How to prepare for a video visit about Social Anxiety Disorder - Mild to Moderate

Audience: adult

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a condition where social situations cause significant fear or anxiety. Mild to moderate SAD means these feelings happen often but might not stop daily activities completely. Preparing for a video visit about SAD can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, challenges, and goals with a healthcare provider who may suggest ways to manage anxiety. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for SAD, and what signs need urgent care. Remember, telemedicine offers helpful support but is not a substitute for in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Feeling hopeless or having thoughts about harming yourself — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe panic attacks that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting — get urgent medical help.
• Sudden changes in behavior, confusion, or inability to care for yourself — contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms of mild to moderate social anxiety.
• Providing education about coping strategies and treatments.
• Monitoring progress with therapy or medication.
• Answering questions about social anxiety disorder.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Managing severe mental health crises or suicidal thoughts.
• Performing physical exams or tests.
• Providing emergency interventions.
• Diagnosing complex mental health conditions requiring in-person assessment.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety Disorder causes strong fear or worry about social situations where you might be judged or embarrassed. People with mild to moderate SAD often feel nervous in groups, meeting new people, or speaking in public. These feelings can affect daily life but often improve with treatment and support.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can listen to your experiences, suggest coping strategies, and discuss treatment options like therapy or medication. Telemedicine is convenient and private, making it easier to get help for social anxiety.

Limitations of Telemedicine for SAD

Some situations may need in-person care, such as severe symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health emergencies. Telemedicine cannot provide physical exams or emergency interventions. Your provider may recommend an in-person visit if needed.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, private space with a good internet connection. Write down your symptoms, when they happen, and how they affect your life. List any questions or concerns you want to discuss. Have a list of current medications and health history ready.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors related to social situations. They may talk about your medical history and any treatments you've tried. Together, you can plan next steps, which may include therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the provider's advice and schedule follow-up appointments if recommended. Keep track of your symptoms and any side effects from treatments. If your symptoms worsen or you have new concerns, contact your provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet location for your video visit.
• Ensure your device has a working camera, microphone, and stable internet.
• Write down your symptoms, including when and how they occur.
• List any current medications and past treatments for anxiety.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Test the video platform ahead of time if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and recommendations from your provider.
• Schedule any follow-up appointments as advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Reach out to your provider if you experience worsening symptoms or new concerns.
• Consider support groups or additional resources for social anxiety.

FAQs

What should I expect during a video visit for social anxiety?

You can expect to talk about your feelings and experiences related to social situations. The provider will ask questions to understand your symptoms and may suggest treatment options like therapy or medication.

Can telemedicine diagnose social anxiety disorder?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and suggest a diagnosis, but some cases may require in-person evaluation for a full diagnosis.

How can I prepare to talk about my anxiety during a video visit?

Write down your symptoms, specific situations that cause anxiety, and how it affects your daily life. Also, prepare any questions you have for your provider.

What if I feel worse after the video visit?

If your symptoms worsen or you have thoughts of self-harm, seek emergency care immediately or contact your healthcare provider right away.

Is therapy effective for social anxiety disorder?

Yes, therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are often effective in managing social anxiety symptoms, sometimes combined with medication.

Sources

1. Social Anxiety Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness — Mayo Clinic.
3. Anxiety Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Social Anxiety Disorder — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek emergency services or consult a healthcare provider in person.