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Anxiety Disorder Screening Tool

Understanding Anxiety & Promoting Well-being

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Welcome to the Anxiety Disorder Screening Tool. This resource is designed to help individuals, parents, and professionals gain a clearer understanding of potential anxiety symptoms, identify coping strategies, and highlight unique strengths that can support well-being.

Who is this Screening Tool For?

This screener is for individuals of all ages (children, young adults, and adults) who experience persistent feelings of worry, fear, nervousness, or physical symptoms of anxiety that impact their daily life, education, or work.

It is managed by a professional (e.g., teacher, SENCo, counsellor, support worker, or parent) to help guide the process and discuss the results.

What Will This Tool Do?

This tool will help to:

Identify if experiences align with common indicators of anxiety disorders.
Highlight individual's strengths (e.g., conscientiousness, empathy, attention to detail) which can coexist with anxiety.
Provide practical insights into coping mechanisms and effective strategies for managing anxiety.
Guide recommendations for further assessment (e.g., by a GP or mental health professional), educational adjustments, or workplace accommodations.

Important Information:

It is vital to understand that this is a screening tool, not a formal diagnostic assessment for an anxiety disorder. It is designed to inform support and identify the need for further investigation, not to label.

A formal diagnosis of an anxiety disorder can only be provided by a qualified medical or mental health professional (e.g., GP, psychiatrist, psychologist).

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

We believe everyone has strengths and unique ways of thinking. This screener, in line with The Dynamic Development Plan framework, focuses on understanding the individual's whole profile. It is not just about identifying challenges, but about recognising their resilience, unique perspectives, and other talents that can help them thrive.

Let us begin to explore their unique potential!

Section 2: Background & Anxiety History

This section helps us understand the individual's history with anxiety and how it manifests now. Please complete all relevant fields or mark 'N/A' (Not Applicable).

Individual Details & Current Context

1. Full Name of Individual Being Screened:

2. Age:

3. Relationship to Individual (if completing for someone else):

4. Current Education Level / Main Activity:

5. Name of Professional Administering Screener:

6. Date of Screening Tool Completion:

Anxiety History & Triggers

7. Has the individual experienced significant worry or anxiety for a prolonged period (e.g., 6 months or more)?

Yes, prolonged No Not sure

8. What situations or thoughts seem to trigger or worsen anxiety for the individual?

(e.g., social situations, school/work performance, new environments, specific fears, separation from caregivers)

9. Is there any family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions?

Yes No Not sure

10. Has the individual received any previous mental health support or counselling?

Yes No Not sure

Section 3: Anxiety Symptoms & Observations

Observe or discuss the individual's symptoms across different domains. Note their frequency and intensity.

FOR PROFESSIONAL/PARENT USE ONLY: Observe/discuss and record observations/notes below.

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

1. Describe emotional/cognitive symptoms (e.g., excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, irritability, fear of judgment, perfectionism):

Physical Symptoms

2. Describe physical symptoms (e.g., restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, stomach aches, headaches, rapid heartbeat, sweating):

Behavioural Symptoms

3. Describe behavioural symptoms (e.g., avoidance of situations, clinginess, difficulty sleeping, changes in eating habits, seeking reassurance):

Impact on Functioning

4. How do these symptoms impact daily functioning (e.g., school/work attendance, social interactions, hobbies, self-care)?

5. Overall Observations from Professional/Parent (Optional, but highly recommended):

Note any general observations: patterns of distress, coping attempts, specific triggers or calming strategies used.

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

This section explores the individual's unique strengths and existing ways of coping with anxiety.

Individual Strengths

1. Describe the individual's cognitive strengths (e.g., high intelligence, strong memory, attention to detail, analytical skills, creativity):

2. Describe the individual's social-emotional strengths (e.g., empathy, compassion, conscientiousness, resilience, strong work ethic, humour):

3. Does the individual have any particular interests or talents that bring them joy or a sense of calm?

Existing Coping Strategies

4. What strategies or tools does the individual currently use to try and manage their anxiety?

(e.g., talking to someone, deep breathing, distraction, avoidance, seeking reassurance, exercise, specific routines)

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Anxiety Disorder Screening Tool

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Who is this Screening Tool For?

What Will This Tool Do?

Important Information:

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

Section 2: Background & Anxiety History

Individual Details & Current Context

Anxiety History & Triggers

Section 3: Anxiety Symptoms & Observations

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Behavioural Symptoms

Impact on Functioning

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

Individual Strengths

Existing Coping Strategies

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Potential Indicators of Anxiety:

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

DDP Generated Report

Sign up for Newsletter

Anxiety Disorder Screening Tool

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Who is this Screening Tool For?

What Will This Tool Do?

Important Information:

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

Section 2: Background & Anxiety History

Individual Details & Current Context

Anxiety History & Triggers

Section 3: Anxiety Symptoms & Observations

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Behavioural Symptoms

Impact on Functioning

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

Individual Strengths

Existing Coping Strategies

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Potential Indicators of Anxiety:

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

DDP Generated Report

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