Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) Test

In about 7 minutes, it helps reveal past hypomanic episodes that may point to bipolar II behind depression. Quick 33-item screen supports better diagnosis and treatment decisions, reducing missed bipolar patterns.

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Questions: 337 minutes

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October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

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Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

18/33

Hypomania Scale (HS)

Measures the presence of past hypomanic symptoms to help screen for possible Bipolar II in people with recurrent depression.

Low likelihood

Elevated likelihood

0 – 16: Low likelihood | 17 – 33: Elevated likelihood

A score of 18 falls in the Elevated likelihood range, indicating more hypomanic features endorsed and an increased likelihood of Bipolar II compared with lower scores.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Depression with mood swings

41%OF USERS

People already diagnosed with depression who notice periodic bursts of energy or unusually good mood and want to check for past hypomanic episodes.

Recurrent depression cases

34%OF USERS

People with repeated depressive episodes or unstable responses to antidepressants who are exploring whether bipolar II could be involved.

Clinician-led screening visits

25%OF USERS

Patients completing a brief questionnaire at a mental health appointment to help their clinician clarify diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

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

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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.

Hypomania Scale (HS)

Average

15.3

Normal range

9.7 — 21

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 assess?

It screens for past hypomanic symptoms in people with recurrent depressive episodes. Results help determine whether bipolar disorder type II should be considered.

Who is this questionnaire intended for?

It is intended for individuals with a current or past diagnosis of depression when periodic mood shifts are reported or suspected. It is used as a screening tool, not as a stand-alone diagnosis.

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

Completion typically takes about 7 minutes. It contains 33 items.

How should items be answered?

Mark each item based on whether the described change has occurred during periods of elevated mood or increased energy. Answer based on typical past experiences, not on a single unusual day.

How are results used in clinical care?

A positive screen indicates the need for a focused clinical interview about hypomania and mood course. Results can guide diagnostic clarification and treatment planning, including medication choices.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) Test - Symptoms and Signs

bipolar disorder depression hypomania psychopathology

This checklist is a brief self-report measure designed to screen for a lifetime history of hypomanic symptoms in individuals presenting with depressive symptoms. The Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) is commonly used to support differential consideration of bipolar spectrum conditions, particularly bipolar II disorder, when recurrent depression or mood variability is reported.

It consists of 33 items and typically takes about 7 minutes to complete. Items assess characteristic changes in mood, energy, activity, and related behaviors during periods of elevated or increased activation, with results intended to inform clinical interview and diagnostic formulation rather than serve as a standalone diagnosis.

The Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) was developed by J. Angst and H. S. Akiskal. In clinical settings, it may be used to guide follow-up questions about past hypomanic episodes and to help clarify treatment planning when hypomania may not have been previously recognized.

Author: H. S. Akiskal, J. Angst

Literature: Angst, J., Adolfsson, R., Benazzi, F., Gamma, A., Hantouche, E., Meyer, T. D., Skeppar, P., Vieta, E., & Scott, J. The Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32): A self-assessment tool for hypomanic symptoms in outpatients. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2005.; Hirschfeld, R. M. A., Williams, J. B. W., Spitzer, R. L., Calabrese, J. R., Flynn, L., Keck, P. E., Lewis, L., McElroy, S. L., Post, R. M., Rapport, D. J., Russell, J. M., Sachs, G. S., & Zajecka, J. Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2000.; Forty, L., Smith, D., Jones, L., Jones, I., Caesar, S., Fraser, C., Gordon-Smith, K., & Craddock, N. Identifying hypomanic features in major depressive disorder using the hypomania checklist (HCL-32). Journal of Affective Disorders. 2009.; Feng, Y., Xiang, Y.-T., Huang, W., Wang, G., Feng, L., Tian, T.-F., Geng, Y., Ungvari, G. S., Chiu, H. F. K., Tse, A. W. Y., & Angst, J. The 33-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33): A new self-completed screening instrument for bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016.

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