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.