The Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) is a tool that provides a general measure of the person’s anxiety level. For each of the twenty questions for the Zung Self-rating Scale for anxiety disorders, the person taking the test marks whether the statement applies to them a little of the time, some of the time, a good part of the time, or most of the time.

The twenty statements are:

1. I feel more nervous and anxious than usual.
2. I feel afraid for no reason at all.
3. I get upset easily or feel panicky.
4. I feel like I’m falling apart and going to pieces.
5. I feel that everything is alright and nothing bad will happen.
6. My arms and legs shake and tremble.
7. I am bothered by headaches, neck and back pain.
8. I feel weak and get tired easily.
9. I feel calm and can sit still easily.
10. I can feel my heart beating fast.
11. I am bothered by dizzy spells.
12. I have fainting spells or feel like it.
13. I can breathe in and out easily.
14. I get feelings of numbness and tingling in my fingers and toes.
15. I am bothered by stomachaches or indigestion.
16. I have to empty my bladder often.
17. My hands are usually dry and warm.
18. My face gets hot and blushes.
19. I fall asleep easily and get a good night’s rest.
20. I have nightmares.

For statements 5, 9, 13, 17, and 19: Add 4 points to the score if you answered “a little of the time.” Add 3 points for “some of the time.” Add 2 points for “a good part of the time,” and 1 point for “most of the time.”

For all the other statements: Add 1 point for “a little of the time,” and 2 points for “some of the time.” Add 3 points for “a good part of the time,” and 4 points for “most of the time.”

Then total all the number to get the score. The score should be between twenty and eighty.

The Zung Self-rating Scale for anxiety score describes the level of anxiety the person has.
• 20-44 Normal Range
• 45-59 Mild to Moderate Anxiety Levels
• 60-74 Marked to Severe Anxiety Levels
• 75-80 Extreme Anxiety Levels

If the person has a score within the moderate, severe, or extreme levels, the person should be evaluated by a physician or psychiatric professional. High levels of anxiety can be a sign of several illnesses and can also cause physical problems. The good news is that anxiety is often very treatable. Seeking professional help can be the first step towards living without elevated anxiety.

Reference:
Zung, W.K. A rating scale for anxiety disorders. Psychosematics. 1971.