SHAI-18
Short Health Anxiety Inventory (18-item)
The Short Health Anxiety Inventory (18-item) (SHAI-18) is a 18-item anxiety assessment for adults. It typically takes about 10 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 54 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
18
10 min
adult
0–54
About the SHAI-18
The Short Health Anxiety Inventory (18-item) (SHAI-18) is a 18-item anxiety assessment for adults. It typically takes about 10 minutes to complete, producing a total score from 0 to 54 where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
First published in 2002 by Salkovskis PM, Rimes KA, Warwick HMC, Clark DM, the SHAI-18 is free to use for clinical and research purposes with attribution. With Psyche Assess you can send the SHAI-18 to clients online, score it automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report in seconds.
What it measures
SHAI-18 questions
- 1
I do not worry about my health.
illness_likelihood - 2
I notice aches/pains less than most other people (of my age).
illness_likelihood - 3
I am aware of bodily sensations or changes…
illness_likelihood - 4
Resisting thoughts of illness is…
illness_likelihood - 5
As a rule I am not afraid that I have a serious illness.
illness_likelihood - 6
I think there is something seriously wrong with my body…
illness_likelihood - 7
I would not let my doctor reassure me if I had concerns about my health.
illness_likelihood - 8
I feel I am bothering the doctor if I make an appointment.
illness_likelihood - 9
My family / friends would say I worry too much about my health.
illness_likelihood - 10
If I have a sensation or change in my body I wonder what it means…
illness_likelihood - 11
I usually feel at very high risk for developing a serious illness.
illness_likelihood - 12
I have a real talent for spotting symptoms.
illness_likelihood - 13
Thoughts about illness…
illness_likelihood - 14
I find my bodily sensations distressing.
illness_likelihood - 15
I find my bodily sensations are not under my control.
negative_consequences - 16
If you had a serious illness, would you be able to enjoy things in your life…
negative_consequences - 17
If you had a serious illness, would you be able to maintain hope?
negative_consequences - 18
If you had a serious illness, do you think modern medicine would be able to cure you?
negative_consequences
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 | Below threshold | Below the commonly-used clinical cutoff (18). |
| 18–54 | Clinically significant | Score ≥18 — clinically significant health anxiety; consider CBT for health anxiety (Salkovskis & Warwick). |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Frequently asked questions
How many items does the SHAI-18 have?
The SHAI-18 has 18 items and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
How is the SHAI-18 scored?
Item responses are summed for a total score from 0 to 54, where higher scores indicate greater severity. Totals fall into the interpretive bands shown above.
Is the SHAI-18 free to use?
The SHAI-18 is free to use for clinical and research purposes provided the authors are credited and the item wording is not altered.
Who is the SHAI-18 for?
The SHAI-18 is designed for adult and is used by clinicians, researchers, and integrated-care teams.
Source & references
Ready to administer this assessment?
Send it to clients in seconds, score automatically, and generate a clinician-ready report.