Anxiety and bipolar disorder can share symptoms, but they tend to follow different patterns over time.
This quiz can help you notice what shows up most often, but it’s not a diagnosis.
With the right care, it’s possible to better understand your symptoms and find support that fits your needs.
If you’ve been trying to figure out if your symptoms point to bipolar disorder or anxiety, this quick quiz can help you. While these conditions can share some overlapping symptoms, they tend to show up in distinct ways over time.
This quiz is for anyone who feels unsure about what they’re experiencing. You might notice shifts in mood, energy, or anxiety levels and want a clearer sense of what could be going on. And while this quiz isn’t a diagnosis or official evaluation, it can help you understand your patterns and take the next step toward support.
A note on safety: If you’re feeling unsafe or in immediate distress, please seek support right away. You can call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Self-test for anxiety or bipolar disorder
It can be hard to tell the difference between anxiety and bipolar disorder, especially when some symptoms overlap. This quiz is designed to help you notice patterns in your mood, energy, and thoughts over time.
Try to answer based on your typical experience over the past few weeks or months. There are no right or wrong answers.
1. I feel nervous, on edge, or unable to relax.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
2. I get stuck in cycles of worry or overthinking.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
3. I have trouble sleeping because my mind won’t slow down.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
4. I worry about many different things, even when there’s no clear reason.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
5. I feel tired or drained most of the time.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
6. I go through noticeable changes in mood and energy that feel different from my usual self.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
7. I have periods where I feel unusually energized, or “up,” compared to my usual self.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
8. I have times when I need much less sleep than usual but still feel energized the next day.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
9. During times when my energy feels unusually high, I act more impulsively or take risks I normally wouldn’t.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
10. I have periods where I feel very low, hopeless, or lose interest in things I usually enjoy.
A. 0 = Not at all
B. 1 = Sometimes
C. 2 = Often
D. 3 = Almost always
What your results may mean
Look at your answers as a whole, not just your total score.
If you answered “often” or “almost always” to more of questions 1–5, your experience may be more related to anxiety.
If you answered “often” or “almost always” to more of questions 6–10, you may be noticing mood patterns that are sometimes seen in bipolar disorder.
If both sets felt true, you may be experiencing a mix of symptoms.
This quiz is meant to help you notice patterns. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, talking with a mental health professional can help you better understand what’s going on and what support may be helpful.
How our bipolar disorder and anxiety quiz works
This quiz was developed by a mental health professional using the clinical criteria and common symptom patterns of anxiety and bipolar disorder. The questions are designed to reflect how these conditions tend to show up in real life, including both emotional and behavioral patterns.
This quiz can be a helpful starting point, but it’s not a diagnostic tool. Mental health conditions are complex, and symptoms can overlap. Only a licensed professional can provide an accurate diagnosis after a full assessment.
Because of this, you can’t self-diagnose anxiety or bipolar disorder based on a quiz alone. What you can do is use your results as a guide. If certain patterns stand out, it may be a sign to seek support. With the right help, it’s possible to better understand what you’re experiencing and find an approach that works for you.
Next steps for differentiating between the two
It can be hard to tell the difference between anxiety and bipolar disorder because some symptoms overlap, like racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and changes in mood. What makes the difference is the pattern over time. Anxiety tends to feel more constant, while bipolar disorder involves clearer shifts in mood and energy.
A diagnosis isn’t based on one symptom or one moment. Providers look at your history, how long symptoms last, and how they affect your daily life. They may ask about sleep, energy levels, mood changes, and behavior over time. In some cases, they use structured tools or questionnaires to better understand your symptoms.
It can take time to determine if it’s one condition or the other. Providers often look for clear patterns before making a diagnosis. For example, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder usually requires evidence of distinct periods of elevated mood or energy, not solely ongoing stress or worry. In some cases, both conditions can exist at the same time [1].
If you’re unsure what you’re experiencing, consider meeting with a licensed mental health professional. During your appointment, you can share your symptoms and any patterns you’ve noticed. You can also ask about any possible diagnoses and treatment options.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
A common pattern I see is when a spike in energy feels like relief from anxiety. Someone who’s been stuck in worry suddenly feels more focused, productive, and confident. It can seem like things are getting better. What stands out over time is the shift. Sleep needs drop, thoughts speed up, and the energy feels harder to pace. It’s not just improvement. It’s a different state.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
It can be hard to tell the difference between anxiety and bipolar disorder, especially when symptoms overlap. This quiz can help you notice patterns and take the next steps to get the support you deserve. Meeting with a licensed mental health professional can help you get an official evaluation, clarity on what you’re experiencing, and what care options are available to you.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6323556/
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
Rula’s editorial process
Rula’s editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
