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.


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