How to Encourage a Family Member to Seek Mental Health Treatment?
How to persuade family members to seek medical attention? My sister has had communication issues since childhood, but we used to think it was just a phase of childhood stubbornness that our parents overlooked. However, now that she is an adult (20 years old), she remains indiffer...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. You might consider the possibility that you are experiencing emotional distress and would like to visit a psychosomatic clinic to consult with a physician or therapist. However, you may feel hesitant to go alone and hope that your sister can accompany you. During your appo...[Read More] How to Encourage a Family Member to Seek Mental Health Treatment?
Supporting a Sister with Depression: Effective Communication Strategies
My younger sister recently confided in me that she is struggling with depression and anxiety. She has sought help from a psychologist, but I'm unsure how to interact with her? According to what he said, she has seen a psychologist, who told her that she has a tendency to bot...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Owen: I can sense your concern for your sister. What you can do is to provide her with care and support, letting her know that she is accepted. You might try asking if you can accompany her to see a doctor; during the visit, you can gain a better understanding of her situat...[Read More] Supporting a Sister with Depression: Effective Communication Strategies
Medication Consultation for Psychiatric Concerns: Dosage and Side Effects
Medication consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I have the following questions: Q1. My mother is currently taking Alpraline (Alprazolam), with a fixed dose of 0.5 mg before bedtime. Could you please advise on the maximum number of tablets she can take in a day? Additionally, what are the ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Q1. My mother is currently taking Alpraline, one tablet (0.5mg) before bed. Dr. Wu, what is the maximum number of tablets of Alpraline that can be taken in a day? Also, will taking too much cause side effects? A: It is recommended not to take too many; usually, just one tablet ...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Psychiatric Concerns: Dosage and Side Effects
Signs of Depression Relapse: Should You Seek Help Again?
Tendency for depression relapse Doctor, I personally suffered from severe depression and attempted suicide many years ago. After being on medication for nearly four years, I stopped taking it, and it has been almost 20 years since then. During this time, my temper has fluctuated,...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, if there is no relief, it is indeed possible that it is a recurrence. As for whether to consult the previous physician or a nearby doctor, either option is acceptable. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Signs of Depression Relapse: Should You Seek Help Again?
Understanding My Mental Health Journey: From Depression to Bipolar Disorder
I would like to understand my current condition? Hello, Doctor. Last year, I was diagnosed with severe depression at a major hospital and have been consistently taking medication since then. Later, I developed an obsession with buying dolls, which significantly increased my expen...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Although I feel less despondent now, I don't understand whether I have fully recovered from depression or if my symptoms have just alleviated. A: It's normal for people to experience emotions, and feeling down occasionally due to specific events is a normal phenomenon. ...[Read More] Understanding My Mental Health Journey: From Depression to Bipolar Disorder
Guidelines for Tapering Antidepressants and Antipsychotics Safely
Reduction of medication for depression and psychosis? Currently, I am taking half a tablet of Otsuka Anri-Fu for two days, one tablet of Amberen, and one tablet of Rifampicin each for three days. I am maintaining half a tablet of Otsuka Anri-Fu while only taking Amberen and Rifam...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. In principle, if your symptoms are stable, this reduction should be feasible. However, it is still recommended that you inform your attending physician of your actions to help maintain the stability of your condition.[Read More] Guidelines for Tapering Antidepressants and Antipsychotics Safely
Understanding Sleep Sensitivity: Tips for Overcoming Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling asleep Hello, doctor. I am very sensitive to sleep, and whenever I try to fall asleep, even the slightest noise can startle me awake. In recent months, as I attempt to sleep, my brain feels like it's being shocked or experiences involuntary jerks, causing ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. 1. The tendency to experience neck and shoulder tightness may be related to muscle tension or poor posture. It is advisable to set a reminder on your phone (e.g., every 30 minutes) to relax your shoulders and neck. This should help improve the situation. 2. Sleep issues ha...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Sensitivity: Tips for Overcoming Sleep Disturbances
Are You Overthinking? Understanding High Sensitivity and Anxiety
Are you worried too much or overthinking? Is it just high sensitivity? Hello, recently I experienced a lot of academic pressure which led to an emotional outburst. It affected my physical condition, and since it was my first time encountering such a situation, I became easily wor...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Abby: It seems that you have a tendency to be more anxious, which can make it difficult for you to relax, lead to fatigue, and create a sense of mental instability. To improve these conditions, a symptomatic approach would be to prescribe anxiolytics or medications that low...[Read More] Are You Overthinking? Understanding High Sensitivity and Anxiety
Impact of Masturbation on Mental Health: Addressing Concentration and Fatigue Issues
Issues After Masturbation Recently, after masturbating, my physical condition has deteriorated significantly, affecting my daily life and academic performance. I have trouble concentrating, experience daily eye fatigue, find it difficult to think, and my memory has declined, maki...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Excessive masturbation can be considered a form of aerobic exercise that burns calories. After engaging in excessive masturbation, certain conditions may arise, so it is advisable to reduce the frequency of masturbation to improve these issues. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Impact of Masturbation on Mental Health: Addressing Concentration and Fatigue Issues
Finding Hope: Navigating Depression and Mental Health Challenges
Will I really get better? Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with depression or persistent depressive disorder, and I have a history of social anxiety disorder which has since resolved. Recently, my physician suspects I may have hypomania. Although I am relatively young, my medi...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Eunice: Thank you for your hard work! From your situation, it seems that you really need a stable doctor-patient relationship so that the physician can understand your condition and provide you with the most suitable treatment. If you frequently change doctors (even if it...[Read More] Finding Hope: Navigating Depression and Mental Health Challenges
Can Piracetam Improve Cognitive Function and IQ?
