Evidence-based assessment/Instruments/Beck Anxiety Inventory

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), created by Aaron T. Beck and other colleagues, is a 21-question multiple-choice self-report inventory that is used for measuring the severity of anxiety in children and adults. The questions used in this measure ask about common symptoms of anxiety that the subject has had during the past week (including the day you take it) (such as numbness and tingling, sweating not due to heat, and fear of the worst happening). It is designed for individuals who are of 17 years of age or older and takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Several studies have found the Beck Anxiety Inventory to be an accurate measure of anxiety symptoms in children and adults.

Question breakdown, scoring and interpretation
Each question inquires about how bothersome a symptom of anxiety has been for the subject over the past week. Scoring the BAI is based on a 0-3 point scale, with each question being scored as follows based on participant response:

The point values of the chosen answer choices are then summed to produce a total measure score. The BAI has a maximum score of 63.
 * 0 points: NOT AT ALL
 * 1 point: MILDLY: It did not bother me much.
 * 2 points: MODERATELY: It wasn't pleasant at times.
 * 3 points: SEVERELY: It bothered me a lot.

Interpretation of scores
The following guidelines are the currently used in interpreting the total score: In 1993, the interpretation guidelines were updated (see above). Prior to 1993, the 1988 interpretation guide was used and is listed below. Please see page 1 of the BAI manual for a full discussion of changes between the 1988 edition and the current 1993 edition of the BAI. Note: women with anxiety disorders tend to score 4 points higher than men with anxiety disorders
 * 0-7: minimal anxiety
 * 8-15: mild anxiety
 * 16-25: moderate anxiety
 * 26-63: severe anxiety
 * 0-9: normal anxiety
 * 10-18: mild-moderate anxiety
 * 19-29: moderate-severe anxiety
 * 30-63: severe anxiety