What is the primary purpose of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)?

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is specifically designed to screen for Bipolar Disorder. Its primary purpose is to identify individuals who may have experienced symptoms consistent with this condition, such as mood fluctuations that can include both depressive and manic episodes. The MDQ consists of a series of questions that help determine the presence of mood disturbances, the severity of those symptoms, and whether they have caused significant impairment in daily functioning.

Using the MDQ allows healthcare professionals to quickly assess for the potential diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder during initial consultations or assessments, guiding further evaluation and appropriate treatment. This screening tool is particularly valuable as bipolar conditions can often be misdiagnosed or overlooked, making early identification crucial for effective management.

In contrast, tools that focus on assessing childhood trauma or evaluating social support serve different purposes in mental health assessments and do not specifically target the traits and symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder. Similarly, screening for Major Depressive Disorder involves different criteria and instruments that focus exclusively on depressive symptoms, rather than the mood swings characteristic of bipolar conditions.