CIWA-Ar's Observational Rating Scale

The observational rating scale (CIWA-Ar) assessed by a physician, is a standard measuring tool, which uses a set of compared scores that was valued at a global rating of severity (Williams et al., 2001). The CIWA-Ar includes a 7-point-rating scale pertaining to anxiety levels. A clinician or nurse asks the client to rate themselves from 0 (no anxiety) to 7 (equal to acute panic state as seen in severe delirium or acute schizophrenic reactions). Metcalfe et al. (1995) looked at concurrent validity by comparing obtained scores using CIWA-Ar, which produced a correlation coefficient of 0.85. Williams et al. (2001, p. 107) stated CIWA-Ar “originally derived from the well-established SSA (Single State Agency), so that assessment could be made as frequently as every half an hour”. Since its development, the CIWA-Ar has been used in both research and in clinical professions; such as, detox recovery and primarily stabilization services. It can be easily and promptly administered by trained staff, making it a suitable for …show more content…
Like the CIWA-Ar the self-anchored scale also created on a 7-point-rating, in order to show the correlation between the two measurements. This type of measurement is often used to record the intensity of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Pichot & Smock, 2011, p.32). Commonly, SUD individuals know when they are experiencing anxiety followed by knowing the difference between severe and mild levels of anxiety. According to Bloom and Fisher (1982, p.169), “self-anchored scales have a high validity, but have little ability to collect reliable data since the scales are specifically designed for each client” (Pichot & Smock, 2011, p.32). Overall, self-anchored rating scales allow the clients to provide input and internal insight without relying on only the observed