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.

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.

References

• School Counselor
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America

Resources

• University of New Orleans