Beck Anxiety Inventory
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1Beck Anxiety Inventory
Below is a list of common symptoms of anxiety. Please carefully read each item in the list. Indicate how much you
have been bothered by that symptom during the past month, including today, by circling the number in the
corresponding space in the column next to each symptom.
Not At All
Mildly but it
Moderately - it
Severely – it
didn’t bother me
wasn’t pleasant at
bothered me a lot
much.
times
Numbness or tingling
0
1
2
3
Feeling hot
0
1
2
3
Wobbliness in legs
0
1
2
3
Unable to relax
0
1
2
3
Fear of worst
0
1
2
3
happening
Dizzy or lightheaded
0
1
2
3
Heart pounding/racing
0
1
2
3
Unsteady
0
1
2
3
Terrified or afraid
0
1
2
3
Nervous
0
1
2
3
Feeling of choking
0
1
2
3
Hands trembling
0
1
2
3
Shaky / unsteady
0
1
2
3
Fear of losing control
0
1
2
3
Difficulty in breathing
0
1
2
3
Fear of dying
0
1
2
3
Scared
0
1
2
3
Indigestion
0
1
2
3
Faint / lightheaded
0
1
2
3
Face flushed
0
1
2
3
Hot/cold sweats
0
1
2
3
Column Sum
Scoring - Sum each column. Then sum the column totals to achieve a grand score. Write that
score here ____________ .
Interpretation
A grand sum between 0 – 21 indicates very low anxiety. That is usually a good thing. However, it is
possible that you might be unrealistic in either your assessment which would be denial or that you have
learned to “mask” the symptoms commonly associated with anxiety. Too little “anxiety” could indicate that
you are detached from yourself, others, or your environment.
A grand sum between 22 – 35 indicates moderate anxiety. Your body is trying to tell you something. Look
for patterns as to when and why you experience the symptoms described above. For example, if it occurs
prior to public speaking and your job requires a lot of presentations you may want to find ways to calm
yourself before speaking or let others do some of the presentations. You may have some conflict issues that
need to be resolved. Clearly, it is not “panic” time but you want to find ways to manage the stress you feel.
A grand sum that exceeds 36 is a potential cause for concern. Again, look for patterns or times when you
tend to feel the symptoms you have circled. Persistent and high anxiety is not a sign of personal weakness or
failure. It is, however, something that needs to be proactively treated or there could be significant impacts to
you mentally and physically. You may want to consult a counselor if the feelings persist.
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