This article describes early results of a new instrument for measuring quality of life--the French Subjective Quality of Life Profile (SQLP) questionnaire. This 36-item, self-administered questionnaire has been previously validated in a large sample population with somatic disorders. It is characterized by its multidimensional pattern and subjective approach (i.e., the degree of satisfaction with various domains of life, the degree of change anticipated and the importance attributed to these domains). The SQLP was tested with three psychiatric patient samples: people with depression, psychosis or substance abuse. Preliminary findings indicate that the questionnaire is useful in describing psychiatric patients, their characteristics, and explaining some of their changes.