The Mood Cure Quiz's four-part mood-type questionnaire helps identify neurotransmitter imbalances by assessing mood symptoms linked to serotonin, catecholamines, GABA, and endorphin deficiencies. Developed by nutritional pioneer Julia Ross, this self-assessment tool categorizes symptoms into four distinct mood types: Under a Dark Cloud, Suffering from the Blues, Overwhelmed by Stress, and Too Sensitive to Life's Pain. Individuals that partake will be able to pinpoint potential biochemical causes of depression, anxiety, and mood instability without expensive testing. By scoring symptom groups and comparing results to cut-off thresholds, users can determine which neurotransmitter amino acids may address their specific emotional challenges. The questionnaire serves as a foundational diagnostic tool that guides personalized nutritional interventions outlined in Ross's “The Mood Cure” program.
What You Need to Know About the Mood Cure Quiz
- Four-Part Assessment: The questionnaire divides mood symptoms into four neurotransmitter-based categories to identify specific biochemical imbalances.
- Self-Scoring Method: Users check off relatable symptoms, total scores per section, and compare against cut-off thresholds provided.
- Amino Acid Guidance: Results point toward specific amino acid interventions (L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP, DLPA, L-Tyrosine, or GABA) most likely to support mood recovery.
- Non-Invasive Alternative: Eliminates need for expensive neurotransmitter testing while providing actionable nutritional direction
- Timeline: Most individuals see meaningful results within 3-12 months of consistent amino acid supplementation alongside whole-foods dietary changes.
Write down the number next to each symptom that you identify with. Total your score in each section and compare it to the cut-off score. If your score is over the cut-off, or if you have only a few of the symptoms described in a section, but they bother you (or those close to you) on a regular basis, turn to the chapter indicated.
Part 1: Are You Under a Dark Cloud?
Part 2: Are You Suffering From the Blues?
Part 3: Is Stress Your Problem?
Part 4: Are You Too Sensitive to Life’s Plan?
To take the test please visit: www.moodcure.com/Questionnaire.html
The Four Neurotransmitter-Based Mood Categories
| Mood Type | Primary Deficiency | Symptoms | Amino Acid Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under a Dark Cloud | Low Serotonin | Negativity, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, low self-esteem, irritability, sleep issues, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP |
| Suffering from the Blues | Low Catecholamines (Dopamine/Norepinephrine) | Apathy, low energy, poor concentration, fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty starting projects | L-Tyrosine, DLPA |
| Overwhelmed by Stress | Low GABA | Tension, inability to relax, oversensitivity to stimuli, difficulty unwinding, stress intolerance, physical restlessness | GABA, L-Theanine |
| Too Sensitive to Life's Pain | Low Endorphins | Heightened emotional and physical pain sensitivity, difficulty coping with loss, tendency to cry easily, pain intolerance, emotional reactivity | DPA, DLPA, Endorphin Support |
The TeraTech Perspective: Bridging Technology and Nutritional Mental Health
At TeraTech, we recognize that modern professionals (developers, engineers, and tech workers) face unique mental health pressures stemming from high-stress work environments, burnout, and biochemical imbalances often masked by heavy workloads. The Mood Cure Quiz offers tech teams a science-backed, non-pharmaceutical foundation for understanding mood dysfunction before it escalates into career-threatening depression or anxiety. Our approach integrates nutritional assessment with workplace wellness initiatives, viewing mood optimization as essential infrastructure for sustainable high performance. We discuss this intersection across our CF Alive podcast featuring mental health experts; our blog posts on programmer burnout prevention, and community-driven resources like the CF Alive Inner Circle, spaces where developers openly address mental health without stigma. Understanding your mood type through the questionnaire empowers informed decisions about both supplementation and lifestyle changes that sustain long-term cognitive function.
FAQs About the Mood Cure Questionnaire
What are the four parts of the Mood Cure Quiz and what do they measure?
The Mood Cure Quiz divides mood assessment into four neurotransmitter-based categories: (1) “Under a Dark Cloud” measures serotonin deficiency symptoms including negativity, anxiety, and obsessive thinking; (2) “Suffering from the Blues” evaluates catecholamine deficiency markers like apathy and low energy; (3) “Overwhelmed by Stress” assesses GABA deficiency signs such as tension and inability to relax; and (4) “Too Sensitive to Life's Pain” identifies endorphin deficiency through emotional/physical pain sensitivity. Each section contains specific symptom lists that users score individually.
How do I score the Mood Cure Quiz and what do the results mean?
Users mark symptoms they identify with in each of the four sections, total the points per section, and compare their score against cut-off thresholds provided in the questionnaire. Scores exceeding the cut-off for a particular mood type indicate that neurotransmitter deficiency is likely contributing to mood challenges. For example, a serotonin score over 12 suggests exploring Chapter 3 guidance for low-serotonin interventions. Documenting Hope's analysis emphasizes that even a few bothersome symptoms warrant attention – scores don't have to exceed thresholds for nutritional support to be beneficial if symptoms are causing regular distress.
Which amino acids address each mood type identified by the questionnaire?
Low serotonin (Under a Dark Cloud) responds best to L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP, with 5-HTP typically requiring fewer conversion steps in the body. Low catecholamines (Suffering from the Blues) improve with L-Tyrosine or DLPA (D-Phenylalanine), which boost dopamine and norepinephrine. Low GABA (Overwhelmed by Stress) often benefits from direct GABA supplementation or L-Theanine for a gentler calming effect. Low endorphins (Too Sensitive to Life's Pain) may improve with DPA or DLPA supplementation. MoodHealing.com research by Dr. Josh Friedman demonstrates that amino acid effectiveness depends heavily on precise dosing: too low produces no effect, while too high can trigger reversal reactions, making consultation with a practitioner familiar with amino acid therapy essential.
How long does it typically take to see results from amino acid supplementation guided by the quiz?
Most individuals notice initial improvements in mood symptoms within 1-3 weeks of starting appropriate amino acid therapy at correct dosing levels, though optimal neurochemical rebalancing typically requires 3-12 months of consistent supplementation. Documenting Hope notes that Julia Ross found clients require approximately 10 weeks of nutritional changes for results to “really stick,” and sustained supplementation may continue for three to twelve months depending on severity and individual biochemistry. Results accelerate when amino acids combine with dietary improvements (eliminating refined foods, increasing protein intake, adding whole vegetables and quality fats) and lifestyle modifications addressing sleep, stress, and exercise.
Can I take the Mood Cure Quiz if I'm currently on antidepressant medications?
You can complete the Mood Cure Quiz for self-assessment purposes while taking antidepressants, but you should not start amino acid supplementation without consulting a healthcare provider trained in nutritional psychiatry or amino acid therapy. Certain amino acids (particularly L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP) can interact with SSRIs and other psychiatric medications, potentially causing serotonin syndrome or reducing medication effectiveness. MoodHealing.com explicitly warns: “If you are on an antidepressant medication, don't take either of these supplements without consulting with a trained professional skilled in Amino Acid Therapy.” A qualified practitioner can assess your current medication regimen and develop a safe, coordinated plan if transitioning toward or integrating nutritional support.
