William WK Zung designed the (SAS) Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. This scale allows individuals suffering from anxiety symptoms to rate their level of anxiety. This scale is self administered and consists of 20 questions. The responses include options 1-4 which are none or little of the time, some of the time, good part of the time, or most of the time. Five of the 20 questions are geared towards lowering anxiety levels while 15 of the 20 questions are geared towards increasing levels of anxiety. The Zung self rating scale for anxiety has a score that ranges from 20-80. Those with extreme levels of anxiety will score 75-80. Marked to severe levels of anxiety are scored in the 60-74 range, mild to moderate levels of anxiety are scored in the 45-59 range, and the normal range is 20-44.
Treatment for Anxiety
Once you have been scored on the Zung Self Rating Scale for Anxiety and realize your level of anxiety then you may need to seek out treatment. The good news about anxiety disorders is that they are treatable and many patients respond well to drugs and other treatment methods. The success of the treatment will depend on the individual and some may respond positively to treatment after a few months whereas others will need a few years for treatment to take effect. One of the problems some individuals experience is the fact that they are abusing other substances in addition to having an anxiety disorder or that they are affected by multiple anxiety disorders. Because of this it is important that all treatment be personalized to the individual receiving it.
There are some standard types of treatment that are most effective. For example, behavior and cognitive therapies seem to work for many as the individual is involved in recovering and learns life skills to help them through their disorder.
Relaxation is another therapy that is used and individuals learn how to breathe and exercise so they can better manage their anxiety disorder.
Medication has also proven useful and may be used with several of the other therapies previously discussed. In some individuals, antidepressants are necessary so that the other forms of therapy can take effect. Medication is a short term option for some individuals and a long term option for others.
The best way to get started is to take the Zung Self Rating Scale for Anxiety and see where you are. Then, seek out treatment from your healthcare provider because anxiety disorders are treatable. You don’t have to live with the symptoms when there is help available.