The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) (excerpt from "Why Am I still Depressed? by Jim Phelps, MD)
"The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnosis Scale gives an answer in terms of a range of possibilities and thus works well with a Mood Spectrum diagnostic model.
First, read the following paragraph all the way through, ignoring the blanks, then follow the instructions that appear afterwards.
Some individuals noticed that there mood and/or energy levels shift drastically from time to time________. These individuals notice that, at times, their mood and/or energy level is very low, and at other times, very high__________. 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 the things they need to do_______. They often put on weight during these periods_____. During their low phases, these individuals often feel "blue," sad all the time or depressed__________. Sometimes, during the low phases they feel helpless or even suicidal__________. Their ability to function at work or socially is impaired_____. Typically, the low phases last for a few weeks but sometimes they only last a few days_______. Individuals with this type of pattern may experience a period of normal mood in between mood swings during which their mood and energy levels feel right and their ability to function is not disturbed_____. They may then notice a marked shift or switch the way they feel________. Their energy increases above what is normal for them, and they often get many things done that they would not ordinarily be able to do____. Sometimes during those high periods, these individuals feel as if they have too much energy or feel hyper_______. Some individuals, during these high periods,may feel irritable, on edge or aggressive______. Some individuals, during the high periods, take on too many activities at once_______. During the high periods, some individuals may spend money in ways that cause them trouble_____. They may be more talkative, outgoing or sexual during these periods_____.
Sometimes, their behavior during these high periods seems strange or annoying to others______. Sometimes, these individuals get into difficulty with coworkers or police during these high periods______. Sometimes they increase their alcohol or nonprescription drug use during high periods______.
After you have read this passage, please decide which of the following is most accurate.
- This story fits me well, 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 go back through the paragraph and put a check mark after each sentence that accurately describes you. When you are done, total the number of check marks.
Add your total of check marks from the first 19 sentences. then add the following numbers
- This story fits me well, almost perfectly. (6)
- This story fits me fairly well. (4)
- This story fits me to some degree, but not in most respects. (2)
-This story doesn't really describe me at all. (0)
According to Dr. Ron Pies, who created this test, here's how to interpret your score.
19 or higher - bipolar spectrum disorder highly likely.
11-18 moderate possibility of bipolar spectrum disorder
6-10 low probability of bipolar spectrum disorder
<6 bipolar spectrum disorder very unlikely
For me, this quiz opened my eyes to things I had been struggling with my whole life. I was actually relieved that I finally had some idea on what was wrong, so I could then find a way to treat it. Now like I said before, this isn't the end all diagnosis quiz. There are some conditions that mimic bipolar disorder, some medications that produce similar symptoms and other medical conditions, that's why it's best to proceed with your doctor.
I'll post later about how I approached this with my doctor and how we developed a plan of treatment.
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