Panic disorder (PD) is an anxiety disorder that affects many South Africans. If undiagnosed or mismanaged, this condition may impact profoundly on an individual's functioning and quality of life. At the primary level, the assessment of panic attacks requires consideration of a number of differential diagnoses. General practitioners also play an invaluable role in the acute and long-term care and appropriate referral of individuals with PD. This article provides an overview of PD in general practice and includes a guideline for case identification and therapeutic options.