The 'real world' utility of a web-based bipolar disorder screening measure: a replication study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Previous research indicated high acceptance and improved outcomes with the Mood Swings Questionnaire (MSQ) for bipolar disorder screening.
• This study aimed to independently replicate those findings in a web-based sample.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the utility and effectiveness of the MSQ bipolar disorder screening measure.
• To assess outcomes for individuals screened by the MSQ, particularly those with confirmed diagnoses.

Main Methods:

• A web-based sample of 670 participants scoring above the MSQ cut-off (but without a prior bipolar diagnosis) provided data at baseline and 3 months.
• Data included depression, hypo/manic severity, quality of life, and functioning, along with subsequent actions taken.
• Participants were categorized into three groups: no action, action without diagnosis, and action with confirmed bipolar diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The MSQ was perceived as informative by participants, consistent with the initial study.
• All participant groups showed improvement in key measures.
• Individuals with a confirmed bipolar diagnosis following MSQ screening reported the greatest improvement.

Conclusions:

• The findings strongly align with the initial study, supporting the real-world utility of the MSQ for bipolar disorder screening.
• High acceptance and superior outcomes for diagnosed individuals reinforce the MSQ's value.
• Limitations include potential sample bias due to web-based recruitment and unestablished psychometric properties in this context.