Panic Quiz:

Do I Have Panic Disorder?

The best estimates are that 5% of the US population will experience a panic attack in their lifetime and only about one-quarter of those ever receive minimally adequate treatment for the disorder. Take our panic quiz to see if you may be suffering from a panic disorder.

Prepared By: Thea Gallagher, Psy.D. University of Pennsylvania

Answer the questions below and then click "Submit Results"

Question 1:

Do you have experiences where you have a sudden increase in fear or discomfort unexpectedly?

Yes

No

Question 2:

Does the fear or discomfort reach the worst peak in a few minutes?

Yes

No

Question 3:

During this period, do you experience four or more of the following: racing heart, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a choking sensation, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or stomach pain, dizzy or faint, chills or heat sensations, feeling of being detached or unreal from yourself, fear or losing control or going crazy, and/or fear of dying?

Yes

No

Question 4:

Following at least one of these attacks have you felt afraid and concerned about having another attack?

Yes

No

Question 5:

Have you adjusted your behavior in order to avoid situations where you fear you might have another attack?

Yes

No

Disclaimer: Anxiety.org does not endorse or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical or mental health condition and cannot be substituted for the advice of physicians, licensed professionals, or therapists who are familiar with your specific situation. Consult a licensed medical professional or call 911, if you are in need of immediate assistance. Furthermore, the information reflects the opinions of the author alone and not those of the author’s employer or Anxiety.org. For more information, please carefully read our Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions of Use.

You answered Yes to question(s).

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you might have panic disorder or panic symptoms. Panic attacks can be very scary, and it is normal to feel initially concerned about these sensations. Panic disorder affects about 2-3% of people (adults and children) in the United States per year, so you are not alone. The good news is that panic disorder can be successfully treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which will help you learn how to effectively manage your panic disorder. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, and they are negatively interfering with your life, it might be time to seek help.

It will be important to begin with a structured psychiatric evaluation by a professional to see if you meet criteria for panic disorder, which will inform your treatment plan. Our mental health impacts many aspects of our lives, such as our physical health and our quality of life, which is why it is so important to address any mental health problems with effective treatments.

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed professional. To begin your search for a mental health professional, go to the ADAA’s Therapist Directory.

Learn More About Panic Disorder Treatment Options Online Help

Disclaimer: Anxiety.org does not endorse or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical or mental health condition and cannot be substituted for the advice of physicians, licensed professionals, or therapists who are familiar with your specific situation. Consult a licensed medical professional or call 911, if you are in need of immediate assistance. Furthermore, the information reflects the opinions of the author alone and not those of the author’s employer or Anxiety.org. For more information, please carefully read our Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions of Use.

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Disclaimer: Anxiety.org does not endorse or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition and cannot be substituted for the advice of physicians, licensed professionals, or therapists who are familiar with your specific situation. Consult a licensed medical professional or call 911, if you are in need of immediate assistance. Furthermore, the information reflects the opinions of the author alone and not those of the author’s employer or Anxiety.org. For more information, please carefully read our Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions of Use.

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