How to Use the Panic Disorder Risk Self-Check
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear, often with no clear trigger, accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, trouble breathing, or dizziness that all hit at once. This self-check asks which of eight common symptoms you experience during episodes, how many episodes you've had in the past month, and whether you feel anxious between episodes about having another one — then combines these into a reference-only risk level of low, moderate, or high.
Having one panic attack doesn't automatically mean panic disorder. But when attacks repeat and the fear of "what if it happens again" starts leading you to avoid certain places or situations, and that pattern continues for a month or more, it starts to resemble the pattern seen in panic disorder. That's why this tool looks at anticipatory anxiety and attack frequency together, not just the symptom count.
This result is only a reference-level self-screening indicator and does not replace a medical diagnosis. A high score does not mean you are diagnosed with panic disorder, so there's no need for alarm — but if symptoms are interfering with daily life, relationships, or work, it's worth seeking an accurate evaluation from a licensed mental health professional regardless of this result. Reaching out early often makes a real difference in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This tool is a reference-only self-screening result and does not replace a medical diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis requires evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.
A panic attack is a single sudden episode of intense fear. Panic disorder involves repeated attacks along with persistent worry about future attacks that continues over time.
If symptoms are interfering with daily life, it's worth seeking a proper evaluation from a mental health professional regardless of your score here.