Translation and psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the panic disorder dimensional scale

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent panic attacks. The Panic Disorder Dimensional (PD-D) scale assesses PD symptoms severity, serving as an instrument for screening and monitoring treatment effectiveness. This study aims to translate and evaluate the Arabic version of the PD-D scale. A cross-sectional design with 219 participants diagnosed with PD was conducted in Egypt. The scale underwent forward and backward translation. Content validity was reviewed by experts; convergent and discriminant validity were assessed via correlation analyses. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup CFA confirmed unidimensional structure and measurement invariance across sex and marital status. The scale showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.902), strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.837), acceptable discriminant validity [r = -0.103, p = .127], and convergent validity [r = 0.500, p < .001]. The Arabic PD-D demonstrates robust psychometric properties for screening and follow-up use in patients with PD.