Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

A female college student feels she cannot answer questions during exams. What level of anxiety is she experiencing?

1. Normal

2. Moderate

3. Severe

4. Mild

The correct answer is: Severe

The female college student in this scenario is experiencing a level of anxiety that significantly impacts her ability to perform during exams, suggesting that her anxiety is overwhelming and debilitating. When individuals face severe anxiety, they often struggle to engage in tasks that typically would be manageable, such as answering questions in an exam setting. This level of anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, cognitive distortions, and emotional distress, which can all contribute to a paralysis-like response that makes it difficult or impossible for her to focus and respond during an exam. Severe anxiety can also lead to situations of panic or intense fear, with individuals feeling that they cannot cope. In this case, the student's inability to answer questions indicates that her anxiety is beyond typical performance anxiety, which can occur in exam situations. Instead, it reflects a state where anxiety severely disrupts her functioning in a significant way. Understanding anxiety levels is crucial for mental health technicians, as it helps determine the appropriate interventions and support needed for individuals facing such challenges.