Coordinated care consisting of cognitive behavioural therapy plus medication improves panic disorder.

Intervention: Coordinated care consisting of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus medication or usual care. CBT consisted of six sessions plus six follow up telephone booster sessions and a patient education video and workbook. A behavioural health specialist delivered CBT and was involved in coordinated care by communicating with both primary care physicians and consultant psychiatrists as necessary. Antidepressant medication was managed by a primary care physician using a medication algorithm and with guidance from a consulting psychiatrist. Usual care consisted of medication delivered by the primary care physician with possible referral to community based mental health resources.