Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a true mental health condition which affects the performance of students, job applicants, and workers. This debilitating illness can even be a cause of anxiety attacks, but most likely results simply in poor test performance and several annoying symptoms.

Test anxiety is related to an overarching mental disorder known as performance anxiety. Like performance anxiety, test anxiety often results from a bad past experience. More specifically, an example of a bad experience that could lead to test anxiety includes failing a test which results in failing a class. A behavioral pattern of test anxiety that leads to consistently poor test scores can trigger enhanced anxiety in anticipation of tests, as the individual worries about the potential effects of test anxiety. Some of these effects include headaches, sweating, diarrhea, feelings of dread, and fidgeting. Certain individuals may even rely on substance abuse to lessen anxiety in anticipation of a test.

Test anxiety is truly a problem in modern schools, as the increasing amount of pressure to succeed in education places students in a high stress environment. According to a 2006 study of 10th graders, more than half claimed to have experienced a degree of test anxiety. The study also noted that students who did feel test anxiety averaged lower test scores than those who did not. Test anxiety may seem overwhelming, but many changes can be made both mentally and behaviorally to reduce or eliminate test anxiety. Proper studying and time management can significantly reduce anxiety and boost self confidence. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can also aid students experiencing anxiety. Sufficient sleep and exercise allows the mind to be alert and focused during test taking.

Above all, those suffering from test anxiety should stay positive, realizing that some anxiety is natural. Tests should be taken seriously, but, at the same time, no one test should be considered vital to a student's career or life.

If you would like to discuss the test anxiety and ways to overcome it, please register and participate in the BetterMentally.com message board.