What I give out returns to me

 

The Bipolar Spectrum

The following questionnaire is by Dr Ronald Pies it appears on many websites and is intended to help an individual decide whether he or she has the disorder.  Print off the MSWord copy here

diagnostic questionnaire

I scored 22 on the questionnaire,

John

 

Complete it with the help of someone who knows you well

Instructions:

Please read through the entire passage below before filling in any blanks.

1. Some individuals notice that their mood and/or energy levels shift drastically from time to time___.
2. These individuals notice that, at times, their mood and/or energy level is very low, and at other times, very high___.
3. During their 'low' phases, these individuals often feel a lack of energy; a need to stay in bed or get extra sleep; and little or no motivation to do things they need to do__
4. They often put on weight during these periods___.
5. During their low phases these individuals often feel 'blue', sad all the time, or depressed___.
6. Sometimes during these low phases, they feel hopeless or even suicidal___.
7. Their ability to function at work or socially is impaired___.
8. Typically, these low phases last for a few weeks, but sometimes they last only a few days___.
9. Individuals with this type of pattern may experience a period of 'normal' mood in between mood swings, during which their mood and energy levels feels 'right' and their ability to function is not disturbed___.
10. They may then notice a marked shift or 'switch' in the way they feel___.
11. Their energy increases above what is normal for them, and they often get many things done they would not ordinarily be able to do___.
12. Sometimes, during these 'high' periods, these individuals feel as if they have too much energy or feel 'hyper'___.
13. Some individuals, during these high periods, may feel irritable, 'on edge', or aggressive___.
14. Some individuals, during these high periods, take on too many activities at once___.
15. During these high periods, some individuals may spend money in ways that cause them trouble___.
16. They may be more talkative, outgoing, or sexual during these periods___.
17. Sometimes, their behaviour during these high periods seems strange or annoying to others___.
18. Sometimes, these individuals get into difficulty with co-workers or the police, during these high periods___.
19. Sometimes they increase their alcohol or non-prescription drug use during these periods___.

Now that you have read this passage, please tick one of the following four boxes:-

___This story fits me very well, or almost perfectly
___This story fits me fairly well
___This story fits me to some degree, but not in most respects
___This story doesn't really describe me at all


Now please go back and put a tick after each sentence (numbered 1-19 above) that definitely describes you.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scoring: each sentence ticked is worth one point. Then, to this score add the following (depending upon which of the above 4 boxes you ticked)

Add 6 points if you ticked "fits me very well or almost perfectly"
Add 4 points if you ticked "fits me fairly well"
Add 2 points if you ticked "fits me to some degree, but not in most respects"
Add 0 points if you ticked "doesn't really describe me at all"

Your total score _____

Likelihood of bipolar disorder
0-6 Highly unlikely
7-12 Low probability
13-19 Moderate probability
20-25 High probability

Optimum threshold for positive diagnosis: score of 13 or above

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