Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Heart Health
The long-term effects of medications on the heart? Hello, I have been taking psychiatric medications for about three and a half years, including those for depression, anxiety, panic, and sleep aids, totaling around ten pills a day. When my condition worsens, I often experience di...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It seems that your depression, anxiety, and panic may have recurred, rather than being a side effect of the medication. Your medication is unlikely to increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. The issue may lie in the imbalance of brain elements that process stress, rather than ...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Heart Health
Understanding OCD Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Reality and Intrusive Thoughts
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific content to translate. Please provide the text you would Hello, doctor. I have a fear of HIV and I have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I have a situation where my skin feels like it has been pricked by a...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
1. How can I distinguish between being genuinely pricked by something and experiencing a compulsive episode? A: Perhaps you can tell yourself that it is a compulsive episode and try to redirect that thought into something else. 2. I would like to ask, during other types of compu...[Read More] Understanding OCD Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Reality and Intrusive Thoughts
Can Peppermint Interfere with Escitalopram? A Guide for Patients
Will the oral liquid formulation of Yifule interfere with peppermint and cause any issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing long-term anxiety and depression issues. I am currently taking "Talopram oral solution" which contains Escitalopram. Due to chronic intestin...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
1. Will there be any conflict with mint (fresh mint leaves that I grew myself, with no other additives)? A: No, the contraindications mentioned online are related to which specific issues? Will it worsen the condition, cause the medication to be ineffective, or have other side ef...[Read More] Can Peppermint Interfere with Escitalopram? A Guide for Patients
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Help
Bipolar disorder, negative thoughts? Hello Dr. Chiu, I suspect that I might have bipolar disorder or intermittent explosive disorder. I have been experiencing the following symptoms for over three years. I have always wanted to seek a professional evaluation, but being a minor an...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. You can first seek assistance from your school teacher or use the 1925 mental health hotline for online counseling. You may also ask a family member to take you to a pediatric mental health clinic for a consultation (not for treatment) to help address your concerns.[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Help
Overcoming OCD: The Struggles of Compulsive Hand Washing
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with compulsive handwashing? Hello doctor, my symptoms are that I feel extremely dirty when I come into contact with a male's genital area. If a colleague I dislike is talking to me and their genital area is touching the edge of the table,...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ace: You are exhibiting symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which include obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These symptoms require psychological therapy or combined pharmacological treatment for improvement. You might want to read a book titled "...[Read More] Overcoming OCD: The Struggles of Compulsive Hand Washing
Managing Anxiety: Navigating Medication Withdrawal and Treatment Options
Anxiety Disorder Consultation I have anxiety disorder and, due to the lack of side effects from the medication, I gradually reduced my dosage. I changed my intake of Lexapro from two pills a day to one pill a day, but my mental state remained poor. So, I switched to taking one pi...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Treatment for anxiety disorders is a long-term process. Symptoms may fluctuate during this time. Adjustments to medication (including increasing or decreasing dosages) should be carefully evaluated. It is recommended that if you wish to reduce medication, you should discus...[Read More] Managing Anxiety: Navigating Medication Withdrawal and Treatment Options
Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Memory Issues in Adolescents
Negative thoughts and forgetfulness? Hello, Doctor: Although I am only a first-year junior high school student, I have been troubled by some mental health issues recently, which have caused my mental state to deteriorate. I would like to ask if you could provide me with some advi...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: A1. Sudden forgetfulness about tasks and frequent lapses in memory may stem from an inability to maintain focus, which prevents information from being fully received by the brain, stored temporarily, or converted into short-term memory. There are many factors that can affe...[Read More] Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Memory Issues in Adolescents
Managing Anxiety and VPC: Safe SSRI Options for Patients
Medication Consultation Hello, doctor. I apologize for taking up your valuable time. I would like to ask you a question. Three years ago, I experienced some ventricular premature contractions (VPC) that led to anxiety and subsequently a panic disorder. I used sertraline (Zoloft) ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: Traditional tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, increased heart rate, and cardiac conduction disturbances. In the elderly, central anticholinergic ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and VPC: Safe SSRI Options for Patients
Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts in OCD: A Guide
Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors Hello Doctor: I have obsessive-compulsive behaviors! I'm not sure when it started, but I often have intrusive thoughts in my mind, thinking negative things about people I know and even strangers (like if I don't do certain things, somethin...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Your situation falls under obsessive thinking, which can indeed be difficult to control with willpower alone. Even if I tell you that your thoughts are irrational, you will still continue to dwell on them. However, this can be improved through medication and psychotherapy....[Read More] Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts in OCD: A Guide
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Treatment and Coping Strategies
Treatment and Management of Bipolar Disorder Hello Dr. Chiu, last year I was involuntarily hospitalized for a week due to experiencing auditory hallucinations and delusions that affected others. At that time, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. After being discharged, I felt that...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Generally, bipolar disorder stabilizes with treatment. It is recommended to continue medication management to maintain long-term stability and reduce the risk of relapse. If your current condition is still unstable (and you may be in a depressive phase), it is even more im...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Treatment and Coping Strategies
Unspoken Struggles: Navigating Mental Health and Hidden Desires
Some things that even psychologists and doctors are hesitant to discuss? I have been in therapy for over five years and have established a good rapport with most of my therapists. My medical needs have also been adequately addressed, and I have a strong sense of trust in the doct...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The issue is quite complex and cannot be addressed here. However, regarding your concerns (things you are hesitant to share with a therapist or doctor), I suggest you consider calling the 1925 Mental Health Hotline. This way, you won't have to face someone in person, ...[Read More] Unspoken Struggles: Navigating Mental Health and Hidden Desires
Managing Anxiety and Tension in Crowded Environments: Tips and Insights
Mental tension Hello, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask about issues related to mental tension in specific situations. I tend to feel fatigued and anxious in crowded places, and sometimes I even experience anger, muscle tension, and involuntary irritation, whi...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your concerns mostly relate to anxiety responses. It seems to be an anxious reaction to stress (such as crowded places). I recommend gathering some educational articles on stress management. You can learn various techniques from them (such as muscle relaxation training, et...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Tension in Crowded Environments: Tips and Insights
Do Antipsychotics Make You More Sensitive to Cold?
