result is not a diagnosis, but it is reason enough to request a clinical assessment, especially if you are being treated for depression or take antidepressants.

- Request an assessment from a psychiatrist or a psychologist experienced in mood disorders, and describe both the lows and the spells of elation, which people often forget to mention.
- If possible, ask someone you trust to describe how you seem during your "up" spells: an outside view is very valuable for diagnosis.
- In the meantime, protect your sleep (fixed hours, no all-nighters) and avoid major financial or life decisions during moments of intense elation.

### High indicators of bipolar disorder (Score ≤ 64)

You have marked most of the episodes of elation, energy and irritability and of depression as occurring very often, and you indicate that they alternate and have caused you significant problems. A result like this usually corresponds to people whose mood changes **seriously affect** their work, finances or relationships, and who have gone years without an explanation that fits. The good news is that bipolar disorder has effective treatments that make it possible to stabilise mood and regain control over your life.

- Request a full psychiatric assessment as soon as possible; if you are currently in a phase of intense elation or deep collapse, do not put it off.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call the 024 helpline or 112 in Spain, or your local emergency number, or go to A&E: untreated bipolar disorder carries a high risk and asking for help is the right decision.
- Share this result with someone you trust and do not make irreversible decisions (quitting your job, large purchases, break-ups) until you have been assessed.

## What is bipolar disorder? Type I, type II and cyclothymia

**Bipolar disorder** is a mood disorder characterised by episodes of **mania or hypomania** (elation or irritability with a marked increase in energy and activity) that usually alternate with **depressive episodes**. Between episodes many people feel well for months or years, which helps the problem go unnoticed. It is estimated that around 1-2% of adults meet criteria for bipolar disorder over their lifetime, and somewhat more if the whole spectrum is included.

The DSM-5-TR distinguishes three main forms:

- **Bipolar I disorder:** at least one full manic episode, lasting a week or more (or less if hospitalisation is needed) and causing obvious impairment. Depressive episodes are very common, although they are not required for the diagnosis.
- **Bipolar II disorder:** at least one hypomanic episode (four days or more, without the severity of mania) and at least one major depressive episode, with no full manic episode ever. It is often diagnosed late because hypomanias are experienced as "good times".
- **Cyclothymia:** over at least two years, numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet full episode criteria but create constant instability.

Bipolar disorder has a strong biological basis: it is one of the psychiatric conditions with the highest heritability (around 60-85% according to twin studies), and having an affected first-degree relative clearly increases the risk. It is not a weakness of character or a consequence of "not being able to control yourself".

## Symptoms of bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania and bipolar depression

### Symptoms of mania and hypomania

A manic or hypomanic episode is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive or irritable mood, with more energy than usual, present most of the day nearly every day. Alongside the mood change come at least three of these symptoms (four if the mood is only irritable):

- **Decreased need for sleep:** the person feels rested after three or four hours.
- **Pressured speech:** talking more, faster and being hard to interrupt.
- **Racing thoughts** or flight of ideas.
- **Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity:** a sense of having special abilities, ideas or a mission.
- **Distractibility** by any stimulus.
- **Increased goal-directed activity** (work, projects, socialising, sex) or agitation.
- **Risky behaviour:** excessive spending, reckless driving, unwise investments, promiscuity.

The difference between mania and hypomania is one of intensity and duration: mania lasts at least a week, causes severe impairment, may require admission and sometimes includes psychotic symptoms; hypomania lasts at least four days and is an obvious change to others but is not disabling.

### Symptoms of bipolar depression

The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder resemble those of unipolar depression (sadness or emptiness, loss of interest, hopelessness, trouble concentrating, thoughts of death), but with some frequent nuances: marked **slowing down**, **hypersomnia** and increased appetite rather than insomnia and weight loss, a more abrupt onset and more repeated episodes. There are also **mixed states**, in which depressive and manic symptoms coexist (deep sadness with agitation and racing thoughts), which are particularly distressing and carry a higher risk.

## How does this online bipolar disorder test work?

This questionnaire consists of **16 questions** grouped into three areas: eight explore episodes of elation, energy and irritability (the symptoms of mania and hypomania), four explore depressive episodes and four assess whether those changes coincide in time, alternate, are noticed by others and cause problems. The structure follows the logic of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), the most widely used screening instrument in the world, and the DSM-5-TR criteria.

