Red flags & when to go in person for Anxiety in Children

Audience: pediatric

Anxiety in children is common and can often be managed with support from healthcare providers through telemedicine. Many children experience worries or fears that may improve with counseling, coping strategies, and monitoring. Telemedicine visits can help caregivers and children discuss symptoms, learn about anxiety, and get advice on managing stress. However, some signs suggest that in-person care is needed to ensure safety and proper treatment. These include severe symptoms like thoughts of self-harm, sudden changes in behavior, or physical symptoms that need medical evaluation. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps protect your child's health and well-being. This guide explains red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot do for pediatric anxiety, and how to prepare for and follow up on telemedicine visits.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden, severe changes in behavior such as aggression or withdrawal — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.
• Physical symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, fainting, or inability to eat or sleep — get prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in children.
• Providing counseling and coping strategies guidance.
• Medication management and follow-up for stable cases.
• Parental education and support.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations involving self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Severe behavioral changes requiring immediate intervention.
• Physical symptoms needing diagnostic tests or urgent treatment.
• Complex cases needing multidisciplinary in-person evaluation.

Understanding Anxiety in Children

Anxiety is a normal feeling of worry or fear that everyone experiences sometimes. In children, anxiety may show as excessive worry, fear of certain situations, or physical symptoms like stomachaches. Anxiety becomes a concern when it affects daily activities, school, or relationships. Telemedicine can help identify anxiety and provide support through counseling and advice.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for discussing your child's feelings, learning coping strategies, and monitoring mild to moderate anxiety symptoms. It allows easy access to healthcare providers without travel, making it convenient for follow-up visits and medication management if needed.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Certain signs mean your child should be evaluated in person promptly:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine appointment:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with reliable internet for the visit.
• Have your child's symptom history and concerns written down.
• Include your child in the conversation if appropriate.
• Prepare questions about anxiety and treatment options.
• Gather any relevant medical records or medication lists.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations carefully.
• Implement suggested coping strategies or therapies.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if any red flags appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose anxiety in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and suggest if anxiety may be present. However, a full diagnosis may sometimes require in-person evaluation, especially if symptoms are severe or complex.

Is telemedicine safe for managing my child's anxiety?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe and effective way to access care for many children with anxiety. It allows for regular follow-up and support while avoiding travel. However, urgent or severe symptoms need in-person care.

What should I do if my child talks about hurting themselves?

If your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek emergency care immediately. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt in-person evaluation and support.

Can telemedicine provide therapy for my child's anxiety?

Many therapists offer counseling through telemedicine, which can be helpful for children with anxiety. Your healthcare provider can guide you to appropriate mental health resources accessible remotely.

How can I help my child during a telemedicine visit?

Prepare a quiet space free from distractions, encourage your child to share their feelings, and help them understand the importance of the visit. Having notes ready and asking questions can improve the experience.

Sources

1. Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
2. Anxiety and Depression in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Child and Adolescent Mental Health — World Health Organization (WHO).
4. Anxiety Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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