A symptom checklist to help clients reflect on their experiences of panic attacks and explore whether further psychological assessment for panic disorder may be helpful.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, followed by persistent concern about future attack, and self-defeating changes in behavior in response to them. Panic attacks are typically sudden, intense, and accompanied by a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. This symptom checklist draws on diagnostic criteria from DSM-5 and ICD-11 to help clients and clinicians explore whether an individual’s experiences may indicate panic disorder. It is not intended to provide a diagnosis or assess severity, but it can support early discussions about whether further evaluation is warranted.
Panic disorder often goes unrecognised or is confused with general anxiety or physical illness. This resource:
For clients experiencing repeated, unexpected panic attacks and associated worry or avoidance.
For individuals modifying their behavior to prevent further panic attacks.
Gently introduce the possibility of panic disorder using the suggested therapeutic prompt.
Review the checklist collaboratively to understand patterns of fear, avoidance, and coping.
Reflect on symptom duration, frequency, and impact.
Use the insights gained to inform formulation, structured assessment, or referral for treatment.
According to DSM-5, panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, and at least one of the attacks is followed by one month or more of either: persistent concern or worry about additional attacks or their consequences (e.g. losing control, dying), or significant maladaptive behavioral changes related to the attacks (e.g. avoiding exercise or unfamiliar places).
ICD-11 offers a similar description, emphasising the presence of spontaneous panic attacks that are followed by worry or avoidance. While panic attacks can occur in other conditions, panic disorder is defined by the ongoing impact of the fear of having more attacks and efforts to prevent them.
This symptom checklist is informed by both DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria. It is not intended to provide a formal diagnosis or assess severity but may support early recognition and therapeutic exploration. Clinicians can use it to validate a client’s experiences and facilitate conversations that may lead to further assessment.
