Medically reviewed by Dr. Yujal Man Singh, MD (Psychiatry) · Updated 20 September 2026
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear with a racing heart, breathlessness, chest tightness, shaking or dizziness. It peaks within minutes and passes. It feels dangerous but is not. When attacks keep coming, or you start avoiding places for fear of one, it is called panic disorder, and it responds very well to treatment.
Book a consultation WhatsApp to book
Common signs
- Pounding or racing heart, chest pain
- Short of breath, choking feeling
- Sweating, shaking, hot or cold flushes
- Dizziness, feeling faint or unreal
- Fear of dying, losing control or “going mad”
- Avoiding buses, crowds, markets or being alone
Many people go to emergency several times and are told their heart tests are normal. If a doctor has checked you and ruled out a physical cause, panic disorder is likely.
How panic is treated
CBT is a first-line treatment. A component network meta-analysis in Psychological Medicine found that CBT which includes interoceptive exposure (safely bringing on the body feelings of panic so they lose their power) and is done face to face works best [1].
Antidepressants such as SSRIs also help [2]. Sleeping or calming tablets like alprazolam and clonazepam work fast but can cause dependence, so Dr. Yujal uses them only for short periods and with care.
Seeing Dr. Yujal in Kathmandu or online
Dr. Yujal Man Singh is a psychiatrist at Mind Matters Nepal in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu. You can meet him in person or by video call from anywhere in Nepal or abroad. Sessions are in Nepali, English or Hindi. No referral is needed.
Filling in the Brief Mood Survey (BMS) form before and after each session is a must, so we can both see how you are doing.
Book a consultation WhatsApp to book
Common questions
Can a panic attack kill me?
No. A panic attack cannot stop your heart or make you stop breathing. If you have new chest pain, get it checked by a doctor first.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people improve within 6 to 12 CBT sessions. Mood and anxiety scores are checked each session.
Should I keep taking alprazolam?
Do not stop suddenly. Talk to a psychiatrist about a safe plan to reduce it and to start a longer-term treatment.
In a crisis? This clinic does not provide emergency care. If you or someone near you may act on thoughts of suicide or is in danger, go to the nearest hospital emergency or call 1166 (Nepal suicide prevention helpline). Abroad, call your local emergency number.
Research behind this page
- Pompoli A, et al. Dismantling cognitive-behaviour therapy for panic disorder: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine 2018;48(12):1945-1953. doi:10.1017/S0033291717003919
- Guaiana G, et al. Pharmacological treatments in panic disorder in adults: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023;11:CD012729. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012729.pub3