Anxiety Self-Test (SAS)

Important Note

This test does not replace a medical diagnosis! It serves as guidance and can help you decide to seek professional care.

Instructions

The following test (SAS = Self-Rating Anxiety Scale) was developed by W. W. K. Zung and is used worldwide.

How to take the test:

1. Respond to all 20 questions
2. Note the selected number on a sheet of paper
3. Add up all numbers at the end
4. For the following statements, always select the answer that best corresponds to your condition during the past week

Rating scale:

• 1 = never or rarely
• 2 = sometimes
• 3 = often
• 4 = mostly or always

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The 20 Questions

Question 1

I feel more nervous and anxious than usual.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 2

I feel afraid for no reason at all.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 3

I get upset easily or feel panicky.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 4

I feel like I’m falling apart and going to pieces.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 5 (reversed scoring)

I feel that everything is all right and nothing bad will happen.

4	3	2	1
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 6

My arms and legs shake and tremble.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 7

I am bothered by headaches, neck and back pains.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 8

I feel weak and get tired easily.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 9 (reversed scoring)

I feel calm and can sit still easily.

4	3	2	1
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 10

I can feel my heart beating fast.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 11

I am bothered by dizzy spells.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 12

I have fainting spells or feel like fainting.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 13 (reversed scoring)

I can breathe in and out easily.

4	3	2	1
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 14

I get feelings of numbness and tingling in my fingers.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 15

I am bothered by stomach aches or indigestion.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 16

I have to empty my bladder more often than usual.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 17 (reversed scoring)

My hands are usually dry and warm.

4	3	2	1
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 18

My face gets hot and I blush.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 19 (reversed scoring)

I fall asleep easily and get a good night’s rest.

4	3	2	1
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

Question 20

I could not bring myself to do anything.

1	2	3	4
never/rarely	sometimes	often	mostly

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Scoring

Add up all selected numbers to get a total score.

Interpretation of Results

Score	Meaning
20-35	Normal anxiety level
36-44	Mild to moderate anxiety disorder
45-59	Significant anxiety disorder
60-80	Severe anxiety disorder

Important

The developers of this questionnaire assume that from a score of 36 onwards, a treatable anxiety disorder may be present.

If you score 36 or above, we strongly recommend that you seek specialist medical or psychotherapeutic help.

Tips for Use

• Print out this form
• Fill it out honestly
• Take it to your doctor or psychotherapist
• The test can serve as a basis for discussion

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Source

The SAS (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale) is the version of a globally used questionnaire. It was developed by W. W. K. Zung.

Further Information

Also read our detailed page on Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders to learn more about the various forms and treatment options.