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.
Reprinted with the permission of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
Add your own comment
Ask a Question
Have questions about this article or topic? Ask150 Characters allowed
Today on Education.com
May Workbooks are Here! 
Get Outside! 10 Playful Activities Popular Articles
Wondering what others found interesting? Check out our most popular articles.
- Kindergarten Sight Words List
- The Five Warning Signs of Asperger's Syndrome
- What Makes a School Effective?
- Child Development Theories
- Why is Play Important? Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Creative Development
- 10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
- Test Problems: Seven Reasons Why Standardized Tests Are Not Working
- Bullying in Schools
- A Teacher's Guide to Differentiating Instruction
- Should Your Child Be Held Back a Grade? Know Your Rights
