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 cente r were administered screening questionnaires which measure impairment from abuse and mental symptomatology. Scores on Psychiatric Symptomatology and D epression were correlated with impairment associated with partner abuse. Im pairment was intermediate between those of a shelter sample and well-functi oning community sample. The importance of screening for impairment from par tner abuse in women seeking outpatient mental health care was emphasized.