How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Panic Symptoms in Children

Audience: pediatric

Panic symptoms in children can be frightening for both the child and their caregivers. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider from home. This guide helps you prepare for a telemedicine visit focused on panic symptoms in children. It covers what information to gather, how to create a comfortable environment for your child, and what to expect during the visit. Telemedicine can often help assess symptoms, provide advice, and suggest next steps. However, some situations require in-person care or emergency attention. Knowing the warning signs and preparing ahead can make the telemedicine visit more effective and supportive for your child’s health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child experiences chest pain, fainting, or severe breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden confusion, inability to stay awake, or seizures during panic episodes — call emergency services.
• Panic symptoms cause your child to stop eating, sleeping, or attending school regularly — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of panic symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on coping strategies and symptom management.
• Monitoring symptom changes and medication side effects.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing underlying medical conditions requiring physical exams or tests.
• Managing severe or life-threatening emergencies.
• Performing physical examinations or administering treatments.

What Are Panic Symptoms in Children?

Panic symptoms may include sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort. Children might experience a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, stomach upset, or a feeling of losing control. These episodes can be scary but are often manageable with proper care. Understanding these symptoms helps you explain your child's experience clearly to the healthcare provider.

How to Prepare Your Child and Yourself for the Visit

Create a quiet, private space with good lighting and a strong internet connection. Have your child's medical history ready, including any previous panic episodes, other health conditions, and current medications. Write down your questions and observations about your child's symptoms. Encourage your child to express how they feel and reassure them that the healthcare provider is there to help.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, their frequency, triggers, and how they affect daily life. They may observe your child's behavior and breathing during the video call. The provider might offer advice, suggest coping strategies, or recommend further evaluation. Sometimes, they will guide you on when to seek in-person care.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If your child has chest pain, fainting, severe difficulty breathing, confusion, or symptoms that worsen quickly, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if panic symptoms interfere with eating, sleeping, or school, an in-person visit may be needed. Telemedicine can help identify these warning signs and guide you on the next steps.

Tips for Effective Communication During the Visit

Speak clearly and calmly. Use simple language your child understands. Show your child you are listening and support their feelings. Share detailed information about what you have observed, including when symptoms started and what seems to help or worsen them. Ask for clarification if you do not understand the provider's advice.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection for the visit.
• Gather your child's medical history, including previous panic episodes and current medications.
• Write down your child's symptoms, when they occur, and any triggers or relieving factors.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and understands the purpose of the visit.
• Test your device's video and audio functions before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on managing panic symptoms at home.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or new concerns.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek immediate care if red-flag symptoms appear.
• Encourage your child to practice recommended coping strategies.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during future visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits effectively help with panic symptoms in children?

Yes, telemedicine can often provide valuable assessment and guidance for managing panic symptoms. It allows healthcare providers to discuss symptoms, offer coping strategies, and decide if in-person care is needed.

What should I do if my child has a panic attack during the telemedicine visit?

Stay calm and reassure your child. Help them focus on slow, deep breaths. Inform the healthcare provider about the attack so they can guide you through managing it safely.

Are there any risks to using telemedicine for panic symptoms?

Telemedicine is safe for many situations but cannot replace emergency care or physical exams. If your child shows severe symptoms like chest pain or fainting, seek immediate in-person care.

How can I help my child feel comfortable during a telemedicine visit?

Explain the visit in simple terms and reassure your child that the doctor is there to help. Allow them to ask questions and express feelings. Having a familiar toy or comfort item nearby may also help.

What information should I share with the healthcare provider?

Share detailed descriptions of your child's symptoms, including how often they occur, what seems to trigger or relieve them, and any effects on daily activities. Also, mention any other health conditions or medications.

Sources

1. Panic Disorder in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
2. Anxiety Disorders in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
5. Telemedicine and Pediatric Care — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If your child experiences severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency or in-person care promptly.