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Two new rating scales for opiate withdrawal
L Handelsman1, K J Cochrane, M J Aronson
1Psychiatry Service, VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10468.
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Two new scales, the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) and Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OOWS), reliably measure opiate withdrawal symptoms. These validated tools accurately assess withdrawal severity in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychometrics
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Opiate withdrawal syndrome presents significant clinical challenges.
- Accurate measurement of withdrawal severity is crucial for effective treatment and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate two novel rating scales: the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) and the Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OOWS).
- To assess the reliability and validity of these scales in measuring opiate withdrawal signs and symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Developed the SOWS (16 subjective symptoms, 0-4 rating) and OOWS (13 objective signs, present/absent).
- Administered scales to opiate abusers undergoing detoxification and those challenged with naloxone or placebo.
- Assessed interrater reliability for OOWS and intrasubject reliability for both scales.
Main Results:
- Both SOWS and OOWS scores were significantly higher before methadone treatment compared to after 2 days.
- Naloxone challenge significantly increased SOWS and OOWS scores, unlike placebo.
- Demonstrated good interrater reliability for OOWS and intrasubject reliability for both scales.
Conclusions:
- The SOWS and OOWS are valid and reliable instruments for quantifying the severity of opiate withdrawal.
- These scales provide a comprehensive assessment of common opiate withdrawal signs and symptoms across different clinical scenarios.