Use of the Abuse Disability Questionnaire in screening a clinical outpatient sample of women

A sample of 50 women who sought services at a community mental health center were administered screening questionnaires which measure impairment from abuse and mental symptomatology. Scores on Psychiatric Symptomatology and Depression were correlated with impairment associated with partner abuse. Impairment was intermediate between those of a shelter sample and well-functioning community sample. The importance of screening for impairment from partner abuse in women seeking outpatient mental health care was emphasized.