ADA self test

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ANXIETY DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENTS: A SELF-TEST

How much stress or worry is considered too much? Complete the following self-test by clicking the "yes" or "no" boxes next to each question, print out the page, and show the results to your health care professional.

IS IT AN ANXIETY DISORDER?
Yes or No? As a teenager are you troubled by

Yes No	Repeated, unexpected "attacks" during which you suddenly are overcome by intense fear or discomfort for no apparent reason, or the fear of having another panic attack?
Yes No	Persistent, inappropriate thoughts, impulses or images that you can't get out of your mind (such as a preoccupation with getting dirty or worry about the order of things)?
Yes No	Distinct and ongoing fear of social situations involving unfamiliar people?
Yes No	Excessive worrying about a number of events or activities?
Yes No	Fear of places or situations where getting help or escape might be difficult, such as in a crowd or on an elevator?
Yes No	Shortness of breath or racing heart for no apparent reason?
Yes No	Persistent and unreasonable fear of an object or situation, such as flying, heights, animals, blood, etc.?
Yes No	Being unable to travel alone, without a companion?
Yes No	Spending too much time each day doing things over and over again (for example, hand washing, checking things, or counting)?

More days than not, do you:

Yes No	Feel restless?
Yes No	Feel easily fatigued or distracted?
Yes No	Experience muscle tension or problems sleeping?

More days than not, do you feel:

Yes No	Sad or depressed?
Yes No	Disinterested in life?
Yes No	Worthless or guilty?
Yes No	Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?
Yes No	Do you relive a traumatic event through thoughts, games, distressing dreams, or flashbacks?
Yes No	Does your anxiety interfere with your daily life?

Reference
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

If you or someone you know would like more information on anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, please click here to go to the ADAA resource page on this topic.

Bookstore of Anxiety Disorders Association of America