Specific Phobia Self Test

	Pregnancy and Medication Social Anxiety Disorder and Depression

SPECIFIC PHOBIA SELF-TEST

The most common kind of anxiety disorder, specific phobias—illogical yet powerful fears—affect more than 19 millions American adults at some time in their lives. If you suspect that you might suffer from a specific phobia, complete the self-test below. Print out the results and share them with a health care professional.

How can I tell if I have a specific phobia?
Yes or no: Are you troubled by ...

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 when confronting certain situations?
Yes No	Persistent and unreasonable fear of an object or situation, such as flying, heights, animals, blood, etc.?
Yes No	Fear that interferes with your daily life?
Yes No	Being unable to travel alone?

Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the different conditions. Depression and substance abuse are among the conditions that occasionally complicate anxiety disorders.

In the last year have you experienced...

Yes No

Changes in sleeping or eating habits?

Yes No	Feeling sad or depressed more days than not?
Yes No	A disinterest in life more days than not?
Yes No	A feeling of worthlessness or guilt more days than not?

During the last year, has the use of alcohol or drugs...

Yes No	Resulted in failure at work or school, or difficulties with your family?
Yes No	Placed you in a dangerous situation, such as driving under the influence?
Yes No	Gotten you arrested?
Yes No	Continued despite causing problems for you or your loved ones?

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