Leeds Dependence Questionnaire

Summary

Substance dependence assessment / outcome evaluation questionnaire. Available in pencil-and-paper self-administered and interview formats.

The LDQ measures substance dependence. The instrument is capable of measuring change in dependence and can therefore be used to follow treatment progress and evaluate treatment outcomes. The LDQ measures dependence in abstinent patients. The LDQ has been validated for use with alcohol and heroin users and smokers, as well as with adults and young adults. The instrument is sensitive to mild and moderate levels of dependence and so can be helpful in determining treatment goals. The LDQ has been used with male and female patients and patients with mental illness problems who have dual diagnosis.

In clinical settings, the LDQ can serve as a diagnostic measure of the severity of dependence, an important measure in determining treatment goals, and as a treatment outcome measure that works with abstinent patients. In terms of research applicability, the LDQ has the capacity to measure change in dependence over a period of a few weeks. It can be used to compare different subject groups on the variable severity of dependence. It can be used as a proxy measure of use (in nonabstinent groups).