Anxiety Tests & Diagnosis

Anxiety disorders are a category of mental illness that includes numerous disorders. Anxiety may also be experienced as a symptom of another underlying condition. Consult with your physician regarding testing, diagnosis and treatment options available for treatment of anxiety.

Significance

• About 18 percent of the adult population of the United States is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder each year.

Types

• Different types of anxiety disorders may be diagnosed, including agoraphobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. Anxiety is also a common symptom of depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and may occur as a result of a medical condition.

Features

• Typical features of anxiety disorders include fear, poor concentration, feeling tense, irritability, restlessness, heart palpitations, tremors, fatigue, insomnia, and shortness of breath. It is important to discuss these symptoms with your medical provider in order receive an accurate diagnosis and rule out any underlying medical or other mental health problems.

Tests

• The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a test administered by a psychologist for the purpose of identifying personality factors and mental disorders. Shorter tests, including the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, may be administered as well.

Misconceptions

• A common misconception about anxiety disorders is that you should be able to just "deal" with anxiety and that it is a sign of weakness if you're not able to cope with stress. Anxiety disorders are a legitimate illness and with appropriate diagnosis, can be treated.