How to Use the MoodCheck Instrument
The MoodCheck questionnaire is a self-assessment tool designed to help individuals monitor their mood and identify potential symptoms of depression or mood disorders. Here’s a simple guide to using it effectively:
- Download or View Online: You can either download the PDF version of the MoodCheck using the button below or complete it directly online. It’s recommended to print and complete the PDF if you plan to share the results with a healthcare provider.
- Answer Honestly: Go through each question thoughtfully, responding based on how you’ve been feeling over the past two weeks. The questions are designed to assess various aspects of mood, such as sadness, energy levels, and sleep patterns.
- Score Your Results: Once you’ve finished the questionnaire, you can review your answers and calculate a score. This score provides an indication of whether you may be experiencing symptoms of depression or a related mood disorder.
- Review Interpretation Guidelines: After scoring, use the guidelines below to understand the significance of your score and determine whether it’s time to seek professional support.
- Consult a Provider: If your score indicates a potential mood disorder, it’s important to follow up with a healthcare provider. MoodCheck is not a diagnostic tool but can be a valuable starting point for a conversation with a mental health professional.
Using MoodCheck regularly can help you track changes in your mood and identify early signs of depression, allowing you to seek help promptly if needed.
Interpreting MoodCheck Results
Understanding your MoodCheck score is essential in determining the next steps. Here’s how to interpret the different score ranges:
High Scores
If your total score from Parts A and B is greater than 16, or if you have many circles in shaded boxes on the second page (especially dark grey ones), or a close relative with repeated depressions, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, then:
- Antidepressants are more likely to worsen your mood than if you had a low score.
- If you experience depression along with anxiety, anger, agitation, or attention problems, you could have a Mixed State depression, where antidepressants may cause or worsen your symptoms.
Medium Scores
If your total score from Parts A and B is between 10 and 16, and you have some but not many circles in shaded areas on Page 2 (especially few or no dark grey ones), then:
- You might be in the middle of the Mood Spectrum. Diagnoses from different providers may vary, and treatment recommendations might conflict.
- Consider whether to avoid antidepressants and instead explore mood stabilizers with antidepressant effects.
Low Scores
If your total score from Parts A and B is less than 10, you have few circles in shaded boxes (none in dark grey), and no close relative with repeated depressions, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, then:
- Antidepressants probably come with standard risks. It’s still important to learn about their benefits and risks before proceeding.
In-Between Scores
For those scoring between High and Medium, the treatment options are quite similar. If you’re right on the edge between Medium and Low, however, treatment choices can be tricky. Providers may have differing opinions on what’s best for you, so it’s essential to educate yourself about the options to actively participate in your treatment decisions.
Additional Resources
References
Parts A and B of the MoodCheck questionnaire are derived from the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS), which has undergone multiple validation studies. The family history section was also used in another validation study. The remaining MoodCheck questions come from the Bipolarity Index, which is validated as well. Key elements of this index include family history, age of onset, course of illness, and response to treatment.