Unlike the anxiety or depression tests, which ask about the last few weeks, here you should think about **your whole life**: bipolar disorder is identified by episodes that may have happened years ago. For each question, indicate how often you have experienced what it describes, from "never" (0 points) to "very often" (4 points).

At the end you get a total score from 0 to 64 and a breakdown by area. The calculation is done entirely in your browser: we do not ask for your name or email and we do not store your answers. One important tip: spells of elation are usually remembered as "good times" and underestimated. If in doubt, think about what the people who know you well would say about those days.

## How to interpret your bipolar disorder test score

Scores are grouped into four indicative levels:

- **0-16 · Low:** few indicators; the ups and downs you describe fall within the expected range.
- **17-31 · Mild:** some episodes or traits present; worth monitoring and ruling out other causes.
- **32-46 · Moderate:** pattern consistent with the bipolar spectrum; a professional assessment is recommended.
- **47-64 · High:** frequent, alternating episodes with real impact; assessment should be a priority.

Beyond the total, look at the breakdown. The most characteristic sign of bipolar disorder is a **high score on the elation subscale together with a high score on alternation and impact**: episodes of boundless energy that coincide with less sleep and impulsive decisions, and that have had consequences. A high score only on the depressive subscale points more towards depression, although it does not rule out type II, whose hypomanias go unnoticed.

Remember that **a screening test does not diagnose**. A high result means that what you describe resembles bipolar disorder closely enough to justify an assessment; a low result makes it less likely but does not exclude it, especially if someone close to you insists that your changes are striking. Only a professional can establish the diagnosis after a detailed clinical interview, which often includes information from relatives.

## Bipolar disorder vs. depression, ADHD, borderline personality and normal mood swings

Many conditions produce ups and downs in mood, and telling them apart is the most delicate part of the assessment. If you are wondering how to know whether you have bipolar disorder, these are the most common confusions:

- **Unipolar depression:** the most frequent and the most important, because people with bipolar disorder usually seek help only during the low phases. Bipolarity should be suspected when depression starts very young, recurs many times, comes with hypersomnia and slowing down, there is a family history, or antidepressants trigger elation, insomnia or irritability.
- **ADHD:** shares restlessness, impulsivity, talkativeness and distractibility, but in ADHD these are **stable traits since childhood**, not episodes that start and end, and the decreased need for sleep and grandiosity do not appear. The two conditions can coexist.
- **Borderline personality disorder:** mood changes last **hours**, are highly reactive to conflict or a sense of abandonment, and come with chronic emptiness and unstable relationships. In bipolar disorder, episodes last days or weeks and alter sleep and energy.
- **Normal mood swings:** they are proportionate to what is happening, do not drastically alter sleep or judgement and do not cause serious consequences. Feeling elated after good news is not hypomania.
- **Other causes:** stimulants, alcohol or cannabis, some medications such as corticosteroids and thyroid problems can mimic manic or depressive episodes and must be ruled out.

## Age of onset and late diagnosis of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder usually begins between late adolescence and early adulthood; most cases start between the ages of 15 and 30, and a first manic episode after 40 is unusual and calls for medical causes to be ruled out. The first episode is frequently a **depression**, and hypomanias may take years to appear or to be recognised. That is why the correct diagnosis comes late: studies place the average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis at around **6-10 years**, and most people first receive other labels, mainly depression, anxiety or a personality disorder.

That delay has consequences: treatments that do not work or that make things worse (an antidepressant without a mood stabiliser can trigger hypomania or rapid cycling), job and financial losses, break-ups and a persistent feeling of "not understanding what is wrong with me". Detecting it earlier allows simpler treatment and a better prognosis.

In women, type II and rapid cycling are somewhat more common, and the postpartum period is a time of particular vulnerability for a first episode. In men, a manic onset is slightly more usual. Either way, if you have had repeated depressions since you were young and recognise spells of unusual energy, this test can help you ask the right question at your appointment.

