Can Telemedicine Treat Panic Attacks in Children?

Audience: pediatric

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can affect children and teens. These episodes may include symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feeling detached from reality. Telemedicine can be a helpful way for children and their families to get support and guidance when panic attacks occur. Through video or phone visits, healthcare providers can assess symptoms, offer coping strategies, and recommend further care if needed. However, telemedicine is best suited for mild to moderate panic attacks without urgent medical issues. If a child experiences severe symptoms, such as chest pain, fainting, or thoughts of self-harm, immediate in-person care is necessary. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for panic attacks in children, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine advice is educational and not a substitute for emergency or in-person medical care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or pressure during a panic attack — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting — get urgent medical attention.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — contact emergency services or a mental health crisis line immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate panic attack symptoms in children.
• Providing education on coping strategies and breathing techniques.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Follow-up support and monitoring of symptom changes.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of severe or life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain or fainting.
• Management of suicidal thoughts or self-harm risks requiring immediate intervention.
• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests that require in-person visits.
• Administering emergency treatments or medications.

What Are Panic Attacks in Children?

Panic attacks are sudden feelings of intense fear or discomfort that come on quickly. Children may feel their heart pounding, have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, or feel like they are outside their body. These attacks can be very scary but usually last only a few minutes. They are different from ongoing anxiety, though panic attacks can happen in children with anxiety disorders.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine allows children and families to talk with healthcare providers through video or phone calls. Providers can ask about symptoms, help identify triggers, and teach calming techniques like deep breathing. They can also decide if the child needs more tests or in-person care. Telemedicine can make it easier to get help quickly from home or school, especially when traveling to a clinic is difficult.

When Telemedicine May Not Be Enough

If a child has very severe symptoms — such as chest pain, fainting, difficulty speaking, confusion, or thoughts of hurting themselves — telemedicine is not enough. These signs mean the child needs urgent in-person evaluation. Also, if panic attacks happen very often or do not improve with initial care, a face-to-face visit may be needed for more tests or treatments.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information about the child's symptoms, including when attacks started, how often they happen, and what helps or makes them worse. Find a quiet, private place for the call. Have a list of current medicines and any health conditions ready. Make sure the device used for the visit has a good internet or phone connection.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's advice on managing panic attacks, such as practicing breathing exercises or avoiding triggers. Watch for any new or worsening symptoms. Keep track of panic attack frequency and severity. Schedule follow-up visits if recommended. If symptoms worsen or red flags appear, seek in-person care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space for the telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Have a list of the child's symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any other health conditions.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Practice recommended breathing and relaxation techniques regularly.
• Monitor the child's symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding medications or therapy.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose panic attacks in children?

Telemedicine providers can assess symptoms and suggest if they are likely panic attacks, but a formal diagnosis may require in-person evaluation, especially if symptoms are complex or severe.

What should I do if my child has a panic attack during a telemedicine visit?

Stay calm and help your child practice deep, slow breathing. Inform the provider immediately so they can guide you through coping strategies during the visit.

Are panic attacks dangerous for children?

Panic attacks themselves are not usually dangerous, but they can be very frightening. However, if your child has chest pain, fainting, or thoughts of self-harm, seek emergency care immediately.

Can telemedicine help with ongoing anxiety or panic disorders?

Yes, telemedicine can provide ongoing support, counseling, and medication management for anxiety and panic disorders, but sometimes in-person care is needed for comprehensive treatment.

How can I support my child after a panic attack?

Offer reassurance, encourage slow breathing, and help your child avoid triggers if possible. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and follow any care plans recommended by healthcare providers.

Sources

1. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Panic Disorder — Mayo Clinic.
3. Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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