Which statement about the assessment of persons with anxiety and anxiety disorders is most accurate?

• A. Comprehensive assessment should include both self-report measures and clinical interviews to capture the full range of symptoms and impairment.
• B. Assessment is unnecessary if the person reports feeling anxious, as self-diagnosis is sufficient.
• C. Assessment of anxiety disorders relies solely on biological tests such as blood work and brain scans.
• D. Only observable behaviors are relevant in the assessment of anxiety disorders; subjective experiences are not important.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of assessment in anxiety disorders, which is to gather comprehensive information about the individual's symptoms, experiences, and impairment.
2. Step 2: Recognize that self-report measures provide valuable insight into the subjective experience of anxiety, such as feelings, thoughts, and internal states.
3. Step 3: Acknowledge that clinical interviews allow trained professionals to explore symptoms in depth, clarify responses, and observe nonverbal cues, adding richness to the assessment.
4. Step 4: Note that relying solely on biological tests or observable behaviors is insufficient because anxiety disorders involve subjective experiences that cannot be fully captured by these methods alone.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate approach combines both self-report measures and clinical interviews to ensure a thorough understanding of the individual's anxiety and its impact.