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

Audience: pediatric

If you or your child have mild to moderate social anxiety disorder, a video visit with a healthcare provider can be a helpful step toward support. This guide explains how to prepare for the visit so you can share important information and get the most from the appointment. You will learn what to expect during the video call, what questions to consider, and how to create a quiet, private space for the conversation. The visit may include discussing feelings, behaviors, and challenges related to social situations. Remember, telemedicine can help with education and management advice but is not a substitute for emergency care or detailed diagnosis. Preparing well can help the provider understand your needs and suggest helpful next steps.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• If thoughts of self-harm or suicide occur, seek emergency care immediately.
• If there is sudden worsening of anxiety or panic attacks that limit basic functioning, contact healthcare urgently.
• If signs of depression such as persistent sadness, withdrawal, or changes in eating or sleeping happen, notify your provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and feelings related to mild to moderate social anxiety disorder
• Providing education about social anxiety and coping strategies
• Monitoring progress and follow-up discussions
• Answering questions about managing anxiety in daily life

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm risk
• Severe mental health crises requiring immediate in-person intervention
• Comprehensive psychological testing or diagnosis requiring face-to-face assessment
• Medication management that requires physical examination or close monitoring

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety Disorder is a condition where a person feels very nervous or scared in social situations. This can make it hard to talk to others, go to school, or join activities. Mild to moderate means these feelings happen often but may not stop daily life completely. Understanding this helps you talk clearly with your healthcare provider during your video visit.

Before Your Video Visit: How to Prepare

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What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and how social anxiety affects daily life. They may ask about mood, sleep, and school or social activities. You can talk about what makes social situations hard and what helps. The provider may offer advice, suggest strategies, or discuss if further care is needed.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide education about social anxiety and support coping strategies. It allows you to connect with a provider without traveling. It can help with follow-up visits and monitoring progress. However, it may not replace in-person visits if more detailed evaluation or urgent care is needed.

Tips for a Successful Video Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection.
• Test your device's camera, microphone, and internet before the visit.
• Write down your questions and concerns about social anxiety.
• Prepare to describe specific social situations that are challenging.
• Have a trusted adult present if needed, especially for younger children.
• Gather any previous medical or mental health records if available.

After your tele-visit

• Review notes from the visit and any recommendations provided.
• Try suggested coping strategies or exercises discussed during the visit.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised by your provider.
• Reach out promptly if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.
• Seek emergency care if experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe anxiety symptoms.

FAQs

What should I expect during my video visit about social anxiety?

You can expect the healthcare provider to ask about your feelings in social situations, how anxiety affects your daily life, and any challenges you face. They may also discuss strategies to manage anxiety and answer your questions.

Can telemedicine replace in-person mental health care?

Telemedicine is useful for education, support, and follow-up care but may not replace all in-person visits, especially for emergencies or detailed assessments.

How can I prepare my child for a video visit about social anxiety?

Explain the purpose of the visit in simple terms, find a quiet space, and encourage your child to share their feelings. Being supportive and present during the visit can help your child feel comfortable.

What if I don’t have a private space for the video visit?

Try to find a quiet corner or use headphones to maintain privacy. If privacy is difficult, discuss this with your provider; they may offer alternative options.

When should I seek emergency care instead of telemedicine?

If there are thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or severe panic attacks that impair functioning, seek emergency or in-person care immediately.

Sources

1. Social Anxiety Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
3. Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

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