How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 4-7 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I have an anxiety disorder?

No, this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. It is designed to measure your level of sensitivity to anxiety symptoms, which is a common psychological construct associated with anxiety disorders.

Can my results help me understand my panic attacks?

High scores on this test may be associated with conditions like panic disorder, as they reflect a fear of the physical sensations that commonly trigger panic attacks. Your results can offer a helpful insight into this pattern. But professional guidance is necessary.

Understand your fear of physical, cognitive, and social symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiety Sensitivity Test

Which side of the ‘fear of anxiety’ coin do you fall on?

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

It's natural to feel anxious sometimes. But, for some people, the experience of anxiety itself triggers a secondary and often more intense fear. This test is based on the concept of anxiety sensitivity, which is the fear of sensations associated with anxiety itself—whether they are physical (like a racing heart), cognitive (like losing focus), or social (like public embarrassment).

People with high anxiety sensitivity don't just find anxiety unpleasant; they believe these symptoms will lead to genuinely adverse outcomes, such as having a severe medical condition, losing control, or being publicly humiliated. This self-perpetuating cycle can intensify feelings of distress, making everyday life challenging. If you also find yourself overly aware of subtle changes in your body or emotions, you might also find value in taking our Highly Sensitive Person Questionnaire. Or, for further insight, consider taking our Fear of Missing Out Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 4-7 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Anxiety Sensitivity Test answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Anxiety Sensitivity Test results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I have an anxiety disorder?: No, this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. It is designed to measure your level of sensitivity to anxiety symptoms, which is a common psychological construct associated with anxiety disorders.
Can my results help me understand my panic attacks?: High scores on this test may be associated with conditions like panic disorder, as they reflect a fear of the physical sensations that commonly trigger panic attacks. Your results can offer a helpful insight into this pattern. But professional guidance is necessary.

Anxiety Sensitivity Test: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Fear of Anxiety Symptoms

For each statement, indicate how much the statement describes you on a scale of 1 (Very Little) to 5 (Very Much). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I am concerned that others can see when I feel physically unsteady.

2. A rapidly beating heart is a source of fear for me.

3. Sensations in my body that feel unusual are scary.

4. A loud stomach is a cause of embarrassment for me.

5. Feeling nervous causes me to worry about developing a mental illness.

6. Nausea or a sick feeling in my stomach frightens me.

7. The mere feeling of being nervous is frightening.

8. I find it essential to conceal any signs of nervousness from others.

9. If my heart rate increases suddenly, I worry it signifies a medical emergency.

10. Losing focus makes me worry about my mental state.

11. Becoming short of breath makes me scared.

12. I get frightened when my body trembles or shakes.

13. When I have an upset stomach, I fear it might indicate a serious health problem.

14. The feeling of nearly passing out is frightening to me.

15. Being unable to concentrate on a task makes me feel afraid.

16. Maintaining control over my emotional reactions is very important.

17. It worries me when my thoughts race quickly.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Anxiety Sensitivity Test Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Taylor, S., Zvolensky, M. J., Cox, B. J., Deacon, B., Heimberg, R. G., Ledley, D. R., Abramowitz, J. S., Holaway, R. M., Sandin, B., Stewart, S. H., Coles, M., Eng, W., Daly, E. S., Arrindell, W. A., Bouvard, M., & Cardenas, S. J. (2007). Robust dimensions of anxiety sensitivity: Development and initial validation of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3. Psychological Assessment, 19(2), 176–188.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.