Beck Anxiety Inventory Scoring

By Trevor Mosley

The Beck anxiety inventory scoring system contains a scale which is used to measure the anxiety levels. This scale rates the answers of the inventory respondents according to their symptoms and the frequency of their occurrence.

Each symptom in the inventory has scores of between zero and 3, which the test taker uses to evaluate the level of anxiety that they experience. The inventory's rating is as follows:

* A score of zero means "I do not have this symptom at all"

* A rating of one indicates the he experiences the symptom, but is not worried about the severity of it.

* A score of 2 means "I do have this symptom, and it affects me fairly often." This score indicates a moderate effect of the anxiety symptom in the respondent.

* A score of three indicates that the symptom is affecting the individual greatly and frequently. This means he experiences a severe level of the anxiety symptom.

Some of the symptoms rated by the inventory include fear of dying, difficulty in breathing, feeling nervous, dizziness, wobbliness in the legs and numbness, among other symptoms. They are aimed at distinguishing anxiety from depression symptoms.

Having read through all the symptoms as included in the inventory, the respondent will give it a rating. Then, he tallies the values that are indicated against each symptom. The total score is the anxiety level indicator. The score can be evaluated in the following manner:

* A final score of zero and 21 reflects a low level of anxiety.

* A final score in the range of 22 and 35 reflects a moderate level of anxiety, and

* A total score that is 36 points and above indicates a severe and high anxiety level, in which case the respondent should seek treatment immediately.

The scores vary from one person to another, and the daily situations that they face often determine how high or low the scores are. For the inventory to be effective, the respondent should reflect on his experience with the symptoms in the past one week. This will allow him to examine the frequency and consistency of the symptoms.

A low anxiety level is cause for celebration as it indicates that the respondent is very happy with his life, although anxiety exists for a reason. It is healthy to live a life with mild form of anxieties. Conversely, too much anxiety can cause one to live in fear and can be debilitating on his physical condition. Those who have moderate levels of anxiety are usually able to suppress their anxieties, although they should be careful not let it get out of proportion.

The Beck anxiety inventory scoring is excellent for examining one's mental and emotional well being. It is also the first step that helps those with moderate and high levels of anxiety to start seeking treatment for their condition. Over time, they will be able to curb their anxieties and lead a carefree life. - 32543

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