Physical Exam for Symptoms of Anxiety
During a physical exam for symptoms of
anxiety, the health professional checks for other
physical causes of symptoms. The health professional may:
- Check your blood pressure and
temperature.
- Take your pulse.
- Listen to your lungs and
heart.
- Check to see whether your nerves are functioning normally.
For example, the health professional may tap your elbow or knee with a small
rubber hammer to see whether you have quick or slow physical reflexes, or he or
she may check your balance by asking you to stand with your eyes closed and
your arms stretched out in front of you.
- Feel your thyroid gland.
This is the gland that lies in front of the windpipe (trachea), just below the
voice box (larynx).
- Take blood or urine samples to test for other
illnesses or conditions.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Revised | July 11, 2011 |