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Panic Disorder / Agoraphobia

DSM-5 panic-attack symptom list - abrupt surge of intense fear peaking within minutes.

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1 What is the Panic Disorder / Agoraphobia?

The Panic Disorder / Agoraphobia is a psychosocial scoring tool used in paediatric practice. DSM-5 panic-attack symptom list - abrupt surge of intense fear peaking within minutes. It scores 13 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.

2 When to use it

  • Grading severity at the bedside in psychosocial
  • Recording an objective severity band in the case notes
  • Deciding when a total crosses the threshold for escalation
  • Re-scoring to track whether a child is improving or deteriorating
  • Checking the exact criteria of a score used infrequently

3 Formula & method

The score sums 13 criteria: Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate; Sweating; Trembling or shaking; Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; Feelings of choking; Chest pain or discomfort; Nausea or abdominal distress; Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint; Chills or heat sensations; Paraesthesias (numbness or tingling); Derealisation or depersonalisation; Fear of losing control or going crazy; and 1 further criteria. Totals are then banded: any score - Below threshold: fewer than 4 symptoms - a limited-symptom attack rather than a full panic attack; 4 criteria met or more - Threshold met: ≥4 symptoms peaking within minutes = a panic attack. Panic DISORDER additionally requires recurrent unexpected attacks plus ≥1 month of persistent worry about further attacks or maladaptive behaviour change.
  • DSM-5 threshold: 4 or more of the 13 criteria listed.
  • A diagnosis also requires clinically significant distress or impairment, the required duration, and exclusion of substance use or another condition. Screening aid only - not a diagnosis.
  • Agoraphobia: marked fear in ≥2 of - public transport, open spaces, enclosed places, queues/crowds, being outside the home alone.

4 Frequently asked questions

How many criteria does the Panic Disorder / Agoraphobia use?

13. They are Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate; Sweating; Trembling or shaking; Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; Feelings of choking; Chest pain or discomfort; and others.

What do the bands of the Panic Disorder / Agoraphobia mean?

The total is interpreted as: any score - Below threshold: fewer than 4 symptoms - a limited-symptom attack rather than a full panic attack; 4 criteria met or more - Threshold met: ≥4 symptoms peaking within minutes = a panic attack. Panic DISORDER additionally requires recurrent unexpected attacks plus ≥1 month of persistent worry about further attacks or maladaptive behaviour change.

Does the score replace clinical judgement?

No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.

Where does this score come from?

DSM-5 threshold: 4 or more of the 13 criteria listed.

Does it work offline?

Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.

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For qualified clinicians. This page and the PediAid app are a clinical aid only. Calculations and reference data must be verified against the patient's clinical context, the source guideline and your local protocols before any treatment decision is made.