Quickly Screens for psychological impairment associated with domestic abuse
John R. McNamara, Ph. D., ABPP

• Age Range: 18 years and older
• Time: 10 minutes or less, self-report

The Abuse Disability Questionnaire (ADQ) is a psychological, self-report screening test designed to assess both the extent of partner abuse and its associated consequences. These consequences may create a disabling or impairing psychological perspective that affects the way life is viewed, evaluated and lived.

Easily incorporated into intake procedures at most types of human service organizations, the ADQ is a brief, easy-to-use self-report screener, which can be completed by individuals with only an elementary school education. While not intended to provide a comprehensive psychological assessment of abuse, the ADQ gives an indication of the amount of the abuse and its effect on a number of life areas. This valuable information can then be immediately used to identify and provide appropriate psychological, social and psychiatric client services.

The 30 ADQ items cover eight subscales:

1. Relationship Disability
2. Psychological Dysfunction
3. Substance Abuse
4. Anxiety
5. Life Restriction
6. Health Status Issues
7. Inadequate Life Control
8. Concern with Physical Harm

Responses on these items determine the level of impairment:

• Low — No major personality problems or psychological problems present. The individual is able to function in life roles such as wife, mother, worker, etc.
• Mild — Does not view life positively. Strain may be evidenced in coping with everyday life issues. Adjustment disorders and depression may be seen.
• Moderate — Life is viewed negatively. Strain may cause temporary disruption in activities such as absences from work or sleeping all day. The presence of a psychiatric condition is likely.
• Severe — Life is viewed as quite negative. A complete cessation of activities may occur. The presence of a psychiatric condition is very likely.

The complete ADQ includes a Manual and 50 Questionnaire/Profile Forms.