Panic Disorder Test: Panic Attack Severity (PDSS)

What it measures

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.

How it works

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.

Tips for an accurate result

• 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.