A condition characterized by persistent anxiety in test situations that is severe enough to seriously interfere with performance.

Physical symptoms of test anxiety include a rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, sweating, stomach ache, dizziness, and desire to urinate. The anxiety interferes with concentration and memory, making it difficult or impossible to recall previously memorized material and resulting in test performance that does not accurately reflect a child's intelligence or the amount of effort spent preparing for the exam. Often, the memorized material is recalled once the test is over and the child leaves the classroom.

Young people with text anxiety are usually conscientious students who work hard and have high expectations of themselves. The condition may begin with inadequate performance on a particular test, which then creates a general fear of the testing situation that hampers future performance, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and low scores...