AnxietyClinics.com

Many people get the jitters before taking a test. This is normal. For others, these jitters can exceed normal nerves and become a devastating experience in test taking situations. Test anxiety, sometimes called performance anxiety, can be a significant problem. People who suffer from it often experience dreadful physical discomfort, difficulty concentrating and focusing, mental paralysis, shame and embarrassment, out of control anxiety, lowered test scores, inhibited career growth, and weakened self esteem.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have test anxiety.

1. You dread taking tests, (even the idea makes you sick to your stomach)
2. You avoid studying for tests
3. When faced with a test, you experience physical symptoms such as:
   
   

· difficulty breathing, feeling as though you can't get enough air

· raging heartbeat

· nervous, shaking, or stress

· dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea

· trembling, sweating, shaking

· hot flashes or sudden chills

· tingling in fingers or toes (pins and needles)

· choking, chest pains, distress

· terror that is almost paralyzing

· feeling of dread, panic, or like you are going crazy

· fear, fright, afraid, anxious

1. You feel embarrassed and ashamed, often hiding these fears and anxieties from others.
2. You may consider yourself a “perfectionist” or someone who doesn’t like to make mistakes.
3. You “go blank” (or fear you will) while taking exams
4. You feel paralyzed and helpless in testing situations
5. 
   

Test anxiety is a solvable problem. Conquering it begins by recognizing it is a problem. What makes this difficult is that individuals who have test anxiety often personalize it. They blame themselves thinking they are stupid or “should” have more control. In reality, the body has misinterpreted information from the environment. It believes tests are dangerous events rather than merely stressful ones. Rather than blame yourself or continue suffering, recognize the problem and move towards getting help.

One treatment option that is cost effective, easy to use, and has no negative side effects is hypnosis. Hypnosis uses the brains natural ability to trigger the relaxation response and “de-activate” the fight or flight response. Once this occurs, the individual feels much more in control. Additionally, hypnosis uses positive suggestions while the mind is in a relaxed state to reinforce inner strength and confidence. Relaxation techniques used in hypnosis significantly reduce anxiety, which turns a negative test taking experience into a more positive one.