Panic Disorder Diagnosis Misdiagnosis of Panic Disorder Could You Have Been Misdiagnosed? By Katharina Star, PhD Katharina Star, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 29, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Caiaimage/Robert Daly/Getty Images The American Psychiatric Association first recognized panic disorder as a mental health condition in 1980. It was then that panic disorder was categorized into the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the handbook used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions. Researchers, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals who treat panic disorder have long debated about what criteria to include in the diagnosis of panic disorder. Given that panic disorder and agoraphobia are relatively newly classified disorders, that there are many public misconceptions about panic disorder, and the difficulty that mental health professionals have in agreeing about the diagnostic criteria, it is not surprising that panic disorder has the potential to be misdiagnosed. After seeking help for panic disorder, it is possible to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Listed here are some potential reasons why a misdiagnosis can occur. Related and Co-Occurring Conditions There are several mental health conditions that have some similar features and symptoms of panic disorder. According to the DSM, panic disorder is categorized as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders all have some similarities, particularly underlying fear and worry. Social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, general anxiety disorder, and PTSD are all anxiety-related conditions that share commonalities with panic disorder. Since these disorders are so closely related, it is not surprising that misdiagnosis can occur. It is also not uncommon for a person with panic disorder to have another mental health condition as well. Misdiagnosis can occur when one disorder remains unrecognized. For example, depression is a mood disorder that frequently accompanies panic disorder. If a person is struggling with both symptoms of depression and panic, it can be possible that the symptoms of depression are more evident than the panic disorder symptoms. Miscommunication With Mental Health Professionals When seeking out help for your panic disorder and anxiety, it is important to find professionals who are knowledgeable about diagnosing mental health conditions. Family doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health counselors are all professionals who treat panic disorder. In order to get the right diagnosis, you will need to be open and honest about your symptoms. Misdiagnosis can occur if your doctor does not have clear and accurate information on what you have been experiencing. Good communication with your doctor will help you get the diagnosis and treatment that you need. Panic Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment. Download PDF Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Make sure that you discuss any concerns about your diagnosis with your doctor and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Not Understanding Panic Disorder There are many misunderstandings and myths about panic disorder. For example, the media often uses the term "panic attack" to describe common nervousness. Many times, the words panic attack and anxiety are used interchangeably, even though there are distinct differences. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, ask your provider to explain the diagnostic criteria to you and reasons for giving you that diagnosis. You may believe that you have been misdiagnosed, but it is possible that you did not fit the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder. Misdiagnosis is a serious issue. If you have been misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, you may not receive the proper treatment for panic disorder. If you believe you have been misdiagnosed, address your concerns with your doctor or mental health provider. It can be helpful to have a list of your symptoms available and you may want to consider enlisting a supportive loved one to bring along to your appointment. Most likely, your doctor will address your concerns and determine a treatment plan that will help you manage your symptoms. Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Per Carlbring. Book review: panic disorder. assessment and treatment through a wide-angle lens, Scandinavian Journal of Behaviour Therapy. 2000;29(1);48. doi:10.1080/028457100439872 American Psychiatric Association. "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed." 2013 Washington, DC: Author. By Katharina Star, PhD Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist for Panic Disorder Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.