Tests for Anxiety

Feeling anxious is normal during times of increased stress. When anxiety starts to interfere with relationships and functioning in everyday life, it may require testing for the presence of an anxiety disorder.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

• The National Institute of Mental Health states there are five major anxiety disorders. They are generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and panic disorder.

Testing

• Determining if there is an anxiety disorder is accomplished by a physical exam and a psychological evaluation.

Physical Exam

• During the physical exam, the physician will look for signs of underlying medical conditions and observe physical symptoms caused by anxiety.

Psychological Evaluation

• The psychological evaluation may be conducted by a mental health care provider who will ask questions about symptoms and the intensity, frequency and duration while observing the patient's behavior.

Criteria for Anxiety Disorders

• The criteria for all anxiety disorders is found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The physician will use this manual when determining an exact diagnosis.