Getting To Know Scanxiety, Anxiety Experienced While Waiting For Medical Test Results

Illustration of anxiety while waiting for the results of the medical test (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

JAKARTA - Waiting for the results of the medical examination sometimes makes feelings uneasy and experience anxiety. For some people, these feelings of anxiety may turn into scanxiety.

Scanxiety is a term that is quite popular in the world of psychology and health, although it is rarely known to the general public. Scanxiety is a combination of word scan and anxiety.

Quoted from WebMD, on Monday, July 21, 2025, this condition illustrates the feelings of anxiety, fear, or worry that arises while waiting for the results of medical tests. Especially if the results of the test greatly affect life.

Scanxiety does not only affect mental health, but can also make physical conditions uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important for someone to know this condition so that they know how to deal with it.

1. Symptoms of scanxiety

Symptoms of scanxy can vary, depending on the level of anxiety of each individual. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition are feelings of anxiety, difficulty sleeping, difficulty focusing, heart palpitations, nausea, and even panic attacks.

Psychologically, scanxy can make a person feel helpless and trapped in negative thoughts. This can worsen overall health conditions, and can also affect physical conditions.

Some of the physical symptoms that can arise include headaches, muscle tensions, digestive disorders, to increased blood pressure.

2. It usually happens to people with a history of serious illness

Scanxiety is more common in patients with a history of serious illness, one of which is cancer. Research published at the National Library of Medicine found that about 60 percent of cancer patients reported having a scanxy while waiting for test results.

3. How to overcome scanxiety

There are several effective ways to overcome scanxiety. Starting from trying to stay focused on daily activities while waiting for test results.

Do fun things, which help distract from feelings of anxiety. Then, don't hesitate to talk to the closest person or professional worker to relieve fear.

Not only that, meditation or deep breathing techniques can also help overcome anxiety. In addition, try limiting access to medical information which actually makes you feel more anxious while waiting for the test results.