Panic Disorder Test

A panic disorder test can help you find out if certain symptoms are caused by a panic disorder or a physical condition. This helps to make sure you get the right treatment. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you have repeated panic attacks.

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear or anxiety. Besides emotional distress, a panic attack can cause physical symptoms. They include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

A panic attack can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. During a panic attack, some people think they are having a heart attack. Panic attacks may occur as part of an anxiety disorder or if you have another mental health condition such as depression.

Usually, panic attacks cannot be predicted. Some panic attacks happen in response to a stressful or scary situation. Other attacks happen without a clear reason.

Panic attacks can occur as often as a few times a day or only a few times a year. If you have panic attacks, it doesn't mean you will develop a panic disorder. Many people only have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime and get better without treatment.

But having a panic disorder is not common. It only affects a small percentage of adults, but it's more common in women than in men. While panic disorder is not life-threatening, it can be upsetting and affect your quality of life.

If left untreated, it can lead to other health conditions, including depression and substance use disorder.

Why this test is done

You may need a panic disorder test if you've had two or more recent panic attacks for no clear reason and are afraid of having more panic attacks. Panic attacks have at least four of these symptoms at the same time:

• Palpitations (racing or pounding heart)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath or feeling as if you're suffocating
• Sweating, chills, or heat sensations
• Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or unsteady
• Trembling or shaking
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of dying
• Feeling like you are choking
• Depersonalization (feeling as if you are watching yourself from outside of your body)
• Derealization, (feelings of unreality, as if you are dreaming)
• Numbness or tingling

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a panic disorder test.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

panic disorder screening