The following article discusses panic disorder with anxiety attacks and the effective methods of treating it – through pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Independent attempts to cope with anxiety disorders often prove unsuccessful and result in prolonged suffering and significant limitations in one's functioning. According to research, the most effective treatment is a combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Appropriate drug treatment allows patients to receive quick relief by alleviating the discomfort experienced. In the course of a therapy patient learns how to modify dysfunctional thinking and change acting patterns, obtains tools and develops effective adaptive strategies for coping with difficult situations. In the long run, the competences acquired during therapy increase a patient's resilience. The text compares different cognitive models of panic anxiety, based on which a treatment plan is formulated. The commonly accepted criteria used to diagnose this disorder and its prevalence worldwide are outlined. Awareness of panic anxiety can significantly shorten the diagnostic process by referring the patient to a mental health expert. As a result, it would reduce the burden on the health care system – shorten the queues to specialists, reduce the number of medical tests ordered and thus reduce avoidable costs.