Anger Test

Signs and symptoms of anger problems

Anger is a natural human emotion that we all experience from time to time. Anger - when used right - is a healthy response when we need to defend ourselves, both physically from an attack and emotionally when we feel that someone is violating our boundaries, integrity and independence.

Common factors that can make you angry

You feel humiliated or embarrassed

You feel disappointed

You feel that you failed

You feel envy

You are being teased or bullied

Someone is being rude

You have a physical condition, like PMS

You have a mental disorder

You have a substance/behavioral addiction

You have financial problems

Stressful and/or annoying situations like traffic jams and bad service

Injustice

The human being is programmed with an instinct for danger that makes us willing to "fight or flight". The threat inspires feelings and behaviors in an often powerfully aggressive manner, making it possible for us to be able to fight and defend ourselves when we are being attacked. A certain amount of anger is thus essential to our survival. When you are angry, your body releases stress hormones, like adrenaline, that make your pulse and heart rate go up, your body temperature to increase and for you to breathe faster. Your body is prepared to fight.

Emotional, behavioral and physical signs and symptoms of anger

You feel irritated

You have feelings of resentment

You feel a desire or need to act out verbally and your voice gets louder

You feel a desire or need to act out physically (throwing things or even hurting yourself or others)

You say and do things that you do not mean

You feel a desire to escape from the situation

You feel a need to use substances to make you calm down

You behave anxiously (like fidgeting with your hands)

You behave rudely/sarcastically/abusively

You grind your teeth

You clench your jaw

You have stomach problems

You get a faster heart rate and more rapid breathing

You sweat more than usual

You get hot flashes

Your body is trembling

You feel dizzy

If your anger becomes excessive or uncontrollable, it can be destructive and may lead to problems at work, in your relationships and in your overall life. When having anger problems, it is common to often regret your actions afterwards, since it hurts your loved ones. But the impulse to react is too strong at the time. When anger gets out of control, the consequences can be very serious and there are no limits to what it will lead to for yourself and others.

Uncontrolled or unresolved anger can lead to many problems, including:

Hurting yourself or others

Depression and low self-esteem

Eating disorders

Substance or behavioral abuse

High blood pressure

Headaches

Insomnia

Stomach disorders

Stroke and heart attacks

Compromised immune system

Further reading: Overcome anger problems with online therapy.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms described above, we recommend that you take this test. Evaluate the statements and select the option that you feel best reflects the way you have felt for the past two weeks. The test is, of course, anonymous and free (see our privacy policy).

This anger test is not to be seen as a final diagnosis. If you are uncertain about your result, we suggest that you get professional help as soon as possible.