Mood disorder self-assessment test

As we move through life, our emotional states change along with the inevitable ups and downs we all experience. For example, you might have a period of sadness or anger after an argument with your partner. This would be a natural reaction to your circumstances and not necessarily cause for concern. On the other hand, you might feel a burst of elation and excitement when something wonderful happens. For the most part, these highs and lows (and all the emotions in between) are natural parts of being human. 

People living with a mood disorder have a different emotional reality. Their highs and lows can be extreme and shift rapidly, causing an interruption in their ability to function. If you’re worried about your mood, know that you’re not alone and help is available. You can use the self-assessment quiz in this article to better understand yourself and learn when it might be time to seek professional help. 

What is a mood disorder?

Mood disorders are clinical mental health conditions that impact a person’s emotional state. People living with these conditions experience periods of sadness, irritability, anger, or euphoria that they can’t control. Of course, anyone can experience these emotions from time to time. But for people with mood disorders, there’s a disconnect between their emotional state and their lived experiences. For example, a person without a mood disorder might feel sad or hopeless after losing their job. But a person with a mood disorder might experience those feelings for extended periods, even without an activating event.  

Mood disorders aren’t just the result of the occasional bad mood. Like other mental health conditions, mood disorders impact functioning. While mood disorder symptoms can affect people in different ways, these conditions interrupt a person’s ability to live their daily lives. Left untreated, this can lead to problems in many important areas. But fortunately, these conditions are highly treatable with the right support.

20-question self-assessment mood disorder test

If you’re having trouble with your mood and you’re worried about your mental health, the best thing to do is talk to a mental health professional like a therapist. They can review your symptoms and provide an official evaluation to determine whether you have a mood disorder. Getting an accurate diagnosis is a critical first step in finding the right care for your needs. 

Please note that the self-assessment below is not a replacement for a professional evaluation. It’s not designed to diagnose you or take the place of treatment. However, answering these questions can help you identify mood patterns or symptoms that could indicate the presence of a mental health condition. 

1. In the past two weeks, have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?
2. Have you lost interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy?
3. Do you find it difficult to keep up with friendships or other social relationships?
4. Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep?
5. Do you feel like you can’t control the amount of time you sleep or like you sleep either too little or too much?
6. Do you feel tired or have little energy almost every day?
7. Do you often feel worthless or excessively guilty?
8. Do you have difficulty concentrating on tasks like reading the newspaper or watching television?
9. Have you had thoughts that you would be better off dead or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way?
10. Do you experience mood swings that significantly impact your daily life?
11. Do you feel unusually confident in your abilities?
12. Do you find yourself speaking faster than usual or feeling like you have to keep talking?
13. Do you engage in activities that are potentially harmful, like reckless driving or excessive spending?
14. Do you often feel extremely anxious or irritable?
15. Do you often find yourself jumping from one idea to another without a clear reason?
16. Do you often feel nervous, anxious, or on edge?
17. Do you easily get annoyed easily?
18. Do you feel excessively fearful that something awful might happen?
19. Have you noticed changes in your eating habits or appetite?
20. Do you feel detached from yourself or your surroundings?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, don’t hesitate to seek help. While mood disorders can be challenging to live with, they can be managed with therapy and, at times, medication.

Types of mood disorders

There are several different types of mood disorders. Some of the most common include:

• Major depressive disorder: Sometimes this is referred to as depression. This condition is marked by extended periods of low mood.
• Bipolar disorder: Like depression, bipolar disorder causes periods of low mood. But it also causes periods of heightened mood and high energy called manic episodes or mania.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Many people living in northern climates experience SAD during the dark, cold winter months. Although less common, some people experience SAD during the warm, sunny months of the year.
• Cyclothymic disorder: This less common mood disorder causes periods of high and low mood. It’s similar to bipolar disorder, but the shifts are less severe. 
• Dysthymia: This condition causes an extended period of low-level depression that lasts for at least two years.

What are the symptoms of mood disorders?

Everyone who has a mood disorder will have their own unique experience of the condition. However, there are some common symptoms to be aware of, including:

Symptoms of depressive disorders

• Feeling sad, hopeless, guilty, or worthless
• Thinking the world would be better off without you
• A loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Social isolation 
• Trouble concentrating or completing tasks
• Being easily agitated or irritable
• Constant fatigue or low energy levels
• Unexpected weight loss or gain
• Problems with appetite
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

• Experiencing both depressive moods and periods of elevated energy and elation (mania)
• Doing things that put yourself or others at risk
• Impulsivity
• Speaking rapidly and having trouble sitting still
• Sleeping less than usual without getting tired
• Feeling “on top of the world” or like no one can stop you
• Racing thoughts
• Becoming easily distracted or having trouble focusing
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Again, for someone with a mood disorder, these symptoms are severe enough to impact their daily lives in significant ways. They may negatively affect their ability to work, their relationships, or their ability to care for themselves or others.

What causes mood disorders?

We don’t fully understand all the causes of mood disorders yet. But research has revealed a few factors that may increase your risk:

• Genetics: If mood disorders run in your family, you might be more likely to have one as well.
• Brain chemicals: People living with mood disorders may have an imbalance of certain brain chemicals that help control emotion and behavior.
• Life experiences: Experiencing trauma or other stressful life events may contribute to the onset of a mood disorder. 

Find care with Rula

If your emotional state is impacting your daily life and you’re struggling to control your mood, it could be a sign that you’re living with a mood disorder. But fortunately, symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood conditions can be treated with the right support. 

At Rula, we know that finding the right providers to help you manage your mental health can feel like an overwhelming process. But whether you need therapy, medication, or both, we make it easy to connect with therapists and psychiatric providers who accept your insurance. 

When you’re ready, we invite you to explore our therapist-matching program. Once you select a provider, you can make your first appointment and begin receiving care from the comfort of home as soon as tomorrow. 

Get started with Rula