How to Rate Anxiety

Anxiety is generally considered a mental health disorder in which a person feels extremely anxious and panicky and lives in fear of common, daily situations that in theory pose no thread to them. High levels of anxiety can be extremely debilitating and prevent a person from enjoying a normal day-to-day existence. Rating anxiety levels is important in determining the best treatment options, which include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

Instructions

• 1

  Jot down the events, feelings or thoughts that are making you feel anxious or nervous. Using a scale of 1 to 10, rate how anxious or panicky the events and thoughts make you feel. Take the list with you when you visit your family doctor or a psychologist to help them get a better sense of the severity of your anxiety.

• 2

  See a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you suspect you may have anxiety, it's best to seek the advice of a professional who can suggest legitimate treatment options and rate your anxiety level using clinical tools at their disposal.

• 3

  Use the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale to rate your anxiety on your own. This is an anxiety rating scale developed by psychologist William W. K. Zung that asks a person to respond to several statements meant to gauge their anxiety level. At the end of the test, your results are scored and you're given a general idea of the level of your anxiety. Check the Resources section for a link to the self-test.

• 4

  Print out the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and take it with you to a licensed doctor or psychologist who will help you interpret the results. A more accurate diagnosis must be performed by a professional.