Brief Description
The Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) is a brief six-item self-report assessment to screen for bipolar disorder I (BP-I). Around 70% of patients with BP-I are initially misdiagnosed, with an average delay of 5 to 10 years between the onset of symptoms and an accurate diagnosis. The most frequent misdiagnosis is major depressive disorder (MDD). Developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, the RMS is a screening tool that can help identify potential presence of BP-I by asking respondents about symptoms associated with hypomania and/or mania. As such, the tool is used across a variety of clinical settings with positive screens indicating the need for more comprehensive evaluation.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-report
Number of questions
6
Age Range for Administration
18+
Recommended Frequency of Administration
No recommended standard frequency, designed for use as a one-time screening tool.
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
The RMS contains 6 items that are scored with binary response options of “Yes” (1) or “No” (0). A total score is calculated by summing the item responses. A total score of 4 or above indicates a positive screen with high confidence in the presence of BP-I with an estimated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 80% or greater.
Blueprint Adjustments
Blueprint utilizes the clinical cut off of 4. Research indicates that total scores of 3 or more also suggest a higher likelihood of BP-I, as compared to MDD, although with lower specificity and accuracy.
Clinical Considerations
Estimated completion time: 2-3 minutes.
The RMS is particularly useful for assessing potential presence of BP-I for those with symptoms of MDD.
A positive screen on the RMS does not denote a diagnosis of BP-I; rather, it suggests the need for thorough clinical evaluation.
Citation
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