<p>My youngest daughter (10th grade) has developed a real problem with test anxiety since entering high school. In each of her classes (this term, 2 AP & 3 Honors level), she gets A's in class assignments, participation & essays. She gets grades of C through F on tests (multiple choice & short answer). Despite the low test scores, she still has managed to get fairly good grades overall, & has a 4.4 GPA after the fall term. I see her studying & know she is well prepared for her tests. She reports that as soon as the tests begin, her mind goes blank. After the tests are over, she frequently realizes what the correct answers were to most of the questions (too late). I have spoken to several of her teachers, & they are so perplexed by her test results. They all are very encouraging to her & are usually just as surprised & disappointed as she is by the scores. I think it must be test anxiety. She dreams of attending a school with very competitive admissions. I think worry over this school is the basis for the problem (although she is pretty anxious in general). This pressure comes from within her, not from my husband & I. If we do mention anything about considering less competitive schools, she says that we must think she is not smart enough for the dream school. She is now seeing a therapist for cognitive help with the anxiety. The therapist has recommended a CD with relaxation exercises for starters. Do any parents or students have experience with this issue, and do you have any helpful suggestions?</p>
<p>I was just talking to a neuro-psychologist about this very topic recently and he said there was some work being done at UCSD on "Right Nostril Breathing" and also suggested Kundalini (?) yoga, which focuses on breathing. He also said that it is vital for kids with test anxiety to have 30 minutes of cardio-exercise every day, particularly swimming, if possible. Cardio and yoga/breathing have been proven to be as effective as anti-anxiety meds for some people.</p>
<p>have you considered getting a psycheducational eval? It may point to something, it did for my nephew. He was similar experience as your daughter but it took till college before he hit a brick wall. . It escalated to the point of his TA's and professors suggesting he get tested for ADD as well, he would walk out of a study/review session with confidence assured by the TA's he would ace the exams. He would fail, his study partner would get an 80 he would get a 40. The TA was dumbfounded she said he knew the material better than his study partner. Sure enough it is/was ADD exacerbated by stress. My nephew swears excercising daily is his key as well as eating properly, enough protein before an exam. He did get the eval done and supports were put in place for extra tutoring, not taking 3 exams one after another(that did him in for mid terms) by the 3rd test in a block of 7 hours of testing he was literally fried. Don't ignore it,(not saying your are, just that it is worth going for real help to find out what is the reason) it is real for some kids and the hit they take once in college can be their downfall. Good luck</p>
<p>There are some prescriptions some musicians get for stage fright. I don't know if they would work for your daughter, but it might be worth inquiring. It sounds like you've made a good start though. Good luck, my son has a friend who ran out of an AP test last year in tears from anxiety. It's no fun.</p>
<p>sami, is my son your nephew? It was the same for him. Showed up in college, diagnosed with ADD. Though he hasn't conquered the test anxiety thing yet. He knows the material backward and forward, prepares well (maybe too much) and goes blank in the test. A beta blocker was tried, but really didn't help. He says he doesn't feel anxious prior to test, goes in with confidence and then poof!</p>
<p>This works for some - Suck on a certain type of mint while studying the night before. Start sucking on that same type of mint again only when the test starts. Something about engaging another sense (or two; taste and smell) to get the brain unstuck. Something inexpensive to try.</p>
<p>Thanks so much to those who commented. I will pursue the psychoeducational testing. Love the mint idea--it makes sense and it's quick and easy to implement. If anyone else has suggestions, I'd love to hear them.</p>
<p>There is a therapy that has been very successfully used for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that also is successful with performance or test anxiety. It is called EMDR. When you first do it, it seems strange and you can't imagine it works, but a good clinician can work wonders. There are people who get really good results in just one session. There is a search function for clinicians on the site. Of course, it's best to get a referral. I did this therapy after a trauma and I was amazed at the results. It is non-invasive and involves no meds. It would be my first choice. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.emdr.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.emdr.com/</a></p>