A Multi-Site RCT of a Stepped-Care Intervention for Emergency Department Patients With Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical, patient-centered, and economic effectiveness of a stepped-care intervention for patients with panic attacks and panic disorder presenting to the busiest Accident and Emergency (A\&E) departments of the largest public healthcare group in Singapore. The RCT will have two arms: 1) treatment via an enhanced care pathway consisting of a stepped-care intervention for panic attacks and panic disorder; and 2) a control arm consisting of screening for panic attacks and panic disorder in the A\&E and discharge (routine care). In addition to the baseline assessment, the study follow-up visits will occur at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.