What is a 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.

Other names: panic disorder screening

What is it used for?

A panic disorder test is used to find out if certain symptoms are caused by a panic disorder or a physical condition, such as a heart attack.

Why do I need a panic disorder test?

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

What happens during a panic disorder test?

Your health care provider may give you a physical exam and ask you about your feelings, mood, and other symptoms. Your provider may also order blood tests and/or tests on your heart to rule out a heart attack or other physical conditions such as thyroid problems. Conditions related to substance use will also be considered since some of its symptoms can be similar to panic attacks.

During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

You may also be tested by a mental health provider. A mental health provider is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

If you are being tested by a mental health provider, they may ask you more detailed questions about your feelings and actions. You may also be asked to fill out a series of questions about these issues.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for a panic disorder test?

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

Are there any risks to the test?

There is no risk to having a physical exam or filling out a series of questions.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

To understand the results of a panic disorder test, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests. Symptoms of panic disorder often begin before age 25 but may occur in the mid-30s and include:

• Frequent, unexpected panic attacks
• Ongoing worry about having another panic attack
• Avoiding places and situations because you're worried that they may cause a panic attack
• Fear of losing control
• No other cause of a panic attack, such as substance use, a mental health condition or physical condition

Treatment for panic disorder usually includes one or more of the following:

• Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, to help you understand your feelings.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts or how you react to things that cause you to feel anxiety.
• Mental health counseling.
• Anti-anxiety, antidepressant or other medicines.

Your provider may also urge you to practice other healthy habits to reduce panic attacks. These may include avoiding alcohol, reducing caffeine, eating regular meals, and getting enough sleep and exercise. They may also recommend that you join a support group.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about a panic disorder test?

If you are diagnosed with panic disorder, your provider may refer you to a mental health provider for treatment. There are many types of providers who treat mental disorders. The most common types of mental health providers include:

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine.
• Psychologists are professionals trained in psychology. Psychologists may use one-on-one counseling and/or group therapy sessions. They often have doctoral degrees, but they do not have medical degrees. They can't prescribe medicine unless they have a special license. Some psychologists work with providers who can prescribe medicine.
• Psychiatric or mental health nurses are nurses with special training in mental health disorders. Nurses who may have a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing include advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). In some states, certain nurses can prescribe medicines.
• Licensed clinical social workers have at least a master's degree in social work with special training in mental health. They can't prescribe medicine, but they may work with providers who can prescribe medicine. Providers who are licensed clinical social workers usually have LCSW or LICSW after their names.
• Licensed professional counselors (LPC) may also be called clinicians or therapists. States have different names for these licenses, such as LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist). These professionals usually have a master's degree in a field related to mental health. They can't prescribe medicine but may work with providers who can prescribe it.

If you don't know which type of mental health provider you should see, talk to your regular health care provider.