Is the Mood Disorder Questionnaire an appropriate screening tool in detecting bipolar spectrum disorder among substance use populations?

Abstract

Background: Bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD) has been shown to be difficult to assess in general and is further complicated by the presence of substance use disorder (SUD). Objective: To review the specificity of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in detecting BSD among substance abusers. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted using 183 SUD patients who were screened using the MDQ and later assessed by a psychiatrist specializing in BSD. Results: Among SUD patients scoring positive results on the MDQ for the presence of BSD, the BSD diagnosis could only be confirmed in 23% of the sample by an expert psychiatrist. Conclusions: The MDQ reports low specificity in detecting BSD among SUD populations. Scientific Significance: Physicians should question individuals on substance use behaviors if BSD is suspected due to high rates of comorbidity and diagnostic challenges.

• bipolar spectrum disorder
• substance use disorders
• Mood Disorder Questionnaire
• diagnosis

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

SP is holder of a researcher scholarship from the Fonds de recherche en Santé du Québec.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.