Unlike the occasional moodiness we all experience sometimes, bipolar disorder is a clinical mental health condition that typically requires professional help.
Bipolar disorder causes ongoing, extreme shifts in mood. It involves going from a “high” or euphoric state (called a manic or hypomanic episode) to a period of low or depressed mood (called a depressive episode).
While the quiz in this article can help you learn more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is not a replacement for a professional evaluation. If you’re concerned about your mood, a mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Most people experience mood changes from time to time. This could be the result of stress, shifting hormones, or many other internal or external factors. These changes might be uncomfortable, but they will typically resolve on their own with a bit of self-care. However, there are times when repeated, significant mood shifts could be a sign of an underlying medical or mental health concern.
Bipolar disorder is a clinical mental health condition that causes major shifts in mood that negatively impact a person’s ability to function in their daily lives. While only licensed mental health professionals can provide an official diagnosis of bipolar disorder, learning more about some common signs and symptoms can help you feel more informed and empowered as you seek treatment.
Are you experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Do you experience extreme mood swings that others don’t seem to experience?
Signs of bipolar disorder to watch for
One of the main symptoms of bipolar disorder is a major shift in mood that goes back and forth between extremes. There are “highs” known clinically as mania or hypomania. During these episodes, a person living with bipolar disorder will have bursts of energy and motivation. They may seem irritable or “jumpy” and may engage in unsafe behaviors, have trouble sleeping, and appear more talkative or distracted than usual.
However, these periods of euphoria will only last until a depressive episode or “low” occurs. During depressive episodes, a person living with bipolar disorder will typically feel sad, hopeless, or worthless. They may experience fatigue, have a decreased appetite, prefer to spend time alone, and experience a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Depressive episodes can also cause trouble with motivation, insomnia, and concentration. In severe cases, these episodes can cause thoughts of suicide.*
*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call or text 988 on any phone for the Suicide & Crisis lifeline, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. Any of these resources will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away. For more information on getting help, go to 988lifeline.org
If experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
How professionals test for bipolar disorder
One of the first steps in finding relief from the symptoms of any mental health condition is receiving an accurate diagnosis. This is because the best treatment will vary by condition.
If you’re concerned that you or someone you care about might be living with bipolar disorder, start by seeking an evaluation from a therapist, psychiatrist, or other provider. They will talk to you about your history and get context on your family, social situation, medical background, and mental health. They will also ask you how your mood has changed over time. This information will help them determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder.
Since certain medical conditions can also cause mood shifts, your provider may ask you to see your physician or complete blood work to rule out other potential conditions.
Differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2
Each person with bipolar disorder will have their own unique experience with the condition. However, the length and severity of a manic or depressive episode will depend on the type of bipolar disorder a person has.
Bipolar I disorder causes both depressive and manic episodes. Manic episodes typically last for at least seven days, nearly every day for most of the day. Depressive episodes typically last at least two weeks.
Bipolar II disorder is similar to bipolar I disorder. But it causes a less severe pattern of manic episodes, called hypomanic episodes, followed by depressive episodes.
Cyclothymia is a condition that involves repeated hypomanic and depressive episodes that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to justify a bipolar I or bipolar II diagnosis.
Next steps for assessing bipolar disorder
If you think you may have bipolar disorder, the next step is to talk with a healthcare professional. A diagnosis can take time because bipolar disorder shares symptoms with other mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety. A thorough evaluation can help ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Find a mental health provider. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the next steps.
Track your symptoms. Keep a journal of changes in your mood, energy, sleep, and daily functioning. This information can help your provider identify patterns over time.
Learn healthy coping skills. Regular sleep, stress management, exercise, and a consistent routine can help support mood stability. While these strategies aren't a substitute for treatment, they can be an important part of recovery.
Explore treatment options. Bipolar disorder is commonly treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Your provider can help you create a treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.
Build a support system. Trusted friends, family members, or support groups can provide encouragement and help you stay connected throughout treatment.
With the right treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder learn to manage their symptoms and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Bipolar disorder questionnaire
When it comes to receiving an accurate diagnosis for any mental health condition, there is no replacement for a professional evaluation. You should not use the following quiz to diagnose bipolar disorder. And it should not act as a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. Rather, it can help you gain insight into how your mood changes might be affecting your mental health.
It’s also worth noting that many of the following questions* describe symptoms of many different mental health conditions. We encourage you to use your responses to help you have a productive conversation with your therapist or medical provider about finding the best treatment for your needs.
Do you experience extreme mood swings that others don’t seem to experience?
Have you had episodes of feeling excessively high or euphoric?
Do you go through phases where you feel very down or depressed?
Have these mood swings caused issues in your personal or professional life?
Do you find your energy levels changing significantly over time?
Are there times when you feel unusually irritable or aggressive?
Do you have periods of time when you need significantly less sleep?
Have you engaged in risky or impulsive behaviors during these mood swings?
Does your self-esteem fluctuate dramatically?
Are there times when you feel an unusual increase in talkativeness or speed of thoughts?
Do you experience phases of increased creativity or productivity?
Have you had difficulties in maintaining long-term relationships?
Do you notice significant changes in your appetite or weight during these phases?
Have you ever felt a sense of detachment from reality during mood swings?
Do you find it difficult to concentrate or stay focused?
Have you experienced recurring thoughts of death or suicide?
Do these mood changes come with anxiety or panic attacks?
Do you have a family history of bipolar disorder?
Have family and friends told you that you act like a different person depending on your mood?
Do you feel that these mood swings are out of your control?
*Quiz content written by Lolly Coleman, MS, LMFT.
Interpreting your quiz results
This quiz was created by a licensed mental health professional to help you reflect on symptoms that may be associated with bipolar disorder. Your results are based on the number of times you answered “yes.”
Count how many times you answered “yes.” Then use the ranges below to better understand your results. Remember that this quiz is a starting point for self-reflection, not a diagnosis.
0–3 “yes” answers: Your responses suggest you may not be experiencing many symptoms commonly associated with bipolar disorder. If changes in your mood or energy are still affecting your daily life, it may be helpful to talk with a mental health professional.
4–7 “yes” answers: Your responses suggest you may be experiencing some symptoms that are seen in bipolar disorder or another mental health condition. A mental health professional can help determine what’s contributing to your symptoms.
8–10 “yes” answers: Your responses suggest you may be experiencing several symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Consider scheduling an evaluation with a mental health professional. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding the treatment that’s right for you.
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Many people worry that having big emotions means they have bipolar disorder, but mood swings alone aren’t enough for a diagnosis. What sets bipolar disorder apart is that the mood changes are intense, last for a period of time, and affect daily life. Fortunately, seeking professional support can help you understand what you’re experiencing.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, taking a self-assessment is a good first step. This can help you reflect on your thoughts and behaviors and how they impact your daily life. Then, it’s best to meet with a qualified mental health provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to help you effectively manage symptoms.
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.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Micaela Gonzalez, LMFT
Micaela has worked in both outpatient and residential mental health treatment programs and has experience working with co-occurring substance use and severe mental health conditions.
Micaela is passionate about working in mental health because mental health concerns impact everyone at some point in life, and she believes it’s important to have non-judgmental spaces to explore the difficulties that come up in life. She loves traveling to new places, experimenting with new recipes, and cuddling with her kitty.
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