Treatment of Panic Disorder Among Individuals Consulting Emergency Departments for Non Cardiac Chest Pain

Efficacy of Three Treatment Modalities for Panic Disorder Among Individuals Consulting Emergency Departments for Non Cardiac Chest Pain

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of three different treatment modalities on panic symptoms, quality of life and use of health services among individuals consulting an emergency department for non cardiac chest pain and having Panic Disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 and over
• Mastered oral and written French
• Consulted an emergency department for chest pain with very low risk of coronary disease (normal ECG and blood tests)
• Met criteria for Panic Disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chest pain with an obvious medical origin (obvious trauma or abnormal pulmonary x-rays)
• Had received cognitive-behavior therapy for Panic Disorder in the last six months
• Cognitive impairment preventing the completion of psychological assessment
• Past or present psychotic episode, Bipolar Disorder, or organic mental disorder
• Current Abuse or Dependence Disorder
• If another Mental Disorder is present, its severity was equal or inferior to the severity of Panic Disorder
• Current medical condition preventing the participant from receiving pharmacological of cognitive-behavior treatment