Mood Disorder Questionnaire Scoring Walkthrough for Busy Clinics

If you have ever squinted at an MDQ during the last patient of the day, this walkthrough is for you. Here is the five minute scoring method we teach new care teams.

1. Count the Yes Answers

Underline every yes on the 13 symptom items, then tally them in the margin. Seven or more yes responses move you toward a positive screen, but do not stop there.

2. Confirm Same Period Occurrence

Question 14 asks whether several of the symptoms happened in the same time frame. A yes there increases the likelihood that you are looking at a discrete mood episode rather than random events. A no may still be clinically meaningful, but it usually downgrades the urgency.

3. Rate Impairment

Question 15 captures how much trouble the symptoms caused. Mark the response inside your EHR as mild, moderate, or severe. Many clinics only classify a result as positive if impairment reaches at least moderate.

4. Document Context

Use a template note to jot down any comments the patient added, such as the month the episode occurred or triggers like new medication. Those details help the diagnosing provider during the follow up visit.

5. Keep Quick Reference Tables Nearby

Print a one page cheat sheet that reiterates the cutoff, interpretation tips, and referral steps. Laminate it and tape it near triage desks so floating staff never have to guess.

Trusted Bipolar & MDQ Resources

• Mood Disorder Questionnaire PDF (SAMHSA) - Download the original worksheet behavioral health teams rely on for MDQ screening.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance fact sheet - Peer-led perspective on recognizing mood shifts and supporting self-advocacy.
• AHRQ evidence review on bipolar disorder care - Summarizes comparative effectiveness findings for medication and therapy choices.
• NIMH guide to bipolar disorder - US research-backed summary of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Mayo Clinic bipolar diagnosis overview - Walks through the clinical interview, lab work, and differential diagnosis process.