it is not designed for use as a measure of the hopelessness construct but has been used as such. Sufficient data about the use of the test with those younger than 17 has not been collected.
It may be administered and scored by paraprofessionals; but must be used and interpreted only by clinically trained professionals, who can employ psychotherapeutic interventions.
Norms are available for suicidal patients and depressed patients and drug abusers.