PHOBIA SELF-TEST

Phobias - illogical yet powerful fears - affect more than one in eight Americans at some time. Phobias are the most common kind of anxiety disorder. If you suspect that you might suffer from a phobia, complete the following self-test by clicking the "yes" or "no" boxes next to each question, print out the test and show the results to your health care professional.

HOW CAN I TELL IF IT'S A PHOBIA?
Yes or no? Are you troubled by:

Yes No Powerful and ongoing fear of social situations involving unfamiliar people?
Yes No Fear of places or situations where getting help or escape might be difficult, such as in a crowd or on a bridge?
Yes No Shortness of breath or a 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?

Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the different conditions. Illnesses that sometimes complicate anxiety disorders include depression and substance abuse. With this in mind, please take a minute to answer the following questions:
Yes No · Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?

More days than not, do you feel:
Yes No Sad or depressed?
Yes No Uninterested in life?
Yes No Worthless or guilty?

During the last year, has the use of alcohol or drugs:
Yes No Resulted in your failure to fulfill responsibilities with work, school, or family?
Yes No Placed you in a dangerous situation, such as driving a car under the influence?
Yes No Gotten you arrested?
Yes No Continued despite causing problems for you and/or your loved ones?


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 specific phobias, please click here to go to the ADAA resource page on this topic.


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