CAQ Score Interpretation
Interpret CAQ T-scores across 12 clinical syndrome scales: hypochondriasis, suicidal depression, agitation, anxious depression, paranoia, schizophrenia, and more. Clinical reference guide for psychologists.
What is the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire?
The Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ) was developed by Samuel Krug in 1980 at the Institute for Personality and Ability Testing (IPAT) as a detailed psychometric tool for clinical psychological evaluation. The CAQ extends the well-established 16PF (Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire) – developed by Raymond Cattell, by adding 12 clinically oriented scales specifically designed to identify and quantify psychopathological syndromes. The result is a single scale that simultaneously profiles both normal personality structure and clinical symptom patterns, making it uniquely suited to detailed clinical evaluations.
The CAQ produces T-scores (standardized scores with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10) on all 28 dimensions. T-scores allow direct comparison across scales and to normative reference populations. Scores in the 40–60 range fall within the average band. Scores of 65 or above are clinically elevated and warrant clinical attention. Scores of 70 or above represent significant elevations, more than 2 standard deviations above the normative mean, and require careful clinical integration.
The CAQ is a Level C restricted scale, available only to qualified professionals through IPAT. Administration requires no special training, but interpretation demands doctoral-level expertise in psychological assessment, factor-analytic personality theory, and clinical psychopathology. It is used in clinical psychology for intake evaluations, forensic assessments, disability evaluations, differential clinical evaluation, and treatment planning in complex cases.
CAQ Clinical Syndrome Scales
The 12 clinical scales extend the 16PF to capture psychopathological features. T-scores of 65 or above are clinically elevated; 70 or above are significantly elevated.
CAQ T-Score Interpreter
Enter T-scores (20–80) for each of the 12 clinical syndrome scales directly. Each scale is flagged by severity band. Clinician reference tool, not a substitute for full clinical evaluation.
Clinician reference only. CAQ requires doctoral-level interpretation. This tool does not replace full clinical assessment.
16 Personality Factors (16PF Component)
The CAQ shares all 16 primary personality factor scales with the 16PF. Each factor is bipolar, low scores and high scores both carry clinical meaning. T-scores of 40–60 fall in the average range for all factors.
The CAQ's clinical power comes from integrating elevated clinical syndrome scales with the full 16-factor personality profile. For example, elevated D2 (Suicidal Depression) combined with low C (Emotional Stability) and low H (Social Boldness) creates a clinically distinct picture from the same D2 elevation alongside high C and high H. Always interpret clinical scale elevations within the full personality context.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CAQ a self-report questionnaire or clinician-administered?
The CAQ is completed directly by the respondent as a self-report questionnaire. However, its scoring and interpretation are restricted to qualified professionals, typically licensed psychologists with doctoral-level training in psychometric assessment and clinical psychopathology. Administration can be supervised by a trained technician, but results require expert interpretation.
What does a T-score of 70 or above mean on a CAQ clinical scale?
A T-score of 70 or above on any CAQ clinical syndrome scale indicates a significant elevation — more than 2 standard deviations above the normative mean — and warrants careful clinical attention. Scores between 65 and 69 are considered clinically elevated and also warrant clinical review. These thresholds apply to each of the 12 clinical scales independently; elevations must be interpreted in the context of the full 28-scale profile.
Can the CAQ provide a diagnosis?
The CAQ does not provide a diagnosis. It is a psychometric profiling tool that quantifies personality traits and psychopathological symptom patterns using T-scores. Diagnoses require clinical judgment that integrates CAQ findings with history, interview data, and other assessment sources according to established diagnostic criteria.
How long does the CAQ take to complete?
The CAQ typically requires 90 to 120 minutes for most respondents. It contains 272 items covering both the 16 normal personality factor scales and the 12 clinical syndrome scales. This length makes it more appropriate for comprehensive intake evaluations, forensic assessments, and complex differential evaluations than for routine brief outcome monitoring.
References
- 1.Krug SE. Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ) Manual. Institute for Personality and Ability Testing (IPAT). 1980.
- 2.Kameoka VA. The Structure of the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire and Depression Symptomatology. Multivariate Behav Res. 1986;21(1):105-22.View source
- 3.Burns S, Kappenberg R, McKenna A, Wood C. Brain injury: personality, psychopathology and neuropsychology. Brain Inj. 1994;8(5):413-27.View source
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The CAQ Score Interpretation qualifies for reimbursement under these CPT codes (US).
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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