Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ)
The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) is a 30-question scale that measures the frequency of negative automatic thoughts associated with depression. In CBT it is used to measure spontaneous negative thought patterns and to track the intervention process.
- Questions
- 30
- Est. time
- ~10 min
- Delivery
- Online · remote
- Scoring
- Automatic
What does the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) measure?
- •Negative self-evaluations
- •Hopelessness and helplessness thoughts
- •Frequency of negative thoughts
Who is it for?
Used in adults to monitor the frequency of negative thoughts before/after cognitive intervention.
How is the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) scored and interpreted?
Questions are scored 0–4; the total ranges from 0 to 120. Higher scores indicate frequent negative automatic thoughts; screening for comorbid depressive symptoms is recommended.
| Score range | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 | Low level | Negative automatic thoughts are infrequent. |
| 31–60 | Mild level | Mild negative thoughts. |
| 61–90 | Moderate level | Moderately frequent; cognitive intervention advised. |
| 91–120 | High level | Highly frequent; comprehensive assessment advised. |
Frequently asked questions
What does the ATQ measure?
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It measures how frequently negative automatic thoughts associated with depression occur.
How many questions does the ATQ have?
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It has 30 questions, with a total from 0 to 120.
Does this scale provide a diagnosis?
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No. This is a screening/assessment tool; it does not provide a clinical diagnosis on its own. Results should be interpreted only by a licensed mental-health professional as part of a clinical evaluation.
Related scales
- Burns Depression Checklist (BDC)A 25-question self-report scale assessing the level of depressive symptoms.
- Multidimensional Perfectionism ScaleA scale assessing perfectionism across multiple dimensions (personal standards, concern over mistakes, expectations).
- Self-Esteem TestA 33-question scale measuring self-esteem level (higher score = higher self-esteem).
Source: Hollon, S. D., & Kendall, P. C. (1980).
This page is informational and does not contain the actual questions. The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) is a screening/assessment tool and does not provide a diagnosis on its own. Results should be interpreted only by a licensed mental-health professional as part of a clinical evaluation.
Administer the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) to your clients
With Psikometri, assign this scale remotely via a single link; results are scored automatically and turned into a report. No credit card required.
- ✓Automatic scoring and severity band
- ✓One-click, branded PDF reports
- ✓KVKK-compliant, encrypted and secure