Does Piracetam enhance intelligence? I have had slower brain responses since childhood, with weak learning, memory, and comprehension abilities. Recently, I have been taking Piracetam. Can it help improve my weaknesses? I feel like my brain is developing more slowly, and I am not...
Dr. Wu Kunhong Reply:
It is highly recommended that you seek medical attention from specialists such as psychiatry or neurology. Please trust a qualified physician to evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate assessment and treatment plan. Wishing you all the best. Dr. Wu Kun-Hong[Read More] Can Piracetam Improve Cognitive Function and IQ?
Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Emotional Struggles in Depression
Suicide-related issues and some trivial matters? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with severe depression and have recently been suspected of having hypomania. I have been undergoing medication treatment for five years and have completed one course of rTMS, but my condition remains u...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
If a patient's condition becomes unstable due to transference towards their physician or therapist, it may be necessary to consider changing providers. If injections are causing severe pain, it is recommended to administer the injection deeper, and the medication should be s...[Read More] Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Emotional Struggles in Depression
Navigating Family Dynamics with a Mentally Ill Parent: Seeking Solutions
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Since birth, the mother has had poor mental health, but her condition is manageable if she takes her medication or receives injections on time. She has a strong personality and tends to be selfish, often speaking without a filter. I ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, if the injections are still unstable every month, it is indeed possible that the medication needs to be adjusted. It is advisable to discuss this further with her physician. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Navigating Family Dynamics with a Mentally Ill Parent: Seeking Solutions
Can You Take Sleep Medications and B12 Together? Expert Advice
Is it necessary to stagger the timing of taking sleep medications and vitamin B12? Hello, doctor. My mother is getting older and has been experiencing poor sleep quality in recent years. During a recent consultation, the doctor prescribed Uledin, which is a sleeping medication. S...
Dr. Xue Gengming Reply:
We recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Wishing you good health. Thank you![Read More] Can You Take Sleep Medications and B12 Together? Expert Advice
Understanding Fluctuating Focus: When to Seek Help for Attention Issues
Attention fluctuates? Hello, doctor. I have had issues with inattention since childhood. Later, I became passionate about writing and reading, which made me heavily reliant on visible text. When I can't see words, I often struggle to articulate my thoughts when speaking in p...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Chang: If you have had issues with inattention since childhood, it is possible that your difficulties with focus and organizing your thoughts and sentences could be symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, there are many factors that can aff...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Focus: When to Seek Help for Attention Issues
Understanding Sudden Mood Swings and Self-Harm: When to Seek Help
Emotional issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden mood swings where I start hitting my own head and slapping my face, even though there's nothing specific making me unhappy. When others see this, they just laugh, which makes me feel even worse. I w...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. If these symptoms have appeared suddenly, it is important to consider whether they are related to a COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Mood Swings and Self-Harm: When to Seek Help
Is My Psychiatric Medication Dosage Too High?
Is the dosage too high? Hello Doctor, I am currently taking 0.25 mg of Lendormin (Zolpidem) at bedtime, 50 mg of Mirtazapine, and 100 mg of Venlafaxine. Is this dosage too high? Last month, I was taking 50 mg of Venlafaxine, and since I have shown some improvement but have not fu...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
The medication is not too strong, but it is recommended to gradually reduce the dosage of sleep aids to avoid dependence. As for the reasons for adjusting or adding medication, you should consult your physician. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Is My Psychiatric Medication Dosage Too High?
How to Request Privacy During Psychiatric Appointments
Regarding medical consultations? If I feel anxious about the presence of a nurse during my psychiatric appointment, which makes it even harder for me to express myself due to my existing emotional expression difficulties, can I communicate with the doctor to request that the nurs...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, you can ask, but generally, it should not be allowed. Usually, only interns or students who are shadowing can request to step aside first. Dr. Wu En-Liang.[Read More] How to Request Privacy During Psychiatric Appointments
Understanding Drug Interactions in Psychiatric Medications: A Guide
Drug interactions Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for the interruption. I was previously taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, but due to recent issues with lymphadenitis, I need to take additional medications (listed below). I would like to ask if there are any potentia...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Brisko: The medications you are taking do not have significant interactions with each other. The only thing to be aware of is to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your physician to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, since ...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions in Psychiatric Medications: A Guide
Overwhelming Exam Pressure: When to Seek Help for Mental Health
Feeling overwhelmed by stress to the point of wanting to commit suicide? I am a student preparing for the exam this year, and when I see my unsatisfactory grades, I feel like crying. Whether it's a major or minor exam, I come home and avoid using my phone, but I constantly f...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xia: It seems that you are experiencing significant anxiety, irritability, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming behaviors. It must be very distressing for you to take over three hours to fall asleep each night. Lack of sleep not only affects your mood but also imp...[Read More] Overwhelming Exam Pressure: When to Seek Help for Mental Health