## What to do after the test: treatment of bipolar disorder

If your result is moderate or high, the next step is a **psychiatric assessment**, which can be complemented by an evaluation with a psychologist. In public health systems the entry point is usually your GP, who refers you to mental health services. The assessment includes a clinical interview covering your whole mood history, family history, substance use, scales such as the MDQ and, often, information from a relative or partner. Bring notes on your episodes, how long they lasted and what happened during them.

Treatment of bipolar disorder is long-term, combines several pieces and works:

- **Mood stabilisers:** lithium and some anticonvulsants or second-generation antipsychotics, prescribed and supervised by a psychiatrist, treat episodes and prevent relapses. Antidepressants, if used, are always combined with a stabiliser.
- **Psychoeducation:** understanding the disorder, identifying early warning signs of relapse and having an action plan has been shown to reduce relapses and admissions.
- **Psychotherapy:** cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy and family-focused therapy improve adherence, the management of depression and life at home.
- **Regular sleep and routines:** lack of sleep is the most powerful trigger of mania; keeping stable times for sleep, meals and activity is part of the treatment.
- **Support network and habits:** avoiding alcohol and drugs, exercising and having people around who know your warning signs make a real difference.

A psychologist specialised in mood disorders, such as the one we recommend at the end of the test, can accompany you through the diagnostic process and in psychotherapy, in coordination with psychiatry.

## The scientific basis of this bipolar disorder test

The questions in this questionnaire were written from the **DSM-5-TR criteria** for manic, hypomanic and major depressive episodes and the World Health Organization's **ICD-11** classification, following the structure of the **Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)** by Hirschfeld and colleagues, the most internationally validated screening instrument for the bipolar spectrum, and taking into account other recognised questionnaires such as the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32). The items are original and do not reproduce any copyrighted scale. The cut-off points are indicative and were set to maximise sensitivity, that is, to avoid leaving out people who could benefit from an assessment. The content has been reviewed by the MyPsicoTest team in line with current clinical guidelines, such as those of NICE and the Spanish National Health System's clinical practice guideline on bipolar disorder, and is updated periodically.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can this bipolar disorder test diagnose me?

No. It is a screening tool that estimates whether your ups and downs in mood and energy resemble those of the bipolar spectrum. Only a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist can establish the diagnosis after a detailed interview, which often includes information from someone who knows you well.

### How do I know if I have bipolar disorder or just mood swings?

Normal mood swings are proportionate to what is happening and do not alter sleep or judgement. In bipolar disorder the changes form episodes lasting days or weeks, with less need for sleep, more energy and impulsive decisions, and they usually have consequences. If you recognise yourself in the latter, seek an assessment.

### What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?

In type I there has been at least one episode of full mania, which is severe and disabling. In type II the "high" episodes are hypomanias, milder and shorter, alternating with major depressions, which are usually the main problem. Type II is not a "mild" version: the depressive burden can be very heavy.

### Can I have bipolar disorder if I have only had depressions?

It is possible, especially if the depressions started very young, have recurred several times, come with hypersomnia and slowing down, there is a family history, or antidepressants have made you elated or sleepless. In that case a professional should explore whether there have been hypomanias that went unnoticed.

### Can bipolar disorder be cured or treated?

We talk about stabilisation rather than cure: with mood stabilisers, psychoeducation, psychotherapy and good sleep regularity, most people achieve long periods without episodes and a full life. The earlier it is identified, the simpler the treatment usually is.

### How long does the test take and is it free?

It has 16 questions and takes about five minutes. It is completely free, anonymous and requires no registration; the result appears immediately with a breakdown by area.

### Do you store my answers?

No. The test is scored on your own device and we neither send nor store any answers. If you want to keep your result or take it to an appointment, take a screenshot.

## We recommend talking to a psychologist

Xènia Capel Salcedo — Licensed clinical psychologist · COPC no. 14982. Online and in-person therapy (Igualada and Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Spain). Master's in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Evidence-based integrative approach: EMDR, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, anxiety and depression. Free, no-obligation first consultation call. https://psicologaigualada.es/en/therapist-psychologist-igualada/

---

*This test is an indicative screening tool. It does not replace a clinical assessment and is not a diagnosis. If you have concerns about your mental health, consult a licensed professional.*