Misdiagnosis of Panic Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association first recognized panic disorder as a mental health condition in 1980. It was then that panic disorder was categorized into theDiagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5), 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 thediagnosis of panic disorder.

Given thatpanic disorderandagoraphobiaare 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 andsymptoms 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, andPTSDare 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.

Misdiagnosis can occur when one disorder remains unrecognized. For example,depressionis 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

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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 andmyths about panic disorder. For example, the media often uses the term "panic attack" to describe common nervousness. Many times, the wordspanic attackand 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 propertreatment 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.