How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Adjustment Disorder (Stress Response) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Adjustment disorder is a common stress-related condition that may affect children and teens when they face difficult life changes or stressful events. It can cause feelings of sadness, worry, or trouble coping with daily activities. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help families understand these feelings and find ways to manage them. Preparing for the visit helps make the most of the time and ensures important information is shared. This guide explains what to expect, how telemedicine can help, and what to do before and after the visit. Remember, this information is for education only and not a diagnosis. If your child has severe symptoms or urgent concerns, seek in-person care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden, severe mood changes or withdrawal from all activities — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Physical symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or severe headaches accompanying emotional distress — get immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and emotional concerns related to adjustment disorder.
• Providing education on stress management and coping strategies.
• Guiding families on supportive care and when to seek further help.
• Referring to mental health counseling or community resources.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations involving self-harm or harm to others.
• Complex psychiatric assessments requiring physical examination.
• Prescribing medications that require in-person evaluation or monitoring.
• Immediate crisis interventions or hospitalization decisions.

What is Adjustment Disorder in Children?

Adjustment disorder happens when a child has a strong emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change, such as moving to a new school, family problems, or illness. These reactions can include feeling sad, anxious, angry, or having trouble sleeping or concentrating. These feelings usually start within three months of the event and may improve with support and time.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home or another safe place. The provider can ask about your child's feelings, behaviors, and recent events. They can offer advice, suggest coping strategies, and help decide if further care is needed. Telemedicine is convenient and helps keep your child safe by avoiding travel.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Adjustment Disorder

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready:

After the Video Visit: What to Do Next

After the visit:

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child:

Go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services right away.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for the video visit.
• Write down your child's symptoms, when they started, and any recent stressful events.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and understands the purpose of the visit.
• Have paper and pen ready to take notes during the visit.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice and treatment recommendations.
• Monitor your child’s mood and behavior changes after the visit.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Consider counseling or support groups if suggested by the provider.

FAQs

What is adjustment disorder in children?

Adjustment disorder is a condition where a child has a strong emotional or behavioral response to a stressful event or life change. It may cause sadness, anxiety, or trouble coping, but it often improves with support and time.

How can a video visit help with adjustment disorder?

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider about your child's feelings and behaviors. They can offer advice, coping strategies, and decide if more help is needed, all from the safety and comfort of your home.

What should I do if my child talks about hurting themselves?

If your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek emergency care immediately by going to the nearest emergency room or calling emergency services.

Can telemedicine replace in-person visits for adjustment disorder?

Telemedicine is helpful for many aspects of care but cannot replace in-person visits when a physical exam or emergency care is needed. It is important to follow the provider’s guidance on when to seek in-person care.

How can I prepare my child for a video visit?

Explain the purpose of the visit in simple terms, find a quiet place, and make sure your child is comfortable. Having notes about symptoms and questions ready can help the visit go smoothly.

Sources

1. Adjustment Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Adjustment Disorder — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
3. Mental Health: Stress and Coping — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Adjustment Disorder — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or urgent concerns, seek immediate in-person medical attention.