Do I suffer from a fear of trembling? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Fear of Trembling (Tremophobia)

The fear of trembling is a form of social phobia. It mainly relates to trembling hands. Do you know the feeling? You worry that your trembling will be read as weakness and insecurity? That you will be laughed at or rejected?

Typical signs of a fear of trembling can include:

  • Avoidance of social situations that involve eating or drinking,
  • Intense fear of trembling in public,
  • Strong worries about being judged negatively by others.

Most of us feel nervous, fidgety, or shaky from time to time. We do not particularly enjoy it, but after a short while we forget the event and return to the topics of daily life. Things are very different for people who fear trembling hands.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Zitterangst-Test.

Fear of Trembling Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Do you avoid certain situations because you fear your trembling might be noticed?

2. Do you feel insecure or ashamed when you tremble in public?

3. Do you believe that trembling is a flaw others strongly perceive?

4. Do you often imagine yourself trembling in an embarrassing situation and being laughed at?

5. Do you try to prevent your trembling through strict control or concentration?

6. Do you think your trembling could cause others to reject you?

7. Do you avoid activities like writing, handing over objects, or receiving change in public?

8. Do you feel that others can tell from your trembling how nervous or insecure you are?

9. Do you intensely monitor yourself in order to control or hide your trembling?

10. Do you avoid eating or drinking in public to prevent attention being drawn to your trembling?

11. At events, do you plan what to eat or drink in order to minimise the risk?

12. Do you drink alcohol or take sedatives to relax before social situations?

13. Do you avoid activities or hobbies in which your trembling might be noticed?

14. Are you increasingly withdrawing from social contact in order to avoid being seen trembling?

15. Do you think others might misinterpret your trembling, for instance as a sign of health problems?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.