Specific Phobia Self Test

	Coping With Holiday Anxiety

PHOBIA SELF-TEST

The most common kind of anxiety disorder, phobias—illogical yet powerful fears—affect more than one in eight Americans at some time. If you suspect that you might suffer from a 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 phobia?
Yes or no: Are you troubled by any of the following?

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	Inability to travel alone

Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat different conditions. Illnesses that occasionally complicate anxiety disorders include depression and substance abuse. With this in mind, answer the following questions:

Yes No

Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?

More days than not, do you feel any of the following?

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 or your loved ones?

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