Am I having panic attacks? — measure the frequency, intensity, and impact of panic episodes on your daily life. Instant results, no sign-up needed.
Take the Free Test →A panic attack test is a self-assessment that helps you determine whether the episodes you're experiencing are panic attacks, and if so, how severe and frequent they are. Our free online panic attack assessment measures key diagnostic criteria for panic disorder alongside the impact on your daily functioning.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms: racing or pounding heart, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or hot flushes, numbness or tingling, feelings of unreality (derealisation), fear of losing control, or fear of dying. These symptoms are intensely frightening but not dangerous.
Panic disorder occurs when panic attacks recur unexpectedly and cause persistent concern about future attacks or significant changes in behaviour to avoid triggers. It affects approximately 2–3% of the population and is twice as common in women as in men. Many people with panic disorder also develop agoraphobia — avoidance of places where escape would be difficult during a panic attack.
Our free panic attack test covers 15 questions assessing symptom profile, frequency, anticipatory anxiety, and behavioural avoidance. Your instant results indicate whether your symptoms are consistent with occasional panic attacks, frequent panic attacks, or panic disorder.
If you're searching for a panic attack test online free or wondering "am I having panic attacks?", this panic disorder assessment gives you a structured answer. Unlike a simple checklist, it functions as a full panic attack questionnaire that accounts for both the physical symptoms (racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath) and the cognitive and behavioural consequences — including anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance that develop after repeated episodes.
Panic attacks arise from a misfiring of the fight-or-flight response — a false alarm in the threat detection system of the brain. The amygdala triggers the release of adrenaline in the absence of real danger, producing intense physiological arousal. In people with panic disorder, this is often followed by catastrophic misinterpretation of the symptoms themselves ("My heart is racing — I'm having a heart attack"), which amplifies the response further.
Risk factors include a genetic predisposition to anxiety, major life stressors, trauma, thyroid disorders, and stimulant use (caffeine, certain medications). Panic attacks can also be a symptom of other anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and specific phobias.
If you are experiencing recurrent panic attacks, living in fear of the next attack, or avoiding situations due to panic, it is important to seek professional support. Panic disorder is highly treatable — CBT with interoceptive exposure (deliberately inducing mild physical sensations to reduce fear of them) is the gold-standard treatment. Your GP can provide an initial assessment and referral.
15 questions. Instant results. Free personalised management plan.
Take the Free Test →