ezine Article Group

The distinction between anxiety and depression is often unclear to many people. This is because the two conditions are very much similar. With the Beck anxiety inventory questions, one is able to distinguish the two conditions. Through an evaluation of the responses, one is able to measure the anxiety level in the respondent. All the questions listed in the inventory are crafted in a simple and straightforward manner.

The inventory requires the respondent to reflect on their feelings in the past one week. The questions are written in such a way that the respondents feel that someone is actually asking them the questions. The questions can be easily understood by anyone.

A few examples of the questions that are cited in the inventory:

1. I get a sort of frightened feeling as if something awful is about to happen…

2. I have a good sense of humor and see the funny side of things…

3. I can sit at ease and feel relaxed…

4. I get a sudden feeling of panic…

5. I look forward with enjoyment to things…

Respondents have to choose one from four given answers that best describes their feelings. They can either tick or make a cross in the space provided. All answers come with a corresponding rating number as shown below:

3 – Definitely and quite severely

2-Yes, but not too badly

1-A little, but it doesn’t worry me

0 – Not at all

Just like the questions, the answers are written in an easy to read fashion and most individuals have no problem understanding them. This is why the inventory is good for evaluating one’s anxiety levels. The ratings are then tallied and the total score will determine the anxiety level of the respondent. However, detractors of the Beck anxiety inventory are quick to critique the questions.

The first argument against the questions in the inventory is that they are too general to cover the diverse individuals that get tested for anxiety using the Beck inventory. This argument insists that human beings are more complex than the inventory’s questions allow for, and the real reasons for anxiety include attachment to labels and titles, which are not recognized by the inventory.

Another disagreement is that the inventory questions dwell too much on the symptoms of anxiety, rather than the mindset of the respondents. This seems to make the evaluation using the inventory one sided and therefore not representative of the whole human psyche. The inventory should, it is proposed, contain more than the standard 21 questions that evaluate the respondents’ outlook on life in general. This may give more insight into the causes of the anxiety.

Yet another argument is that the questions in the inventory do not lead to solutions to the anxiety problems for the respondents. They simply identify and categorize the anxiety levels and leave the respondent to find their own solutions. This shows the limitations of the inventory.

On the other hand, the inventory serves as a good starting point for sufferers of anxiety to identify their problems and be aware of their mental and emotional status. The Beck anxiety inventory questions can be used as a means to more research in the field of anxiety testing, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety symptoms.

Trevor Mosley was once a chronic sufferer of anxiety and severe panic attacks. Click here in order to discover how you can overcome your anxiety for good and live without the constant fear. By taking action today you will be able to live a much better quality life. conqueranxietytoday.com