Full Form of MDQ

What is MDQ?

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a self-report screening tool designed to identify individuals who may have bipolar spectrum disorder. It consists of 13 yes/no questions based on the DSM-IV criteria, covering symptoms such as elevated mood, irritability, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behaviour. In India, the MDQ is increasingly used in psychiatric clinics, general hospitals, and community mental health programmes to flag potential bipolar disorder, especially where access to full diagnostic interviews is limited. It is typically administered by mental health professionals or researchers during initial assessments. The MDQ is not a diagnostic instrument but helps decide whether a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is needed. Its brevity and simplicity make it suitable for busy outpatient settings and epidemiological studies across Indian populations. The questionnaire has been validated in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali, enhancing its utility in diverse clinics. For medical students and psychiatry residents preparing for exams like NEET PG and the DNB Psychiatry final, understanding the MDQ’s structure and cutoff scores is essential for interpreting screening results. While the MDQ is widely used, its sensitivity and specificity vary by population, so clinicians in India interpret scores cautiously, considering cultural expressions of mood symptoms. Overall, the MDQ is a practical first-step tool that supports early detection and referral in India’s expanding mental healthcare landscape.

MDQ का फुल फॉर्म

Example

During the outpatient psychiatric consultation, the doctor asked the patient to fill the MDQ to rule out bipolar disorder before starting antidepressants.

MDQ — frequently asked questions