# Panic attacks: causes and when to see a doctor

_Panic attacks: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/panic-attacks

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A panic attack brings sudden fear with a racing heart, sweating and breathlessness. They are frightening but usually pass within minutes. Chest pain with breathlessness should be checked once by a clinician to rule out a heart problem.

**Panic attacks: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Chest pain with breathlessness should be checked once by a clinician to rule out a heart problem. | A GAD-7 screen; talking therapy helps many people. | Mental health screening | Mental health screening, KES 100 |

## Panic attacks: common questions

**Q: What can cause panic attacks?**

A: A panic attack brings sudden fear with a racing heart, sweating and breathlessness. They are frightening but usually pass within minutes.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Chest pain with breathlessness should be checked once by a clinician to rule out a heart problem.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A GAD-7 screen; talking therapy helps many people.

**Q: Is panic attacks serious?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's mental health screening (Mental health screening, KES 100) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Spitzer et al., A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7 (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2006)](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/410326)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## Related symptoms

- [Can't sleep: causes and when to worry | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/can-t-sleep)
- [Constant worry: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/constant-worry)
- [Feeling burnt out at work: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/feeling-burnt-out-at-work)
- [Feeling sad all the time: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/feeling-sad-all-the-time)
- [Low mood after having a baby: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/low-mood-after-having-a-baby)
- [Thoughts of self-harm: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/thoughts-of-self-harm)