How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Panic Symptoms

Audience: adult

If you experience panic symptoms such as sudden intense fear, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath, a telemedicine visit can be a helpful first step to discuss your concerns. Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider from home, making it easier to share your symptoms and get advice. Before your visit, prepare by noting your symptoms, any triggers, and your medical history. Telemedicine can help assess your panic symptoms, provide guidance, and discuss treatment options. However, if you have severe symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately. This guide helps you get ready for your telemedicine visit and understand when in-person care is necessary.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or pressure that does not go away — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe difficulty breathing or choking sensation — call emergency services.
• Loss of consciousness, fainting, or confusion — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
• Providing initial advice and coping strategies.
• Recommending follow-up care or therapy options.
• Reviewing medication use and side effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing life-threatening conditions like heart attack or stroke.
• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests.
• Managing severe breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness.
• Providing emergency interventions.

What are Panic Symptoms?

Panic symptoms often include sudden feelings of intense fear or discomfort. Common signs are a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a sense of losing control. These symptoms can be very frightening but are often not life-threatening. Understanding your symptoms helps your healthcare provider give the best advice.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a telemedicine visit, you can describe your panic symptoms and ask questions. Providers can help identify if your symptoms may be related to panic attacks or another condition. They can suggest coping strategies, recommend treatments, or decide if you need further testing or in-person care. Telemedicine offers a convenient and private way to start managing your symptoms.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, or sudden weakness, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. These signs may indicate serious conditions that need urgent care beyond telemedicine.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, when they started, and what triggers them. Note any medications or supplements you take. Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for your visit. Have a list of questions ready to discuss with your provider. This preparation helps make your visit efficient and effective.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may suggest lifestyle changes, therapy options, or medications. Follow their advice and schedule any recommended follow-up visits. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Keep track of your progress and any side effects from treatments.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your panic symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur.
• List any known triggers or stressful events.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
• Find a quiet, private place with a stable internet connection for your visit.
• Have your identification and health insurance information ready if required.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or recommendations given by your provider.
• Schedule any follow-up appointments as advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Seek emergency care if you experience red flag symptoms.
• Practice recommended coping strategies such as relaxation techniques or breathing exercises.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose panic disorder?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and may suspect panic disorder, but a full diagnosis often requires detailed evaluation, which may include in-person visits or questionnaires.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, especially if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately. Otherwise, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Are medications for panic symptoms prescribed during telemedicine visits?

Providers may prescribe medications during telemedicine visits if appropriate. They will discuss benefits and risks with you and arrange follow-up to monitor your response.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit if I have panic symptoms?

Prepare by noting your symptoms, triggers, and medical history. Choose a quiet space with good internet. Have your questions ready to make the most of the visit.

Can telemedicine replace therapy for panic symptoms?

Telemedicine can be a way to access therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, through video visits. It can be an effective option but depends on availability and your preferences.

Sources

1. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Anxiety Disorders — National Institute of Mental Health.
3. Panic Disorder — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth: What to Expect — 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 you have severe or emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.