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Symptoms of Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is being so anxious and stressed about taking an exam that it leads to a poor performance and interferes with learning. While slight anxiety before an exam is normal, too much anxiety can cause a "crash and burn" scenario at test time. The grades students with test anxiety receive may not accurately reflect their knowledge or ability.

  1. Causes

    • Causes of test anxiety include having a poor test history, bad experiences taking tests and a fear of failure. It can also be caused by not studying for the test or waiting until the last minute to study.

    Physical

    • Physical symptoms of test anxiety include a rapid heartbeat, being nauseous and light headed, heavy sweating, dry mouth, headaches, diarrhea and fainting.

    Emotional

    • Feeling helpless, depressed, angry and disappointed are all emotional symptoms of test anxiety. Other emotional symptoms include being fearful and laughing or crying uncontrollably.

    Behavioral

    • Behavioral symptoms of test anxiety include pacing and fidgeting, and the more serious and dangerous symptom of substance abuse.

    Cognitive

    • Difficulty concentrating, difficulty organizing thoughts and racing thoughts are cognitive symptoms of test anxiety. Other cognitive symptoms include having feelings of dread and talking negatively about oneself.

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