Panic Disorder Self-Test

If you suspect you may be suffering from panic disorder, complete the following self-test by clicking the "yes" or "no" boxes next to each question, print out the test and show the results to your health care professional.

HOW CAN I TELL IF IT'S PANIC DISORDER?

Are you troubled by:

1. Repeated, unexpected "attacks" during which you suddenly are overcome by intense fear or discomfort, for no apparent reason?

Yes   No

During this attack, did you experience any of these symptoms?

2. Pounding heart

Yes   No
3. Sweating

Yes   No
4. Trembling or shaking

Yes   No
5. Shortness of breath

Yes   No
6. Choking

Yes   No
7. Chest pain

Yes   No
8. Nausea or abdominal discomfort

Yes   No
9. "Jelly" legs

Yes   No
10. Dizziness

Yes   No
11. Feelings of unreality or being detached from yourself

Yes   No
12. Fear of dying

Yes   No
13. Numbness or tingling sensations

Yes   No
14. Chills or hot flashes

Yes   No
15. Do you experience a fear of places or situations where getting help or escape might be difficult, such as in a crowd or on a bridge?

Yes   No
16. Does being unable to travel without a companion trouble you?

Yes   No

For at least one month following an attack, have you:

17. Felt persistent concern about having another one?

Yes   No
18. Worried about having a heart attack or going "crazy"?

Yes   No
19. Changed your behavior to accommodate the attack?

Yes   No

Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the different conditions. Illnesses that sometimes complicate anxiety disorders include depression and substance abuse. With this in mind, please take a minute to answer the following questions.

20. Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?

Yes   No

More days than not, do you feel:

21. Sad or depressed?

Yes   No
22. Disinterested in life?

Yes   No
23. Worthless or guilty?

Yes   No

During the last year, has the use of alcohol or drugs:

24. Resulted in your failure to fulfill responsibilities with work, school, or family?

Yes   No
25. Placed you in a dangerous situation, such as driving a car under the influence?

Yes   No
26. Gotten you arrested?

Yes   No
27. Continued despite causing problems for you and/or your loved ones?
Yes   No



© 2004 Anxiety Disorders Association of America