Clinical forms of anxiety may begin as regular and controllable anxiety levels and develop into something more severe as time passes. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), slightly more than 3 percent of Americans are affected by anxiety; women are more likely than men to have to deal with clinical forms of anxiety. People with clinical levels of anxiety usually know that their anxiety is too extreme, but they are unable to control it.
Step 1
Look for feelings of persistent and severe worry. Note whether or not there is a valid reason for the worry or if it seems to be attributed to a general sense and nothing specific. According to the ADAA, people with clinical anxiety tend to anticipate disastrous or worst-case scenarios, and are usually overly concerned about money, family, work and other issues.
Step 2
Notice physical symptoms. HelpGuide.org reports that anxiety usually includes physical symptoms that are many times mistaken for a medical issue. Pay attention to your energy levels as fatigue is a symptom of anxiety. Note your muscle tensions and twitches as anxiety can cause muscle pain and spasms. Be aware of how your stomach feels and how your bowels are functioning. Diarrhea and an upset stomach can both be attributed to anxiety. Make note of your heart beat, perspiration and breathing patterns, as an increases in these can mean that your anxiety levels are increasing.
Step 3
Tune in to emotional symptoms of anxiety. Trouble concentrating, feeling tense, being irritable, being restless, watching for danger, being easily startled and an inability to remember things can all be symptoms of anxiety, notes HelpGuide.org. Pay attention to the persistence of these symptoms. Understand whether or not you still maintain control over these emotional factors of anxiety.
Step 4
Acknowledge how the anxiety symptoms are affecting your life. Clinical symptoms of anxiety will have a significant negative impact on your daily life and routines. Take the time to think about your daily routines prior to the onset of your anxiety symptoms. Analyze whether or not they were different. Pay attention to how your sleep patterns have changed. Notice the changes to your social life as your anxiety worsens. Note whether the changes in your life have been significantly affected in a negative manner.
Step 5
Pay attention to how long the symptoms have been present. Your anxiety symptoms must be present for six months or more in order for it to be attributed to a clinical form of anxiety. Notice whether or not symptoms have been present for most days during the past six months.
Step 6
Consult your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions that will help identify the possible symptoms of clinical anxiety. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. Get your symptoms evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety.
