What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Mild to Moderate

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for mild to moderate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children or adolescents, families often receive guidance on managing symptoms and next steps. The healthcare provider may recommend therapy options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), discuss medication possibilities, or suggest lifestyle changes. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to monitor progress and adjust care as needed. Families are encouraged to watch for any worsening symptoms or new concerns and to keep open communication with the healthcare team. Telemedicine visits can be a helpful way to start care, but ongoing support and sometimes in-person visits may be necessary for the best outcomes.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden worsening of OCD symptoms causing inability to perform daily tasks — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Severe side effects from any prescribed medications, such as rash, difficulty breathing, or extreme mood changes — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate OCD symptoms.
• Providing education and support to families.
• Monitoring treatment progress and side effects.
• Referrals to therapists or specialists.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or severe distress.
• Complex cases requiring detailed physical or neurological exams.
• Medication management requiring close lab monitoring or in-person evaluation.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will likely summarize the discussion and suggest a plan. This plan may include starting therapy, considering medications, or monitoring symptoms. You may receive referrals to specialists or therapists who work with children and teens. The provider might also give you educational materials or resources to help understand OCD better.

Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

Regular follow-up appointments are important to see how symptoms are changing. These visits might be through telemedicine or in person. The healthcare team will check if treatments are working and if any side effects occur. They may adjust therapy or medications based on your child's progress. Keeping a symptom diary can help track changes over time.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Families can support children by encouraging healthy routines, such as regular sleep, balanced meals, and physical activity. Creating a calm and supportive home environment helps reduce stress, which can worsen OCD symptoms. Parents and caregivers may learn strategies to gently discourage compulsive behaviors without causing frustration or conflict.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your child experiences severe distress, thoughts of self-harm, or inability to carry out daily activities, seek urgent medical care. These signs mean the condition may be worsening and requires prompt attention. Your healthcare provider can guide you on emergency resources if needed.

How Telemedicine Fits into OCD Care

Telemedicine can provide easy access to healthcare providers, especially when in-person visits are difficult. It is useful for discussing symptoms, adjusting treatments, and providing support. However, some situations may require in-person evaluation, such as complex cases or when physical exams are needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and how they affect daily life.
• List any medications or supplements your child is taking.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure a private, quiet space for the telemedicine visit.
• Test your device and internet connection before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare provider.
• Schedule and attend follow-up appointments as advised.
• Keep a diary of symptoms and any side effects from treatment.
• Use recommended resources or therapy exercises at home.
• Contact the healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

FAQs

What types of therapy might be recommended after my child's telemedicine visit?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is often recommended for OCD. This therapy helps children face their fears and reduce compulsive behaviors with support from a trained therapist.

Can medication be started through telemedicine?

In many cases, providers can discuss and prescribe medications via telemedicine. However, some medications require careful monitoring, which may need in-person visits or lab tests.

How do I know if my child's OCD is getting worse?

Signs of worsening OCD include increased time spent on compulsions, greater distress, difficulty completing daily activities, or new symptoms like depression or anxiety. If you notice these, contact your healthcare provider.

Is telemedicine as effective as in-person care for OCD?

Telemedicine is a useful tool for many aspects of OCD care, such as assessments and therapy. However, some situations may require in-person visits for thorough evaluation or treatment adjustments.

What should I do if my child refuses to participate in therapy?

It's common for children to feel hesitant. Encouraging open communication, explaining therapy benefits, and involving a therapist experienced with children can help. Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider for additional support.

Sources

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children and Teens — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
3. Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
5. Telemedicine and Mental Health Care — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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