Psychologists and counselors the world over treat people with stress. For a successful treatment a successful diagnosis of the problem is needed, as with medical field as well. The physical stress test is one of the most popular tests to get an idea of a client's stress level. Stress does manifest itself in the physical body, more often than not. Stress shows up in the body as illnesses and ailments. These can be headaches like migraines, and other forms like sweaty hands or nausea. The physical stress test is used to indicate the level of stress that such patients undergo, and it has proved reliable over the years.

In order to pose as a stress management tools, the physical stress test involves the use of evaluating the responses of patients against a list of physical illnesses and ailments, in a grid pattern. About forty such ailments are mentioned on the pattern. The test involves a point rating system to estimate the stress a person is undergoing. Points between 40 and 75 tell us the patient is undergoing less stress. 75 to 100 points indicate moderate stress, 100 to 150 indicates high stress and anything above that calls for immediate help.

Once the therapist has determined the stress level using the physical stress test; he moves on to psychological questions which also pose as an indicator of stress level. These questions are generally about the patient's personal points of view about life.

When we are dealing with stress management we are actually dealing with factors that initiate the stress, which are not always physical. True, some physical factors like biological agents and the temperature could cause stress. But more often than not when we are dealing with stress, we are dealing with psychological stress agents that initiate the stress. When the brain undergoes stress, its affects are manifested in various body parts as physical ailments.

The physical and psychological tests mentioned above are both time-tested stress tests and can well stand on their own. However, when a psychologist feels the need he may use both tests to confirm his readings. He may do that for example, when the stress level readings seem unusually high or low.

The identification of stress factors is not difficult at all and most of us could well do it for our selves. However, it is sometimes difficult to analyze your own self, analyzing another person is always easier. Hence we resort to meeting psychologists and counselors regarding the same. Do not be fearful or feel ashamed that you may have to meet a counselor to handle your stress. There is not one among us who does not feel stress, and it is healthy that you are aiming to handle this in your life.