Comparison between observer assessment and self rating of withdrawal distress during opiate detoxification

The Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Questionnaire (SOWQ) and the Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OOWS) were administered to detect withdrawal distress during a rapid opiate detoxification. No correlations could be observed between the clinical assessments and self ratings of the 20 patients participating in this study. The observers' ratings of withdrawal reached pre-treatment levels within 3 days. In subjective rating, withdrawal distress returned to normal levels 120 h after detoxification. We conclude, that self reports are as important as observer ratings in assessing treatment efficacy. The use of both scales might prevent early relapse after detoxification.