Antipsychotic medications and sensitivity to cold? Is it common to become more sensitive to cold when taking antipsychotic medication? I take Lurasidone 80mg, and I often feel very cold in winter, which I didn't experience before.
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: There is no correlation between taking antipsychotic medications and the phenomenon of feeling cold. Please feel free to use them and discuss with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Do Antipsychotics Make You More Sensitive to Cold?
Understanding Medication Effects on Sexual Desire in Psychiatric Treatment
Medication Consultation Hello, Doctor: I would like to briefly introduce my background. I started receiving psychiatric treatment in Nagasaki during the 8th and 9th grades. My current diagnoses are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depersonalization/Derealization (DP/DR) sympt...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: Antidepressants can indeed have side effects related to sexual function, but abruptly discontinuing the medication may lead to instability in mental symptoms, dizziness, headaches, nausea, anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is not advisable to adju...[Read More] Understanding Medication Effects on Sexual Desire in Psychiatric Treatment
Understanding Anxiety-Related Physical Symptoms in College Students
Anxiety-related physical symptoms Hello, doctor. Since I started university last September, I've been feeling uncomfortable with the school environment and the food. I've also been experiencing poor sleep (often having nightmares), chest tightness and pain, difficulty b...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your issues mostly fall within the realm of anxiety (panic is also a type of anxiety). Some may not even know the underlying cause. However, I believe it is a reaction to stress, such as what you mentioned: (disliking the school environment and diet) is a form of stress th...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety-Related Physical Symptoms in College Students
How Long Should My Girlfriend Stay on Antidepressants?
Duration of Antidepressant Discontinuation Hello, doctor. My girlfriend has depression. She is currently a freshman, the same age as me. She had depression in her senior year of high school and sought treatment on her own, paying out of pocket (her father does not acknowledge her...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: The decision to discontinue medication for depression must be carefully evaluated. It varies depending on the patient's condition, and there is no standard answer. Generally, if the patient's condition is stable while on medication, a gradual reduction in dosage ...[Read More] How Long Should My Girlfriend Stay on Antidepressants?
Does Long-Acting Antipsychotic Injection Cause Weight Gain?
Drug side effects Could you please ask Dr. Lin if the long-acting injection of Anleptin (or similar medication) is likely to cause weight gain?
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Paliperidone palmitate is considered one of the long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics that is least likely to cause weight gain. In contrast, long-acting injectable first-generation antipsychotics are also less likely to lead to weight gain, but they may ...[Read More] Does Long-Acting Antipsychotic Injection Cause Weight Gain?
Is It Safe to Use Sleep Aids for Afternoon Naps?
If you are unable to fall asleep during a nap and feel fatigued, is it appropriate to take sleeping pills? Hello, Doctor. I work in education and have always had a habit of taking a nap. However, since September of last year, after having lunch, I feel empty for about 15 minutes ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Li, The concerns you have raised are indeed valid. Generally, it is not recommended to take sleeping pills just for the purpose of napping, as the effects of these medications do not last only half an hour. If you take sleeping pills to nap, it will certainly affect you...[Read More] Is It Safe to Use Sleep Aids for Afternoon Naps?
Understanding School Bullying and Its Impact on Mental Health
School bullying Hello, doctor. I am a middle school student who has been bullied since the sixth grade and continues to be a victim of bullying in the eighth grade. Specifically, the bullying I experience is mainly relational bullying (exclusion) and verbal bullying. I hear class...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Afa: Living under the dual pressures of family and school can be really tough for you! I suggest that you seek assistance from the psychiatric department at a hospital, where there are doctors, psychologists, and social workers available to help you address your concerns. A...[Read More] Understanding School Bullying and Its Impact on Mental Health
Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?
Do I need to see a psychiatrist? Hello, Doctor: I am a 17-year-old high school senior. I have seen online that there are some restrictions for minors seeking psychiatric care, and I want to avoid wasting medical resources, so I would like to consult online first. My situation is ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, student: Given your age, your sleep duration is a bit short. Ideally, it would be better to aim for over 8 hours of sleep, unless you feel refreshed and well-rested every morning, in which case you might need less sleep. Regarding your emotional state, it appears that you ...[Read More] Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?