PDSS-SR [Panic Disorder Severity Scale Self-Report]

The PDSS is a 7-item measure that assesses the severity of symptoms for those diagnosed with panic disorder. This is the self-report version; the original scale is normally completed by clinicians, and used for monitoring purposes.

Created by Dr. M. Katherine Shear and colleagues. The scale has been published by the authors and widely distributed, though Dr. Shear retains copyright. It may be used by clinicians in their practice and for researchers in non-industry studies.

More: doi:10.1176/ajp.154.11.1571

Several of the following questions refer to panic attacks and limited symptom attacks. For this questionnaire, we define a panic attack as a sudden rush of fear or discomfort accompanied by at least 4 of the symptoms listed below. In order to qualify as a sudden rush, the symptoms must peak within 10 minutes. Episodes like panic attacks but having fewer than 4 of the listed symptoms are called limited symptom attacks. Here are the symptoms to count: rapid or pounding heartbeat, sweating, trembling or shaking, breathlessness, feeling of choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea, dizziness or faintness, feelings of unreality, numbness or tingling, chills or hot flushes, fear of losing control or going crazy, fear of dying

1. How many panic and limited symptoms attacks did you have during the past week?

2. If you had any panic attacks during the past week, how distressing (uncomfortable, frightening) were they while they were happening? (If you had more than one, give an average rating. If you didn’t have any panic attacks but did have limited symptom attacks, answer for the limited symptom attacks.)

3. During the past week, how much have you worried or felt anxious about when your next panic attack would occur, or about fears related to the attacks (for example, that they could mean you have physical or mental health problems or could cause you social embarrassment)?

4. During the past week, were there any places or situations (e.g., public transportation, movie theaters, crowds, bridges, tunnels, shopping malls, being alone) you avoided, or felt afraid of (uncomfortable in, wanted to avoid or leave), because of fear of having a panic attack? Are there any other situations that you would have avoided or been afraid of if they had come up during the week, for the same reason? If yes to either question, please rate your level of fear and avoidance this past week.

5. During the past week, were there any activities (e.g., physical exertion, sexual relations, taking a hot shower or bath, drinking coffee, watching an exciting or scary movie) that you avoided, or felt afraid of (uncomfortable doing, wanted to avoid or stop), because they caused physical sensations like those you feel during panic attacks or that you were afraid might trigger a panic attack? Are there any other activities that you would have avoided or been afraid of if they had come up during the week, for that reason? If yes to either question, please rate your level of fear and avoidance of those activities this past week.

6. During the past week, how much did the above symptoms altogether (panic and limited symptom attacks, worry about attacks, and fear of situations and activities because of attacks), interfere with your ability to work or carry out your responsibilities at home? (If your work or home responsibilities were less than usual this past week, answer how you think you would have done if the responsibilities had been usual.)

7. During the past week, how much did panic and limited symptom attacks, worry about attacks, and fear of situations and activities because of attacks, interfere with your social life? (If you didn’t have many opportunities to socialize this past week, answer how you think you would have done if you did have opportunities.)


 

Self-report scales are for screening purposes only, and must be interpreted by a qualified health professional in conjunction with clinical assessment. They cannot be used alone for diagnostic or treatment purposes.