1. Pick the Best Site for Screening
It's hard to sort fact from fiction when you are already anxious. Maybe an online test will help you get some clarity.
Keep in mind, however, that all online tests should only be seen as screening tools. They are not meant to give you a definitive diagnosis, but only help you know that you might need to see a professional for further tests. You should also keep in mind that there are scams, frauds and charlatans galore online. If you have to pay for a test or buy a product to take a test, don't do it. You can take a free test at a site that is run by a reputable psychiatric, psychological research or treatment organization or one run by a group of citizens interested in mental health.
2. Be Honest
Most of us want to like the outcome of a test. So we find little ways to fudge on our answers or even outright lie. Obviously, this form of dishonesty is not going to help you determine if there is a real problem. So, you should plan to be totally candid.
Determining between two answers, both of which seem right or wrong is difficult. Just mark the answer that is MOST true. But don't spend a long time trying to decide. The more you analyze, the less apt you are to tell the truth, simply because such analysis gets you into your intellect, rather than your gut. Your intellect can find a way out of just about anything. But your gut knows the truth.
3. Check out the Sites Listed Below
1) New York University's Department of Psychiatry has an online screening tool for anxiety at: http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/anx.html
2) You can screen for anxiety in general at: http://www.psychtests.com/tests/minitests/anxiety_abridged_access.html
3) Douglas Degelman, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California has put together a package of several tests you can take online, including tests for anxiety at: http://www.vanguard.edu/faculty/ddegelman/amoebaweb/index.aspx?doc_id=850
4) An online screening tool for adolescent anxiety can be found at: http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/anx.html
5) To get a list of many different kinds of self-tests or screenings for a variety of diagnoses, including anxiety, you can go to: http://www.healthyplace.com/site/tests/psychological.asp#anxiety
6) The Anxiety Disorder Association of America has several tests online:
a) Parents can take a test to screen a child's anxiety at http://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_children.htm
b) Family members may quiz a loved one at: thttp://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_children.htm
c) You can take a self-test for Generalized Anxiety Disorder at: http://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_GAD.htm
d) A self-test for Panic Disorder may be found at: http://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_Panic.htm
e) For a screening for Phobias go to: http://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_specialpho.htm
f) Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at: http://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_PTSD.htm
g) Find a self-test for Social Phobia at: http://www.adaa.org/Public/selftest_socialpho.htm
7) Keep in mind that this self test for social anxiety is created by the pharmaceutical company that produces Paxil--one medication used to treat social anxiety: http://www.paxilcr.com/social_anxiety_disorder/sad_self_test.jsp
4. Keep the Ball Rolling
If your test says you might have a problem, don't stop now. Get a professional opinion. Then follow all the way through with the recommendations you are given.
