Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale
Instructions:
1. Please read through the entire passage below before filling in any blanks.
Some individuals notice that their mood and/or energy levels shift drastically from time to time___. These individuals notice that, at times, their mood and/or energy level is very low, and at other times, very high___. During their ‘‘low’’ phases, these individuals often feel a lack of energy; a need to stay in bed or get extra sleep; and little or no motivation to do things they need to do___. They often put on weight during these periods___. During their low phases, these individuals often feel ‘‘blue’’, sad all the time, or depressed___. Sometimes, during these low phases, they feel hopeless or even suicidal___. Their ability to function at work or socially is impaired___. Typically, these low phases last for a few weeks, but sometimes they last only a few days___.
Individuals with this type of pattern may experience a period of ‘‘normal’’ mood in between mood swings, during which their mood and energy level feels ‘‘right’’ and their ability to function is not disturbed___. They may then notice a marked shift or ‘‘switch’’ in the way they feel___.
Their energy increases above what is normal for them, and they often get many things done they would not ordinarily be able to do___. Sometimes, during these ‘‘high’’ periods, these individuals feel as if they have too much energy or feel ‘‘hyper’’___. Some individuals, during these high periods, may feel irritable, ‘‘on edge’’, or aggressive___. Some individuals, during these high periods, take on too many activities at once___.
During these high periods, some individuals may spend money in ways that cause them trouble___. They may be more talkative, outgoing, or sexual during these periods___. Sometimes, their behavior during these high periods seems strange or annoying to others___. Sometimes, these individuals get into difficulty with co-workers or the police, during these high periods___. Sometimes, they increase their alcohol or non-prescription drug use during these high periods___.
2. Now that you have read this passage, please check one of the following four boxes:
( ) This story fits me very well, or almost perfectly
( ) This story fits me fairly well
( ) This story fits me to some degree, but not in most respects
( ) This story does not really describe me at all
3. Now please go back and put a check after each sentence that definitely describes you.
The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale BSDS Scoring:
Each sentence checked is worth 1 point. Add 6 points for ‘‘fits me very well,’’ 4 points for ‘‘fits me fairly well,’’ and 2 points for ‘‘fits me to some degree.’’ 0 points for “this story does not really describe me at all.”
Total Score Likelihood of Bipolar Disorder (from Ghaemi)
0 – 6 Highly unlikely
7 – 12 Low risk
13– 19 Moderate risk
20– 25 High risk
Optimum threshold for positive diagnosis: score of 13 or above.
Sensitivity to Bipolar I & II: .75
Specificity in unipolar depressed outpatients: .93
Diagnostic Likelihood for Positive (DLR+): 10.7
Diagnostic Likelihood for Positive (DLR+): .27
Reference: Ghaemi, S. N., Miller, C. J., Berv, D. A., Klugman, J., Rosenquist, K. J., & Pies, R. W. (2005). Sensitivity and specificity of a new bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale. Journal of Affective Disorders, 84(2-3), 273-277.