SELF-TESTS
These self tests are not diagnostic in nature. Please contact our clinicians at the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program for an assessment and diagnosis.
ALCOHOL/DRUG SELF-TEST
This series of questions about one's use of alcohol or drugs is an informal inventory of "tell-tale signs," with many items tailored to lawyers. It is not a list of official diagnostic criteria, and does not substitute for a professional evaluation (OLAP personnel can provide an evaluation in person).
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Do I plan my office routine around my drinking or drug use?
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Have I tried unsuccessfully to control or abstain from alcohol or drugs?
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Do my clients, associates, or support personnel contend that my alcohol/drug use interferes with my work?
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Have I avoided important professional, social, or recreational activities as a result of my alcohol/drug use?
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Do I ever use alcohol or drugs before meetings or court appearances to calm my nerves or to feel more confident of my performance?
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Do I frequently drink or use drugs alone?
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Have I ever neglected the running of my office or misused funds because of my alcohol or drug use?
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Have I ever had a loss of memory when I seemed to be alert and functioning but had been using alcohol or drugs?
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Have I missed or ended conferences, court appearances, or other appointments because of my alcohol/drug use?
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Is drinking or drug use leading me to become careless of my family's welfare or other personal responsibilities?
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Has my ambition or efficiency decreased along with an increase in my use of drugs or alcohol?
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Have I continued to drink or use drugs despite adverse consequences to my practice, health, legal status, or family relationships?
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Do I ever feel fear, guilt, depression or severe anxiety related to my drinking or drug use?
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Are friends or professional associates avoiding me because of my alcohol or drug use?
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Have I been neglecting my hygiene, health care, or nutrition?
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Am I becoming increasingly reluctant to face my clients or colleagues in order to hide my alcohol/drug use?
A "yes" answer to any of these questions suggests that it would be wise to seek professional evaluation (at OLAP or elsewhere), but may not indicate that you have a diagnosable addictive disorder. Evaluations of alcohol/drug problems should be done by a clinician with addiction credentials and/or experience working in an addiction-oriented setting.
DEPRESSION SELF-TEST
This is a self-screening test developed by Dr. Douglas G. Jacobs. It is not intended to substitute for a professional evaluation (OLAP personnel can provide an evaluation in person).
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I am unable to do the things I used to do.
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I feel hopeless about the future.
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I can't make decisions
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I feel sluggish or restless.
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I am gaining or losing weight.
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I get tired for no reason.
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I am sleeping too much or too little.
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I feel unhappy.
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I become irritable or anxious.
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I think about dying or killing myself.
If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions, and you have felt this way everyday for several weeks, there is a good chance you are suffering from depression and should call us today to make an appointment to see us.
If you answered "yes" to Question 10, you should seek help immediately, regardless of your answer to any other question.
ANXIETY SELF-TEST
Based on the GAD (generalized anxiety disorder)-7, the following 7-item questionnaire measures anxiety symptom severity.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
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Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
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Not being able to stop or control worrying
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Worrying too much about different things
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Trouble relaxing
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Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
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Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
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Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
To calculate your score, for each answer, assign a 0 to "not at all," a 1 to "several days," a 2 to "more than half the days," and a 3 to "nearly every day." Add up the total score for the seven items. You will get a range of 0 to 21.
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0-4: minimal anxiety
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5-9: mild anxiety
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10-14: moderate anxiety
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15-21: severe anxiety
If your anxiety level falls into the moderate or severe range, you should seek professional evaluation (at OLAP or elsewhere). Evaluations should be done by a clinician with mental health credentials.