Do I suffer from panic attacks? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders

Do you ask yourself: "Did I just have a panic attack?", "Is my panic still normal?" or "I'm afraid of the next panic attack!" Such statements can point to a panic disorder.

Typical symptoms of a panic attack include:

  • Sudden racing heartbeat and sweating,
  • Shortness of breath or hyperventilation,
  • Feelings of derealisation or depersonalisation,
  • Intense fear of losing control or dying.

This test helps you assess whether you may be experiencing panic attacks. It takes both physical and psychological symptoms of a panic disorder into account.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Panikattacken-Test.

Panic Attacks Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. In recent months, have you experienced sudden attacks of intense anxiety without an apparent reason?

2. During such attacks, do you feel a racing or pounding heart?

3. Do you feel as if you cannot breathe properly in such moments?

4. During these episodes, do you experience tightness in the chest or shortness of breath?

5. During such an attack, do you feel as if you are losing control or about to faint?

6. During panic attacks, do you feel as if you are in an unreal world (e.g. everything seems blurry or surreal)?

7. During such episodes, do you suffer from strong trembling or sweating?

8. During a panic attack, do you experience an intense fear of dying?

9. Do you avoid certain places or situations out of fear of having a panic attack there?

10. Do you constantly worry that another panic attack could occur?

11. Do you feel that your anxiety attacks limit your professional or private life?

12. After a panic attack, do you feel exhausted and physically drained?

13. Do you often check yourself physically (e.g. taking your pulse) because you fear an attack?

14. During a panic attack, do you have physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or hot flushes?

15. When sudden anxiety strikes, do you immediately look for an escape route or someone who can help you?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.