How Accurate Is An Online Bipolar Quiz?

Let's imagine for a second that you believe you might have bipolar disorder because of some signs or symptoms typically associated with the mental health condition. If you are like many people who grew up with the internet, your first instinct might be to scour it in search of answers. There is a lot of information about the condition on the internet. You may even come across an online bipolar disorder quiz.

Before considering whether to take one of these quizzes, it's important to consider the accuracy and reliability of this type of test. Sometimes, an online quiz can provide insight as a sign or symptom assessment, but it should not be used as a definitive diagnosis. 

In this article, we will explain what the bipolar questionnaire is for and whether or not you should trust its results.

How do professionals diagnose bipolar disorder?

Typically, bipolar disorder must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional (e.g., a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care physician). If an individual believes they’re experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, a medical or mental health professional can administer a screening test, perform medical evaluations, and ask questions about the person’s life and medical history. They may prompt the individual to describe the development of potential bipolar symptoms, talk about medications they’re currently prescribed, and discuss symptoms of any other mental health condition they’ve experienced. They may also ask about the person’s usual sleep quality, sex drive, stress levels, and use of substances (e.g., nicotine, alcohol, or drugs). 

Once the professional has performed their evaluation, they can determine whether an individual’s symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for one of the bipolar disorders. The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) outlines the criteria that must be fulfilled for a diagnosis. If the individual’s symptoms meet the criteria, the professional may then provide a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options. 

Considerations when taking a bipolar test online 

A bipolar disorder test can help an individual better understand the severity and frequency of potential manic or depressive symptoms. Rising numbers of people are using online bipolar quizzes to help them identify and manage their mental health, but are these tests accurate? There are a lot of factors that play into the accuracy and credibility of the online bipolar disorder test that you are taking. It is important to reiterate that online screening tests are not diagnostic tools, which is why sites that provide them typically disclaim liability for any actions taken because of their completion. If you complete a screener online, a mental health professional can help you interpret its results and determine how to proceed.

Here are some factors that will affect the reliability of the online quiz:

The quality and reliability of the website where the quiz is found

Although a quick Google search with the question “Am I bipolar?” will yield plenty of results, not all of those results will be reliable. Not every website listed is relevant or trustworthy. You can verify the credibility of the websites you view through research and looking for evidence-based findings. Learn more about bipolar disorder from credible websites, such as the APA, which will yield much better results in terms of accuracy than tests from non-medical sources.

Your responses to the questions on the quiz

When taking a screening test for bipolar disorder, answering each question carefully can be challenging if you are uncertain about your symptoms. If you are unsure about what feelings may be associated with mania, for instance, you may not be able to answer a question about manic episodes. A lack of knowledge about the more nuanced features of bipolar disorder may prevent you from determining whether your symptoms match those of a typical bipolar disorder.

It is important to remember that you do not have to take the quiz results at face value. If you feel like specific questions and answers were unclear or didn't reflect how you feel, it may be better to rely on your understanding of your emotions and behaviors rather than on the quiz results.

The scope, depth, and presentation of the questions

There may be differences in how questions are phrased or presented in each quiz. For example, some quizzes may ask a simple yes/no question about whether you have experienced certain symptoms. In contrast, others may ask more detailed questions to understand your symptoms better.

When evaluating quiz results, it is important to consider the scope and depth of questions. If the questions do not provide enough detail to reflect your symptoms accurately, you may want to seek professional help from a mental health provider.

Bipolar disorder – Overview of the mental health condition

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that comprises a range of symptoms and types, including Bipolar I, II, and Cyclothymia. People with bipolar disorder typically experience shifts between periods of high and low mood. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can impact an individual’s mental health, physical well-being, and ability to function. While bipolar disorder typically develops in adolescents and young adults, it can also occur in children.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is a disorder in which affected individuals will typically deal with manic episodes that can last seven days or more or can feature symptoms so severe that immediate hospitalization is required. These manic episodes alternate with depressive episodes that typically last two weeks or more. Sometimes, people with bipolar I disorder will experience depressive episodes that feature manic symptoms.

