What PDSS score means panic disorder?

On the self-report PDSS (range 0–28), a total of 8 or more is the threshold commonly used to suggest panic disorder is likely. A score of 5 or below is in the range typically seen after successful treatment. It's a severity measure, not a diagnosis.

What counts as a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden rush of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within about ten minutes, with at least four physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, or a fear of losing control.

Esprit

Test du trouble panique : sévérité des attaques (PDSS)

Sept questions qui notent la sévérité de vos attaques de panique et de votre évitement, avec le PDSS auto-rapporté.

~3 minDurée

Panic Disorder Severity Scale — Self-Report (Shear 1997)Méthode

GratuitCoût

Avant de commencer

1This test assumes panic attacks — It's most useful if you've had panic attacks — sudden rushes of intense fear with physical symptoms peaking within minutes.
2Answer for the past week — Rate your experience over the last seven days.

7 questions

3′

Panic Disorder Severity Scale — Self-Report (Shear 1997)

Ce que ça mesure

How severe your panic symptoms are, using the self-report Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS-SR). It rates seven dimensions: how often panic attacks occur, how distressing they are, anticipatory worry, two kinds of avoidance, and the impact on work/home and social life. It's designed for people who have experienced panic attacks.

Comment ça marche

Each of seven items has five descriptions scored 0 to 4; you pick the one that best matches the past week. The answers sum to a 0–28 score. A total of 8 or more suggests panic disorder is likely; lower totals reflect milder symptoms, and a score of 5 or below is in the range seen after successful treatment.

Conseils pour un résultat fiable

1Know what a panic attack is — A panic attack is a sudden surge of fear or discomfort with symptoms like a pounding heart, breathlessness, dizziness, or a fear of losing control, peaking within about ten minutes.
2Avoidance keeps panic going — Avoiding places or sensations that trigger panic offers short-term relief but tends to make panic disorder worse over time.
3Treatment is very effective — Cognitive behavioural therapy and certain medications substantially reduce panic attacks and the worry between them.

Fiabilité et limites

The PDSS-SR is a validated severity measure, not a diagnostic test. A total of 8 or more is a widely used threshold suggesting panic disorder, and the scale is often used to track change during treatment. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose panic disorder after a full assessment — use this to understand your symptoms and to guide that conversation.

Références et lectures complémentaires

L'Institute of Doctors propose des outils de dépistage éducatifs et des conseils par IA. Ils ne constituent pas un diagnostic médical et ne remplacent jamais un professionnel de santé qualifié. En cas de problème de santé, consultez un médecin.

Questions fréquentes

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Test d'anxiété GAD-7 : dépistage et score en ligne gratuit

Sept questions validées qui notent votre anxiété de 0 à 21 et expliquent ce que signifie votre résultat GAD-7.

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Test d'anxiété GAD-2 : dépistage rapide en 2 questions

Un dépistage de l'anxiété en deux questions et 30 secondes — notez de 0 à 6 et voyez si le GAD-7 complet vaut la peine.

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Test d'anxiété liée à la santé (SHAI)

Un inventaire court d'anxiété liée à la santé en 14 items qui évalue à quel point la peur de la maladie vous affecte.

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