What screening tool is used for assessing bipolar disorder?

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire is specifically designed to assess bipolar disorder. It consists of a series of questions that help identify symptoms indicative of both manic and depressive episodes, which are crucial for a proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This screening tool allows clinicians to capture the cyclical nature of mood disorders, including the distinguishing features of mania and depression that are characteristic of bipolar disorder.

The other options serve different purposes. The Beck Depression Inventory is primarily used to measure the severity of depressive symptoms and is not specifically tailored for bipolar disorder. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression is a comprehensive assessment tool for depression severity but lacks the capability to evaluate manic symptoms. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for major depressive disorder and does not address the specific symptomatology of bipolar disorder. Hence, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire stands out as the appropriate tool for assessing bipolar disorder.