Exam Anxiety

The cognitive aspect centers on worry which may include poor self-image, feelings of failure, or catastrophic thoughts.

The emotional aspects center on somatic disturbances such as stomach upset and headaches. Symptoms of nervousness such as shaking hands, sweating palms, dry mouth, shallow breathing, heart palpitations, and elevated blood pressure may also be present.

Behavioral responses may vary from focusing on one item, "checking out," hyper sensitivity to noise or other environmental stimuli, and "freezing up."

Assessing test anxiety should include, but not be limited to, getting a history from the student and parents, teachers, etc. and using rating scales.