Which screening tool is most commonly used to identify bipolar disorder?

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is the most commonly used screening tool for identifying bipolar disorder due to its specific focus on the symptoms and characteristics associated with this condition. The MDQ includes a series of questions designed to help patients identify past episodes of mania or hypomania, as well as depressive symptoms. The tool effectively captures the essential features of bipolar disorder, such as mood swings, increased activity levels, and other key indicators of manic episodes in conjunction with depressive episodes.

In contrast, the Beck Depression Inventory primarily assesses the severity of depressive symptoms and is less suited for identifying the manic components necessary for diagnosing bipolar disorder. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale is aimed at screening for generalized anxiety disorder and does not directly address the spectrum of mood disorders. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale evaluates the severity of anxiety symptoms but similarly lacks the focus needed to diagnose bipolar disorder, as it does not account for manic or hypomanic symptoms. Thus, the MDQ stands out as the appropriate tool for screening for bipolar disorder.