Manic symptoms are defined as:

• Feeling extremely high or elated (not as a result of substance use)

• Feeling very energetic and having increased activity levels that aren't typical

• Feeling as though you are jumpy or as if you had drunk many energy drinks

• Experiencing trouble sleeping

• Talking fast and cycling through topics

• Becoming agitated or irritable

• Feeling as though your thoughts are racing

• Engaging in risky behaviors

• Feeling as though you can take on multiple tasks or projects at once

Depressive symptoms are defined as:

• Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless

• Feeling fatigued and having little energy to do anything

• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too little or too much

• Experiencing no enjoyment in any activity

• Feeling anxious

• Having trouble concentrating and forgetting things easily

• Overeating or under-eating

• Thinking about suicide or becoming preoccupied with death

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder is a disorder in which someone will experience a pattern of alternating manic and depressive episodes but not to the degree that one would experience with Bipolar I disorder. Those with Bipolar II disorder can often function more readily in their daily lives because of the reduced severity of symptoms. However, this is not to say that there aren’t still challenges.

Cyclothymic disorder

If you are familiar with dysthymia, you may have a clue as to what cyclothymia is. Cyclothymic disorder is a disorder that is characterized by the alternating of many manic episodes and depressive episodes that occurs for two years or more. These symptoms will be more manageable and may not be as noticeable to some people as they carry on with their day-to-day lives, which is why this disorder may go unnoticed for some time until people reach out for help for depressive symptoms or other mental health conditions.

Bipolar disorder with various specifiers

The first two types of bipolar disorder are the most common. Still, other types of bipolar disorders have varying qualities known as specifiers. Some of the most common specifiers include:

• Bipolar disorder, with mixed features, is a disorder in which manic symptoms are experienced simultaneously with depressive symptoms.

• Bipolar disorder with melancholic features is a disorder in which one cannot experience pleasure; this concern makes up the bulk of the problem.

• Bipolar disorder with psychotic features, a bipolar disorder experienced along with issues such as hallucinations, delusions, or irrational beliefs.

• Bipolar disorder with anxious distress, in which symptoms of anxiety are featured.

• Bipolar disorder, with catatonia, is a complex form of bipolar disorder in which an individual will become frozen in random poses or engage in repetitive behaviors that serve no purpose.

• Bipolar disorder with seasonal patterns is a type of bipolar disorder that occurs during an individual's specific time of year.

• Bipolar disorder with atypical features is a type of bipolar disorder in which they do not portray the standard features associated with their episodes (for example, sleeping less or eating more with depression).

Remember that there are various variations within the disorder and the symptoms experienced, and they may not all be listed here. This article may help you better understand ‌bipolar disorder and how it can impact you and interact with other mental health issues. Still, it should not be considered an exhaustive catalog of all bipolar and bipolar-related disorders.

Treatment for bipolar disorder

Typically, bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are commonly utilized types of medication for bipolar disorder. These medications can reduce the severity of mood swings, alleviate cognitive impairments, and improve an individual’s ability to manage their emotions. Certain medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, may make manic symptoms worse. Always consult with a healthcare professional prior to starting or stopping any medication. 

There are also several forms of psychotherapy that are used to treat symptoms of mania and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and family-focused therapy are considered effective modalities for bipolar disorder. Through psychotherapy, a mental health professional can provide an individual with emotional support, guidance, and helpful tools as they navigate this disorder. 

Therapy can help

If you want to take the first step but need help knowing where to start, online therapy is a convenient way to get professional help. BetterHelp is an online counseling platform designed to make the therapy process easier by quickly connecting certified counselors to patients on the web so that users can get treatment on a flexible schedule and from the comfort of their homes. 

Online therapy has been the focus of many studies in recent years. The National Center for Disease Research analyzed dozens of studies on the efficacy of online therapy. They found that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating various concerns and conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.