Panic disorder test: Check your symptoms

Wondering if you have panic disorder? This panic disorder test can help you better understand your symptoms. Maybe you’ve had sudden episodes of intense fear, a racing heart, or trouble breathing. Or maybe you’ve started avoiding certain places or situations because you’re worried about having another panic attack.

This quiz was created by a mental health professional and asks about common signs of panic disorder. It isn’t a diagnosis. But it can help you recognize patterns in your symptoms and decide if it may be time to talk with a mental health professional.

Do you have panic disorder?

This quiz asks about common signs of panic disorder. This quiz is a screening tool rather than a diagnosis, but it can help you recognize patterns that may be worth discussing with a mental health professional. 

Answer each question with “yes” or “no” based on your experiences over the past several months. 

1. Have you had panic attacks that seemed to come out of nowhere?

2. During a panic attack, did you feel intense fear that became overwhelming within a few minutes?

3. During a panic attack, did you have symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shaking, trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or fear of losing control?

4. After a panic attack, have you spent at least one month worrying about having another one?

5. Have you changed your daily routine because you were afraid of having another panic attack?

6. Do you avoid certain places or activities because you’re worried about having a panic attack?

7. Have panic attacks or fear of having one made it harder to work, go to school, maintain relationships, or enjoy daily life?

8. Have your panic attacks happened even when there wasn’t an obvious reason for them?

9. Have you ever thought you were having a medical emergency during a panic attack, but a healthcare provider found no physical cause?

10. Has fear of having another panic attack become a regular part of your life?

Interpreting your quiz results

Give yourself 1 point for every “Yes” answer and 0 points for every “No” answer. Add up your total score, then find your results below.

• 0–2 points: Few signs of panic disorder. Your answers suggest you may not be experiencing many of the common signs of panic disorder. Everyone feels anxious or has occasional moments of panic from time to time. If your symptoms become more frequent or start affecting your daily life, consider talking with a mental health professional.

• 3–5 points: Some signs of panic disorder. Your responses suggest you may be experiencing some symptoms associated with panic disorder. While this doesn’t mean you have the condition, it may be helpful to monitor your symptoms and talk with a healthcare provider or mental health professional — especially if panic attacks are becoming more frequent or you’re avoiding certain situations.

• 6–8 points: Moderate signs of panic disorder. Your score suggests you may be experiencing several symptoms commonly seen in panic disorder. If panic attacks or fear of future attacks are interfering with your work, relationships, or daily activities, a mental health professional can help determine what's causing your symptoms and recommend treatment options.

• 9–10 points: Strong signs of panic disorder. Your responses suggest you may be experiencing many signs of panic disorder. While this quiz can’t diagnose you, it may be a good idea to schedule an evaluation with a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider. Effective treatments are available, and many people experience significant improvement with the right support.

This quiz is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider can diagnose panic disorder. They will ask about your symptoms, health history, and whether another health condition or substance could be causing your panic attacks.

To diagnose panic disorder, a person must have repeated panic attacks that happen unexpectedly. They must also spend at least one month worrying about having another panic attack or changing their behavior because of that fear, like avoiding certain places or situations. A diagnosis isn’t based on a set number of panic attacks. Instead, a provider looks at your symptoms ^[1], how long they’ve lasted, and how they’re affecting your daily life.

Panic disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders. Up to 5% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with panic disorder ^[2] in their lifetime. Many more people will have a panic attack at some point in their lives without developing panic disorder.

Signs you may have panic disorder

Panic disorder is more than having an occasional panic attack. It’s a mental health condition that involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing fear of having another one. Over time, that fear can change the way someone lives, works, or spends time with others.

This quiz asks about several common signs of panic disorder ^[3], including:

• Unexpected panic attacks: Panic disorder involves panic attacks that seem to happen without a clear trigger. 

• Intense physical symptoms: During a panic attack, people may have a racing heart, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, or trouble breathing. They may sweat or shake. These symptoms often peak within minutes and can feel frightening.

• Fear of future panic attacks: Many people with panic disorder spend a lot of time worrying about when the next panic attack will happen. 

• Avoiding certain places or situations: Some people start avoiding driving, shopping, traveling, exercising, or other activities because they’re afraid of having a panic attack. 

• Problems in daily life: Panic disorder can make it harder to work, go to school, maintain relationships, or enjoy everyday activities. 

Panic disorder vs. anxiety attacks

Many people wonder whether they’re experiencing panic disorder or anxiety. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they're not the same.

• A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear that usually reaches its strongest point within a few minutes. 

• An anxiety attack isn’t an official mental health diagnosis. People often use the term to describe anxiety that builds gradually in response to stress or worry.

Having one or even several panic attacks doesn’t automatically mean you have panic disorder. What makes panic disorder different is the ongoing fear of future attacks and the changes people make to avoid them.

What happens if panic disorder is untreated

Panic disorder doesn’t always go away on its own. Some people notice their symptoms come and go, while others continue to have panic attacks for months or years without treatment. Over time, fear of having another panic attack can make someone avoid certain places, activities, or situations. This can affect work, school, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Untreated panic disorder may also increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions, like depression or other anxiety disorders. The good news is that panic disorder is treatable ^[4]. Many people find relief with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Getting help early can make it easier to manage symptoms and regain confidence in daily life.

Next steps for evaluating panic attacks

Whether your score was low or high, understanding your symptoms is an important first step. If panic attacks are becoming more frequent or making it harder to live your daily life, consider reaching out for support.

Here are a few next steps:

• Talk to a healthcare provider. Panic attacks can feel like other medical conditions, including heart or thyroid problems. A primary care provider can help rule out physical causes of your symptoms.

• Schedule a mental health evaluation. A licensed mental health professional can determine whether you’re experiencing panic disorder or another mental health condition and recommend the right treatment.

• Practice coping skills. While you’re waiting for an evaluation or starting treatment, self-care strategies like slow breathing, grounding exercises, and regular physical activity may help you manage symptoms.

• Explore treatment options. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both are effective treatments for panic disorder. Your provider can help you decide what makes the most sense for your needs.

• Build a support system. Let trusted friends or family members know what you’re experiencing. Having support can make recovery feel less overwhelming.

Panic disorder is treatable. With the right care, many people have fewer panic attacks, feel less anxious about future attacks, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Clinician’s take

Once a medical cause has been ruled out, many people find it helpful to remember that panic symptoms can feel dangerous without actually being dangerous. Recognizing that difference can help break the cycle of fear that keeps panic going.

Brandy Chalmers, LPC

Clinical reviewer