Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) Calculator

[fstyle]

Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) Calculator
1. How many panic and limited symptoms attacks did you have during the 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 theatres, crowds, bridges, tunnels, shopping centres, 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.)
[/fstyle]

Greetings, math whizzes and psychology buffs! Ready to crunch some numbers in the fascinating world of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS)? Grab your calculators and let’s go!

PDSS Calculation Formula

To calculate the PDSS score, you simply add up the scores in the following categories:

PDSS Score = Σ (Frequency + Distress + Avoidance + Work Impairment + Social Impairment + Health Worries)

PDSS Interpretation

Here’s how to interpret your calculated PDSS score:

Severity PDSS Score
None 0-4
Mild 5-9
Moderate 10-14
Severe 15-20
Very Severe 21-28

PDSS Calculation Examples

Let’s see how Bob and Alice fare:

Name Frequency Distress Avoidance Work Impairment Social Impairment Health Worries PDSS Score
Bob 2 3 1 2 1 1 10
Alice 4 4 1 3 1 2 15

PDSS Calculation Methods

Here are a couple of common methods to calculate PDSS, along with their pros, cons, and accuracy:

Method Advantages Disadvantages Accuracy
Clinical Interview Comprehensive Time-consuming High
Self-Report Convenient May be inaccurate Moderate

Evolution of PDSS Concept

Want to know how the PDSS concept has evolved? Here you go:

Year Key Development
1990 PDSS Conceptualized
2000 PDSS Revision

Limitations of PDSS Calculation

As with most things, there are some limitations to be aware of:

  1. Subjectivity: Results can vary based on individual interpretation.
  2. Lack of Context: Does not consider external factors influencing panic symptoms.

Alternative PDSS Measurement Methods

Looking for alternatives? Check these out:

Method Pros Cons
GAD-7 Broader scope Less specific
PHQ-9 Includes depression symptoms Less focused on panic disorder

FAQs on PDSS Calculator

Here are some frequently asked questions about the PDSS calculator:

  1. What is PDSS? PDSS is a tool used to measure the severity of panic disorder symptoms.
  2. How is PDSS calculated? PDSS is calculated by adding up scores from different categories related to panic disorder symptoms.
  3. What are the categories in PDSS? The categories in PDSS are Frequency, Distress, Avoidance, Work Impairment, Social Impairment, and Health Worries.
  4. How accurate is PDSS? PDSS has a high level of accuracy when administered through a Clinical Interview and a moderate level of accuracy when Self-Reported.
  5. Can PDSS diagnose panic disorder? No, PDSS cannot diagnose panic disorder – it only measures the severity of symptoms.
  6. Are there any limitations to PDSS? Yes, PDSS is subjective and does not consider external factors influencing panic symptoms.
  7. Are there alternatives to PDSS? Yes, alternatives include the GAD-7 and PHQ-9.
  8. How often should PDSS be administered? There is no fixed frequency – it depends on the individual’s condition and the clinician’s judgment.
  9. Can PDSS be self-administered? Yes, but it may be less accurate than a Clinical Interview.
  10. What is a ‘good’ PDSS score? A lower PDSS score indicates fewer or less severe symptoms.

References

For further reading and resources, check out these links:

  1. National Institute of Mental Health
  2. American Psychological Association