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Izrein Shaikh – MAPS2424
Report no. 6 – (BAI) Beck’s Anxiety Inventory
INTRODUCTION:
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a 21-item self-report questionnaire designed to
measure the severity of anxiety symptoms in adults and adolescents. Each item is rated on a
4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (“Not at all”) to 3 (“Severely—it bothered me a lot”),
resulting in a total possible score between 0 and 63.
RAW SCORE:
A raw score of 25 falls at the upper limit of the "moderate anxiety" range, based on
standard interpretive guidelines:
● 0–7: Minimal Anxiety
● 8–15: Mild Anxiety
● 16–25: Moderate Anxiety
● 26–63: Severe Anxiety
This indicates that the individual is experiencing clinically significant anxiety symptoms,
which may include both physiological and cognitive manifestations of anxiety.
INTERPRETATION:
A raw score of 25 on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) indicates a moderate level of anxiety,
suggesting that the individual is experiencing a significant degree of distress related to
anxiety symptoms. These may include both physical symptoms—such as dizziness,
palpitations, restlessness, or shortness of breath—and cognitive symptoms like fear of losing
control or difficulty relaxing. While this level of anxiety may not be fully debilitating, it can
interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. The score warrants
further clinical evaluation to determine the underlying causes, assess for possible anxiety
disorders, and guide appropriate intervention. Since the BAI emphasizes somatic symptoms,
additional tools may be needed to capture the full spectrum of anxiety, particularly if
cognitive worry is prominent. Early identification and treatment—such as cognitive
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behavioral therapy, stress management techniques, or lifestyle adjustments—can help reduce
symptom severity and improve functioning.
SYMPTOM PATTERN AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:
A score of 25 suggests the presence of multiple anxiety-related symptoms that are
noticeable and distressing, although they may not yet be severely debilitating. Based on
item content, individuals scoring in this range often report symptoms such as:
● Physical (somatic) symptoms:
○ Nervousness, restlessness
○ Feelings of choking or suffocation
○ Palpitations or pounding heart
○ Dizziness or lightheadedness
○ Numbness or tingling sensations
○ Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
● Cognitive and affective symptoms:
○ Fear of the worst happening
○ Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
○ Inability to relax or persistent tension
○ Feelings of terror or dread
These symptoms may interfere with concentration, daily functioning, and social
interaction, especially if sustained over a prolonged period or triggered frequently.
FUNCTIONAL IMPACT:
Although anxiety is a normal emotional response to stress or danger, individuals scoring in
the moderate range may experience heightened arousal or vigilance even in non-threatening
situations. This overactivation of the fight-or-flight response can affect:
● Academic or occupational performance
● Interpersonal relationships
● Sleep and appetite
● Overall quality of life
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If unaddressed, moderate anxiety may escalate to severe forms or develop into a diagnosable
anxiety disorder such as:
● Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
● Panic Disorder
● Social Anxiety Disorder
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
● Specific Phobias
RECOMMENDATIONS:
● Clinical Interview: Conduct a structured clinical interview (e.g., MINI, SCID) to
explore the type, duration, and severity of symptoms.
● Additional Assessment Tools: Use complementary tools such as the Beck
Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), or the
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
● Therapeutic Intervention:
○ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective in managing
anxiety symptoms.
○ Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or relaxation techniques may
be beneficial adjuncts.
● Psychoeducation: Help the client understand the nature of anxiety and normalize
some of their experiences.
● Medical Referral: If physical symptoms are intense or interfere with daily life,
consider a referral for medical evaluation to rule out physical causes.
● Monitoring: Track symptoms over time to evaluate treatment response or symptom
progression.
SIGNATURE.
PSYCHOLOGISTS,
IZREIN SHAIKH.
