# What is a panic attack?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-is-a-panic-attack
For: Patients | Mental health care | Last reviewed 23 July 2026

**Answer:** A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that usually peaks quickly. It can bring a racing heart, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, trembling, sweating, nausea, tingling, a sense of unreality or fear of losing control or dying. Attacks can happen without warning. Because several medical conditions cause similar symptoms, a first, severe or unusual episode may need medical assessment. Panic attacks are treatable.

### Panic attack or panic disorder?

One panic attack does not mean panic disorder. Panic disorder involves repeated attacks together with ongoing fear of another attack or changes in behaviour, such as avoiding places. Recurrent attacks, anticipatory fear or avoidance should be assessed by a professional.

### Points to keep in mind

- Symptoms usually peak and then settle, even though the experience can feel dangerous.
- Heart, lung, hormonal, neurological, medicine and substance-related problems can overlap with panic symptoms.
- Panic is commonly treated with psychological therapy and sometimes medication, following a professional assessment.

> **Important:** Seek urgent medical help for new or severe chest pain, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, neurological symptoms or symptoms that differ from a known panic pattern.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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