How Panic Disorder Is Diagnosed

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which individuals have experienced one or more panic attacks and live in extreme dread of a repeat attack. Depending on the individual, symptoms of panic disorder include a racing heart, sweating, breathing problems and fear of potential triggers, such as crowded places.

Panic disorder can be crippling, impacting all areas of life. Fortunately, not everyone who experiences a panic attack develops panic disorder—only an estimated 2 to 3 percent. People who are more likely to develop panic disorder include those with a family history of it or who have undergone a stressful life event or trauma, such as sexual or child abuse; and those who smoke or consume large amounts of caffeine. Women are at higher risk. Cognitive processing and interpretation of threats may play a role.

Is this panic disorder?

A panic attack is terrifying, and anyone who experiences one hopes to never have another one. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the criteria for panic disorder include experiencing recurrent and often unexpected panic attacks, with at least one of them followed by a month or more of significant fear or maladaptive behavior (such as avoiding triggering situations) due to worries of another attack. The attacks must not be due to a drug or medication or better explained by another mental health disorder, such as a specific or social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or PTSD.

Distinguishing a normal reaction to a panic attack—"I hope that never happens again"—from true panic disorder is based primarily on how much those feelings impact the person's daily life. That distinction can be difficult for an individual or even their friends or loved ones to discern.

Less than 40 percent of people suffering from anxiety seek medical evaluation. Yet without that from a qualified professional, a person might just move on, continuing to experience symptoms of panic disorder without realizing that it's not normal. If you or someone you know suffer from panic attacks, make an appointment with a doctor. A psychiatrist or other specialist with training in anxiety disorders can diagnose panic disorder and offer prevention and coping strategies should you have another attack.

The making of a diagnosis

Panic disorder is a clinical diagnosis made by a trained medical professional, who will talk to you and possibly ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, including their severity and duration. They may also give you a complete physical exam and run tests to rule out a medical cause, such as respiratory problems, thyroid or heart disease, for your symptoms. A diagnosis is typically made after one or two appointments.

What's next

Based on the information attained, your doctor will determine whether your symptoms meet the DSM-5 criteria for panic disorder. If they do, the doctor will discuss treatment options, particularly medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), beta-blockers and benzodiazepines and forms of psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Certain medication classes prevent panic attacks while others can stop them when you are having one.

There's a good deal you can do on your own to improve your symptoms. Health-promoting, anxiety-reducing lifestyle practices can arm your brain and body against panic disorder. Exercise, mindfulness meditation, relaxation, aromatherapy, herbal teas, supplements, cannabidiol (CBD) oil and even spending time with a furry friend can help. Join a support group or get advice from other people who have dealt with panic disorder. Try opening up to friends, family members or a partner about how you're feeling. Putting words to your anxiety and emotions can lessen the burden significantly. Most of all, take care of and be kind to yourself.

In a way, a diagnosis of panic disorder is a good circumstance, because it allows you to put a name to your symptoms and to follow a plan of action targeted to your condition. You didn't choose this, but you can be stronger than it.