How the calculation works
Sum nine symptom categories scored 0–7 and the orientation/clouding category scored 0–4. Total range: 0–67. Use the original domain-specific anchor descriptions, linked below; the number menus alone do not define how to rate a symptom.
Worked example
If the nine symptom-domain ratings sum to 12 and the orientation item is 1, the total score is 13/67.
Understanding the result
The CIWA-Ar was originally designed for repeated assessment by trained personnel. Some patients cannot provide reliable symptom reports, including those with communication barriers or altered mentation.
Interpretation and any medication administration belong to a trained clinician following local protocols and evaluating the patient for other medical causes of symptoms. A digital score cannot replace clinical examination.
Limitations
Not for self-assessment, diagnosis, or automated medication decisions. Use the original instrument and an institutional protocol. The VA describes the scale as not copyrighted and freely reproducible.