The physical signs and symptoms of moderate test anxiety include headache, feeling faint, nausea, lightheadedness, diarrhea, shortness of breath, excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Some experience a panic attack, which is described as feeling like a heart attack with the addition of moderate to severe trouble breathing.
The emotional symptoms include anger, helplessness, fear and disappointment, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Some students may experience all of these, but most will only experience one or two.
The behavioral symptoms of moderate test anxiety include thinking negatively, trouble concentrating, and comparing yourself to others, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Some students may completely "blank out" and forget everything they studied when it comes time to sit down and take a test. The behavioral symptoms are sometimes referred to as cognitive symptoms.