title: [The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ-NL), an instrument to improve recognition of bipolar disorder].
abstract: Bipolar disorderis underdiagnosed. On average there is a delay of about 12 years between the onset of symptoms and a correct diagnosis of the disorder. This delay may lead to inadequate treatment. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a screening instrument to improve the detection ofbipolar disorder. Research has shown that the English version of this self-administered questionnaire has sufficient reliability and validity. A Dutch version of the MDQ (MDQ-NL) is now available. The MDQ-NL is not time-consuming for both patient and investigator and is well suited for screening. A positive test should be followed by assessment of the patient by a psychiatrist. Application of the MDQ-NL will lead to better recognition and treatment of bipolar disorder in the Netherlands.
authors.affiliation: GGNet, locatie Zutphen, Molengracht 2a, Zutphen. d.postma@ggnet.nl
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Postma
authors.forename: P F J
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Schulte
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors