Objective opiate withdrawal scale (OOWS)

OBJECTIVE OPIATE WITHDRAWAL SCALE (OOWS) Clinical observations over 5 minutes: 0 : Yawning (0 - not at all; 1 - one or more) 0 : Rhinorrhoea (0 - none to two; 1 - three or more) 0 : Piloerection of arms (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Perspiration (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Lacrimation (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Tremor - hands (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Mydriasis (0 - absent; 1 - 3 mm or more) 0 : Hot and cold flushes, shivering or huddling for warmth (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Restlessness, frequent shifts of position (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Vomiting (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Muscle twitches (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Abdominal cramps, holding stomach (0 - absent; 1 - present) 0 : Anxiety (0 - absent; 1 - present, mild to severe) Total score: Score interpretation: - Each observation is scored as either absent (0 points) or present (1 point). - The minimum total score is 0, and the maximum total score is 13. - A higher score indicates greater opiate withdrawal symptoms.

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Notes

The 13-item [Objective] Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OOWS) is a clinical rating tool for assessing and monitoring opiate withdrawal symptoms. The OOWS has been designed to complement the Subjective opiate withdrawal scale (SOWS).

Observe the patient during a 5-minute observation period, then indicate a score for each of the opioid withdrawal signs. Add the scores for each item to obtain the total score.

References

1. Handelsman, L., Cochrane, K., Aronson, M., et al. Two new rating scales for opiate withdrawal. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 1987. 13(3): 293-308.
2. Fischer, J.A., Roche, A.M., and Duraisingam, V. [Objective] Opioid Withdrawal Scale (OOWS): description, strengths and knowledge gaps. 2021, National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University: Adelaide, South Australia. (overview citation)
3. Handelsman, L., CochraObjective opiate withdrawal scale (OOWS)ne, K., Aronson, M., et al. Two new rating scales for opiate withdrawal. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 1987. 13(3): 293-308.

Related items

• Opioid therapy monitoring tool (5As)
• Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)