The SST is a computerized task that consists of five 1-minute epochs of serial subtraction with the minuend and subtrahend changed at the beginning of each minute based on each individual subject’s ability.
16 symptoms whose intensity the patient rates on a scale of 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely).
13 physically observable signs, rated present or absent, based on a timed period of observation of the patient by a rater.
The MHOWS (Eissenberg et al. 1996) is a modified Himmelsbach (1941) withdrawal severity scale, with each of seven signs being rated by the observer on a 3 point scale where 0 = none and 1and 2 were ratings individualized for each sign. The signs were: Yawning, Lacrimation, Rhinorrhea, Perspiration, Gooseflesh, Bowel sounds (a stethoscope was placed on the subject's abdomen), and Restlessness. The scores for the individual items were summed to form a composite modified Himmelsbach score.
