Panic Attacks

You may be wondering if the symptoms you have experienced are a panic attack or not. You also may be wondering what the panic attack symptoms are. Here is a quick self-test you can take to learn more about the symptoms and whether or not you might have experienced a panic attack. When you are taking the questionnaire, answer the questions based on the most recent incident. Think about whether or not you had each symptom during that incident The symptoms we include in the questionnaire are based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition or DSM-IV. This is the manual that mental health providers use to determine whether or not their patients have a particular disorder. To be considered a panic attack, the incident must have included 4 or more of the symptoms in this questionnaire.

Symptoms of panic attacks

• raging heartbeat
  

• difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air
  

• terror that is almost paralyzing
  

• nervous, shaking, stress
  

• heart palpitation, feeling of dread
  

• dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
  

• trembling, sweating, shaking
  

• choking, chest pains, distress
  

• fear, fright, afraid, anxious
  

• hot flashes, or sudden chills
  

• tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles')
  

• fearful that you're going to go crazy or are about to die
  

This  web site is NOT designed to respond to suicide crisis. If you believe you are at risk for suicide, dial "911" or go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency Room for an evaluation.

This Panic Attack questionnaire is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or advice. Please consult your doctor about your symptoms.