Panic Disorder Test: the attacks, the fear of the next one, and what you avoid

You cannot reliably tell them apart yourself, and no questionnaire can do it for you. Panic attacks produce chest pain, breathlessness and a pounding heart, which is also how cardiac and respiratory problems present. The rule worth following is that symptoms which are new, different from your usual pattern, severe, brought on by exertion, or simply frightening you get medical assessment — call emergency services if they are severe. Having been told before that your symptoms were panic does not cover a symptom that feels different this time. Ruling out a physical cause is a normal part of the route to a panic diagnosis, not a detour from it.

NIMH states that panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening and that the physical symptoms usually resolve with time. That fact matters more than it looks: the fear that an attack will kill you, or that you will lose control or collapse, is part of what keeps the cycle running. Knowing that the sensations are not dangerous is one of the things treatment works on directly. None of which changes the advice above about symptoms that are new or severe.

No. NIMH is explicit that an isolated panic attack is not a mental disorder, and that not everyone who experiences one goes on to develop panic disorder. The diagnosis needs recurrent, unexpected attacks plus at least a month of worrying about more of them, fearing what they mean, or changing your behaviour to avoid them. Many people have a single frightening episode during a stressful period and never have another.

NIMH reports that an estimated 2.7% of US adults had panic disorder in the past year and 4.7% experience it at some point in their lives. It is more common in women (3.8% past year) than in men (1.6%). Among adolescents aged 13 to 18, an estimated 2.3% have had it. NIMH also reports that of adults with panic disorder in the past year, 44.8% had serious impairment, 29.5% moderate and 25.7% mild.

No, though they frequently occur together. Agoraphobia is intense fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if you had an attack — crowds, public transport, being far from home. NIMH describes it as something that can develop alongside panic disorder. One of the fifteen questions here asks about it, but if that is the part you recognise most, our Agoraphobia Test covers it properly.

Yes, and it is one of the more treatable anxiety disorders. NIMH describes treatment as psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive behavioural therapy is what it calls the gold standard, with exposure methods — including interoceptive exposure, which deliberately brings on the physical sensations — doing much of the work. SSRIs and SNRIs are the usual medications and may take several weeks to have an effect.

NIMH lists depression, other anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD and bipolar disorder, alongside physical conditions including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and thyroid problems. It also notes that panic disorder is commonly associated with alcohol and substance misuse, which often begins as a way of managing the attacks. Mentioning all of it to a clinician makes the treatment plan better, not more complicated.

Yes. The test is free, needs no account or sign-up, and your result appears only in your browser. Nothing is sent to us.

Yes. NIMH notes that panic attacks can occur at any time, sometimes even during sleep. Waking in the middle of an attack is frightening and is a recognised part of the condition rather than a sign of something separate.