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​
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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​
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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.
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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
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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.