Measurement of Anxiety by Forearm Blood Flow

Abstract

A physiological index of anxiety would be of considerable value if it could evaluate objectively the diminution in anxiety which follows drug treatment, psychotherapy, deconditioning and prefrontal leucotomy. Anxiety is an unpleasant subjective experience of tension, apprehension or anticipation imposed by the expectation of danger or distress or the need for a special effort. The components of the accompanying physiological response lend themselves to objective measurement and are worthy of study since they reflect the emotional changes which defy direct measurement.