Panic Disorder Screening

Several of the following questions refer to panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror or fear. Please answer the following questions about panic attacks and your related concerns over the past week.

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7 questions · 1-2 minutes · scored instantly — Panic Disorder Severity Scale — Self Report.

What the PDSS-SR asks

How many panic attacks did you have in the past week?
How much distress did panic attacks cause you in the past week?
How much have you worried, feared, or had anxious anticipation of future panic attacks in the past week?
How much have you feared or worried about the implications or consequences of panic attacks (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, "going crazy") in the past week?
In the past week, how much have panic attacks and associated fears interfered with or caused problems in your social life (e.g., work, relationships)?
How much have panic attacks and associated fears interfered with or caused problems at work, school, or in your daily responsibilities in the past week?
How much have you avoided situations, places, or activities because of fear of panic attacks in the past week?

Answer options

None / Not at all / No interference (0) · Mild / Slightly / Mild interference (1) · Moderate / Moderately / Moderate interference (2) · Severe / Severely / Severe interference (3) · Extreme / Extremely / Extreme interference (4)

How PDSS-SR scores are interpreted

Score	Result	What it suggests
0–7	Minimal panic symptoms	Your responses suggest minimal or no panic-related symptoms. If you have occasional anxiety, a brief consultation can provide helpful coping strategies.
8–13	Mild panic symptoms	Your responses suggest mild panic-related symptoms. Panic attacks are common and highly treatable. A psychiatric evaluation can help determine if panic disorder is present and discuss effective treatment options.
14–20	Moderate panic symptoms	Your responses suggest moderate panic-related symptoms that may be interfering with your daily life. Panic disorder is one of the most treatable anxiety conditions. Speaking with a mental health professional can help you find relief.
21–28	Severe panic symptoms	Your responses suggest significant panic-related symptoms that are likely impacting your quality of life. Effective treatments including therapy and medication can provide substantial relief. A psychiatric evaluation is strongly recommended.

Next step after your PDSS-SR score

If your result suggests more than minimal symptoms, a psychiatric evaluation is the next step. Read about panic disorder treatment, or book directly — most patients are seen within 24 to 48 hours.

Common questions

What is the PDSS-SR?

The PDSS-SR (Panic Disorder Severity Scale — Self Report) is a 7-question screening instrument used in clinical practice to gauge the severity of symptoms. Several of the following questions refer to panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror or fear. Please answer the following questions about panic attacks and your related concerns over the past week. It takes about 1-2 minutes to complete.

How is the PDSS-SR scored?

Each answer carries a point value, and the total places you in one of 4 ranges: 0–7 = minimal panic symptoms; 8–13 = mild panic symptoms; 14–20 = moderate panic symptoms; 21–28 = severe panic symptoms. This screening scores your answers instantly and shows the range you fall into.

Is the PDSS-SR a diagnosis?

No. This screening tool is based on the PDSS-SR (Panic Disorder Severity Scale — Self Report), a validated instrument used by clinicians to assess panic disorder severity. It is not a diagnostic tool. A proper diagnosis of panic disorder requires evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other severe physical symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to rule out medical causes. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Is this screening free and private?

Yes. It is free, takes 1-2 minutes, and you do not need an account. You only share contact details if you choose to ask for an appointment at the end.

What should I do with my result?

Bring it to a psychiatric evaluation. Bright Setorglo, PMHNP-BC (NPI 1588531511) offers same-day and next-day telehealth appointments in Texas; call (432) 770-3341 or book online. If your score is high or you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 now.

This screening tool is based on the PDSS-SR (Panic Disorder Severity Scale — Self Report), a validated instrument used by clinicians to assess panic disorder severity. It is not a diagnostic tool. A proper diagnosis of panic disorder requires evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other severe physical symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to rule out medical causes. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, text HOME to 741741, or call 911.