Red flags & when to go in person for Panic Symptoms

Audience: adult

Panic symptoms can be distressing and may include sudden intense fear, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Many people experience panic attacks that do not require emergency care and can be initially evaluated through telemedicine. However, some symptoms may signal a more serious condition needing in-person medical attention. This guide helps you understand when to use telemedicine for panic symptoms and when to seek urgent or emergency care in person. Recognizing red flags and knowing how to prepare for a telemedicine visit can improve your care experience and safety. Always prioritize your health and seek immediate help if symptoms worsen or new dangerous signs appear.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or pressure that could indicate a heart attack — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe difficulty breathing or inability to speak full sentences — go to an emergency department.
• Loss of consciousness, fainting, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden severe headache — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild to moderate panic symptoms.
• Discussion of symptom history and mental health background.
• Providing coping strategies and education about panic symptoms.
• Medication management and follow-up for anxiety disorders.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of chest pain or symptoms suggestive of heart attack or stroke.
• Severe breathing difficulties requiring oxygen or emergency intervention.
• Loss of consciousness or neurological deficits.
• Symptoms that may indicate other serious medical conditions needing physical examination or tests.

Understanding Panic Symptoms

Panic symptoms often come on suddenly and may include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling of losing control. These symptoms can be frightening but are usually not life-threatening. Panic attacks typically peak within minutes and then gradually improve. Knowing these common features helps you decide when to seek care.

When to Use Telemedicine for Panic Symptoms

Telemedicine can be a good first step for evaluating panic symptoms if you have experienced similar episodes before and your symptoms are mild to moderate. A healthcare provider can discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and suggest coping strategies or treatments. Telemedicine is also useful for follow-up visits and managing ongoing anxiety disorders.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Certain signs suggest a need for urgent or emergency in-person evaluation. These include chest pain or pressure that feels like a heart attack, severe shortness of breath, fainting or loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, or symptoms that are new and different from previous panic attacks. If you experience these, seek emergency care immediately.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, find a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection. Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are. Note any medications or supplements you take and any other health conditions. Be ready to describe your mental health history and any recent stressors or triggers.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's recommendations, which may include lifestyle changes, breathing exercises, medications, or referrals to mental health specialists. Monitor your symptoms and seek in-person care if they worsen or new red flags appear. Keep scheduled follow-up appointments and reach out if you have questions or concerns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms including onset, duration, and severity.
• Have a list of current medications and supplements ready.
• Be ready to share your mental health history and any recent stressors.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice and prescribed treatments.
• Practice recommended coping strategies such as breathing exercises.
• Monitor your symptoms and watch for any red flags.
• Schedule and attend follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flag symptoms develop or worsen.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a panic attack?

Telemedicine providers can often recognize panic attacks based on your symptoms and history. However, they may recommend in-person evaluation if symptoms suggest other medical conditions.

What should I do if I have chest pain during a panic attack?

Chest pain can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you experience chest pain, especially if it is new, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Are medications for panic attacks prescribed through telemedicine?

Yes, healthcare providers can often prescribe medications for panic and anxiety symptoms during telemedicine visits, depending on your situation and local regulations.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit about panic symptoms?

Prepare by finding a quiet space, listing your symptoms and their timing, noting any medications, and being ready to discuss your mental health history and recent stressors.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of using telemedicine?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, weakness on one side, or other sudden severe symptoms that could indicate a heart attack, stroke, or other emergencies.

Sources

1. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Anxiety Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Panic Disorder: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Anxiety and Panic Attacks — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. Telemedicine can help assess and manage many panic symptoms, but if you experience any red flag symptoms or your condition worsens, seek immediate in-person medical attention.