
What is Test Anxiety?
Test anxiety goes beyond the normal nerves most people feel before an exam. It is a type of performance anxiety that causes intense fear or worry specifically in testing situations. Students with test anxiety often experience physical symptoms like sweating, racing heartbeat, or nausea, and mental symptoms like blanking out during the test—even when they studied well. If these reactions occur consistently during exams, test anxiety may be the underlying cause.
Why Symptoms Can Be Confusing
As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I am often evaluating students that initially request testing for ADHD. They report that they have trouble concentrating when studying, continued difficulty with procrastination, and regularly losing their train of thought or needing to re-read questions multiple times when taking tests. Timed tests, such as the SAT or the LSAT, in particular are often a reported to bring out their symptoms the worst. But what I’ve found once I start their evaluation is often that their difficulties with concentration and procrastination or avoidance behaviors are more a symptom of test anxiety than ADHD.
The challenge is that the signs of test anxiety can look similar to other issues. For example, a student with ADHD may struggle with attention and organization, making timed tests stressful. Poor study habits or procrastination can also create last-minute panic that feels like anxiety. Additionally, generalized anxiety or depression can affect confidence and focus, impacting test performance in a similar way.
ADHD Symptoms That Can Impact Testing
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often presents with challenges such as poor attention span, impulsivity, and difficulty organizing tasks. During exams, these symptoms can lead to problems like rushing through questions, losing focus mid-test, or failing to manage time effectively. Students with ADHD may also have trouble retaining information due to inconsistent attention during study sessions. These struggles can appear similar to test anxiety but stem from cognitive regulation issues rather than fear of the exam itself.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Academic Stress
Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves persistent, excessive worry about many aspects of life, not just tests. A student with GAD might experience racing thoughts, restlessness, and physical symptoms such as muscle tension or fatigue on a daily basis. Unlike test anxiety, which typically spikes around exams, GAD symptoms are ongoing and affect multiple areas of functioning. This constant anxiety can make studying more difficult and lower confidence, further increasing stress during tests.
Recognizing True Test Anxiety Symptoms

Test anxiety is characterized by anxiety that is almost entirely situational—linked to exams or performance-based tasks. Common symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and a feeling of panic before or during a test. Students may blank out on material they know well or experience intrusive thoughts like “I’m going to fail.” Unlike GAD or ADHD, test anxiety usually does not impact everyday functioning outside of academic settings. Identifying these specific patterns is key to creating effective coping strategies.
How to Spot the Difference
The key to understanding whether it’s test anxiety or something else is to look for patterns. Does the anxiety appear only during tests, or does it show up in other situations? Are students typically well-prepared yet still underperform because of stress? If yes, test anxiety is likely the issue. But if the anxiety extends to other areas of life, or if organizational struggles are consistent, the root cause might be broader.
When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re unsure, consider consulting a mental health professional or educational psychologist. They can conduct assessments to determine whether the issue is test anxiety, a learning difference, or both. Getting the right diagnosis helps create an effective plan—whether that involves relaxation techniques, better study strategies, therapy, or academic accommodations.
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