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Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS)

Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) Test

Understand whether your mood patterns may fall on the bipolar spectrum in about 4 minutes. This 20 item check can spot subtle highs behind depression and help guide next steps in care.

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Questions: 204 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

20,834 views

2,909 completions

2,040 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

19/25

Bipolar Spectrum Disorders Scale (BSDS)

This scale screens for the likelihood and severity of symptoms consistent with bipolar spectrum disorders based on reported mood and energy patterns.

Low likelihood

Moderate likelihood

High likelihood

0 – 10: Low likelihood | 11 – 18: Moderate likelihood | 19 – 25: High likelihood

A score of 19 falls in the High likelihood range, indicating a stronger pattern of experiences associated with bipolar spectrum symptoms on this screening scale.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Depression with mood swings

41%OF USERS

People currently feeling depressed who also notice periodic bursts of energy, reduced need for sleep, or unusually upbeat or irritable phases want to see if it fits a broader mood pattern.

Unclear diagnosis seekers

34%OF USERS

People who have had shifting symptoms or mixed feedback from clinicians use the test to check for subtler bipolar-spectrum signs that don’t look like classic mania.

Family history concern

25%OF USERS

People with relatives who have bipolar disorder take it to understand their own mood history and whether they may be at risk.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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You’ll receive a structured, clinically-grounded explanation. Our AI analyzes patterns and relationships between scales to provide a coherent interpretation, without exaggerated language.

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See how your results compare to others. Anonymized platform data is used to create a percentile scale, which identifies whether your results are typical.

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You’ll receive clear, actionable guidance tailored to your profile. These easy-to-implement suggestions focus on coping, self-regulation, and realistic next steps.

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Insights

Get insights on behavioral and thought patterns you might not notice on your own. By uncovering subtle connections between your responses, you’ll better understand what may be driving your current results.

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Clarify, reflect, and explore your results right away. Talk through your experience, ask questions, and explore meanings in a calm, non-diagnostic dialogue.

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Used in 52+ countries

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See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Bipolar Spectrum Disorders Scale (BSDS)

Average

9.6

Normal range

5.1 — 14

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire screen for?

It screens for signs of bipolar spectrum conditions, including presentations that may not match classic mania or hypomania. It focuses on patterns of mood elevation, energy changes, and related history.

Who is this questionnaire intended for?

It is intended for adults who report depression, mood swings, or periods of increased energy or activity. It may also be used when past elevated symptoms were not previously recognized as clinically significant.

How long does it take and how many items are included?

Completion typically takes about 4 minutes. The questionnaire includes 20 items.

How should responses be selected?

Select the response that best matches typical patterns across time, not a single day. If uncertain, choose the option that most closely reflects the overall history.

How should the results be used?

Results are a screening indicator and do not confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Elevated scores support further clinical evaluation and may inform treatment planning.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) Test - Symptoms and Signs

bipolar disorder hypomania psychopathology

This measure is designed to screen for features of bipolar-spectrum conditions that may not fit classic presentations of mania or hypomania. The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) is typically used to help identify patterns of mood and energy fluctuation that may suggest bipolar-spectrum psychopathology.

The instrument includes 20 items and generally takes about 4 minutes to complete. It is intended to support clinical assessment by flagging possible historical or current symptoms (e.g., past periods of elevated mood or increased activity occurring alongside depressive episodes) that warrant further diagnostic evaluation. The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) was developed by Pies, R., and results should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive clinical interview and relevant collateral information.

Author: Pies, R.

Literature: Pies, R. W., Ghaemi, S. N., & colleagues. Sensitivity and specificity of a new bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2005.

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