How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Anxiety in Children

Audience: pediatric

Anxiety in children can affect their daily activities, mood, and school performance. A telemedicine visit can be a helpful first step to discuss your child's symptoms with a healthcare provider from home. During the visit, you can share concerns, describe symptoms, and ask questions about managing anxiety. Telemedicine visits often provide timely support and guidance, but they may not be suitable for all situations. Preparing ahead can help make the visit more effective. This includes noting symptoms, any recent changes in behavior, and questions you want answered. If your child experiences severe symptoms like thoughts of self-harm or sudden worsening, seeking in-person emergency care is important. Telemedicine can guide you on next steps and when to get further help. This article explains how to prepare for a telemedicine visit about anxiety in children, what to expect, and when to seek in-person care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden, severe changes in mood or behavior — contact healthcare provider or emergency services.
• Physical symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting — get urgent in-person medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in children.
• Follow-up visits to monitor anxiety management and treatment.
• Providing education on coping strategies and support resources.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm risks.
• Severe panic attacks requiring immediate physical intervention.
• Complex medical conditions needing physical examination or urgent care.

What Is Anxiety in Children?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can be normal in certain situations. In children, anxiety may show as excessive nervousness, fear of specific places or events, or trouble sleeping. It can affect their ability to focus, play, or attend school. Understanding your child's feelings helps healthcare providers offer the right support.

When to Use Telemedicine for Anxiety

Telemedicine can be a convenient way to discuss your child's anxiety symptoms with a healthcare provider. It is often suitable for initial assessments, follow-up visits, and managing mild to moderate symptoms. You can talk about your child's feelings, daily habits, and any concerns. Telemedicine allows access to care without travel, which can reduce stress for some families.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information to share with the provider:

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, daily routine, and any challenges they face. They may provide advice on coping strategies, recommend therapy, or discuss medication options if needed. The provider will also talk about when to seek in-person care. You can ask questions and share observations to help guide the care plan.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency or urgent care. Seek immediate in-person help if your child:

In these cases, go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and when they began.
• Note any recent changes in behavior, mood, or sleep patterns.
• List any recent stressful events affecting your child.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Find a quiet, private space for the telemedicine visit.
• Check your device and internet connection before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment or therapy.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits as advised.
• Seek in-person care if your child's symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Use recommended coping strategies and support resources provided during the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose anxiety in my child?

Telemedicine providers can assess symptoms and suggest if anxiety may be present, but a full diagnosis may require in-person evaluation or tests depending on the situation.

What if my child is too young to talk about their feelings?

Parents or caregivers can describe behaviors and symptoms they observe. Providers may also offer guidance on how to support young children with anxiety.

Are medications prescribed during telemedicine visits?

In some cases, providers may discuss medication options during telemedicine visits, but they will carefully consider if in-person evaluation is needed first.

How can I help my child manage anxiety at home?

Encourage open communication, maintain routines, promote healthy sleep and exercise, and use relaxation techniques. Your healthcare provider can suggest specific strategies.

What if my internet connection is poor during the visit?

Try to find a location with better connectivity or use a phone call if video is not possible. Contact your healthcare provider if technical issues prevent effective communication.

Sources

1. Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
2. Anxiety and Depression in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Anxiety Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Telehealth for Behavioral Health — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
5. Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: Clinical Features and Treatment — National Library of Medicine (NCBI).

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