Panic disorder is common in medical students: Assessing the prevalence of panic disorder among medical students using the panic disorder screener (PADIS)

This study aims to determine the prevalence of panic disorder among medical students. Using the Panic Disorder Screener (PADIS) Scale for the screening of panic disorder (PD), we conducted a cross-sectional study targeting medical students from 2nd to 6th year at Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan, with a sample of 361 students. Using convenience sampling method, the questionnaires were disseminated to medical students via social media educational groups and direct contact with the students. To analyze which factors predict PD among medical students, we used a Multiple Firth Logistic regression model, and to check the construct validity of the PADIS scale we used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), alongside Cronbach’s alpha standardized coefficient for reliability. The scale construct was validated with acceptable CFA fit indices (TLI = 0.996, CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.027, and SRMR = 0.019) and accepted internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.733). Interestingly, 140 students reported having recurrent panic attacks (38.8 %). Nevertheless, 103 students (28.5 %) fully satisfied the diagnostic criteria for PD, indicating its high prevalence within this population. The most common method used to overcome the attack was deep breathing or special maneuvers (44 %). According to the regression results, PD was significantly less likely to be present among those who hadn’t experience panic attacks before attending medical school (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.43; 95 % CI = [0.2–0.91]; P = 0.028), more likely to be in females (OR = 3.12; 95 % CI = [1.53–6.6]; P = 0.002), and significantly more prevalent among students from lower years compared to 6th year students. Interventions should be applied in medical faculties, as PD is not uncommon in this population.