Hypomania Check

HCL-32 (Hypomania Checklist — 32 items)

⏱ 5–7 min 32 questions Free · Private

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About this check

The HCL-32 looks at "high" periods in more detail than the MDQ. It asks about 32 specific experiences that can happen when mood is elevated — energy, creativity, sociability, risk-taking, irritability — and whether these have been part of your life at times when you felt different from your usual self.

Important: This is a screener. Because the HCL-32 is more sensitive than the MDQ, many people with ADHD, cyclothymia, or simply high baseline energy score above the cutoff. A psychiatric interview is needed for diagnosis.

What your score means

Below screening threshold · score 0–13

Your score is below 14 of 32 — the cutoff research suggests best distinguishes bipolar-II from unipolar depression. This makes a bipolar-spectrum pattern less likely.

Positive screen · score 14–32

Your score is at or above 14 — the cutoff associated with bipolar-spectrum patterns. This is a sensitive screen: many non-bipolar conditions can also score here. The distinction matters because bipolar depression often responds differently to medication than unipolar depression.

How it works

Answer each question thinking about "high" periods in your life — times when you felt more up, more energetic, or more "on" than usual.

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If you are in crisis: Please call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24/7, many Indian languages) or 112 for emergencies. You can also reach iCall, Vandrevala Foundation, or AASRA.