Axiom : Psychological & Coaching Services : relationship and sex therapy gosford : Central Coast NSW

Bipolar Selft-Test

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	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
See things in a new and exciting light	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel very creative with lots of ideas and plans	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Become over-involved in new plans and projects	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Become totally confident that everything you do will succeed	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel that things are very vivid and crystal clear	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Spend, or wish to spend, significant amounts of money	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Find that your thoughts race	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Notice lots of coincidences occurring	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Note that your senses are heightened and your emotions intensified	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Work harder, being much more motivated	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel one with the world and nature	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Believe that things possess a 'special meaning'	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Say quite outrageous things	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel 'high as a kite', elated, ecstatic and 'the best ever'	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel irritated	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel quite carefree, not worried about anything	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Have much increased interest in sex (whether thoughts and/or actions)	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel very impatient with people	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Laugh more and find lots of things humorous	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Read special significance into things	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Talk over people	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Have quite mystical experiences	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Do fairly outrageous things	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Sleep less and not feel tired	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Sing	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual
Feel angry	No more than usual	Somewhat more than usual	Much more than usual

Score:

If you would like to take a copy of the test to your doctor, please print your results.

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.