How to Support a Family Member with Potential Obsessive Relationship Traits?
If you suspect that a male family member may have potential traits of an obsessive or dangerous partner (though this is just a guess), how should you handle the situation? Due to a family member being middle-aged and still single, they have been wanting to try to get to know the ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: As mentioned in the text, family members may develop negative thoughts after experiencing setbacks in online dating. It is advisable to encourage them to express themselves more, providing support and empathy without necessarily offering direct advice. Understanding their ...[Read More] How to Support a Family Member with Potential Obsessive Relationship Traits?
Medications to Manage Positive Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Options and Insights
Which medications can help control and reduce positive symptoms? Hello Doctor: One of my children, who was 20 years old and in their first year of college, became ill and had to drop out to help at home. After nearly 5 years of treatment, the doctor diagnosed them with undifferen...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: There are many types of medications for schizophrenia, each with different side effects and effects. Long-acting injectable formulations of second-generation antipsychotics have shown good efficacy for both positive and negative symptoms, and they can provide more stable b...[Read More] Medications to Manage Positive Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Options and Insights
Understanding the Effects of Lurasidone on Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health
The effects of taking Lurasidone? Hello, doctor! I was hospitalized at the beginning of 2022 and diagnosed with schizophrenia. I have been steadily taking medication for almost two years now, currently on Lurasidone, a muscle relaxant, and a sleeping pill. The dosage of Lurasidon...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Common side effects of Lurasidone include increased prolactin levels, extrapyramidal symptoms, drowsiness, and restlessness. The increase in prolactin levels may lead to delayed or missed menstrual periods. These side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone will ...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Lurasidone on Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health
Understanding Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications: A Patient's Guide
Schizophrenia Doctor, I took Ubiquinone and Anxiolytic medication last night, and when I woke up the next morning, I felt groggy and had a headache. Are these side effects? Is this considered normal?
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: When starting treatment with Sertraline (Zoloft) and Aripiprazole (Abilify), a small number of individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, headache, and drowsiness. If these side effects are not severe, it is usually advisable to monitor them for a few days, as...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Nocturnal Auditory Hallucinations: When to Seek Help
It is uncertain whether it qualifies as a hallucination? Hello, occasionally I hear a voice calling my name from the door in the early morning, and sometimes there are two knocks on the door, but it only happens once and then stops. This wakes me up, and I have confirmed that my ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations – These auditory hallucinations are associated with the brain being in a semi-dream state. The sounds may call your name or say short phrases, and they typically disappear upon waking, usually without significant concern. Insomnia ...[Read More] Understanding Nocturnal Auditory Hallucinations: When to Seek Help
Can 5-HTP Help Boost Serotonin for Mental Health Maintenance?
Can taking 5-HTP regularly help boost serotonin levels as a form of supplementation? I previously took Liyou to treat mild depression and anxiety, and my condition has improved. I stopped taking the medication a month ago, but I've noticed that I can't sleep deeply at n...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that serves as an intermediate step in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, and can be considered a precursor to serotonin. To increase serotonin levels, it is important to first assess your own condition: difficulty sleep...[Read More] Can 5-HTP Help Boost Serotonin for Mental Health Maintenance?
Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: A Journey Through Bullying and Pressure
Stress issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask for your advice. I have suffered from the pain of long-term bullying during my middle and high school years, which has made me more introverted and prone to overthinking. I don't have many close friends and lack social activit...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, the trauma experienced during adolescence continues to have an impact on both your physical and mental health, affecting interpersonal relationships and social interactions, making it more difficult to cope with stress in daily life. Many physiol...[Read More] Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: A Journey Through Bullying and Pressure
Understanding Auditory Hallucinations: Do I Lack Insight into My Condition?
Do I lack insight into my illness? Will the auditory hallucinations get better? When I was in the third and fourth grades of elementary school, I thought I had telepathy and could communicate with my classmates mentally. One day during class, a girl in my class had her skirt zipp...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by disruptions in the brain's information processing system, affecting thought and perception. The symptoms you described are more akin to thought broadcasting and auditory hallucinations. It is advisable to discuss these symp...[Read More] Understanding Auditory Hallucinations: Do I Lack Insight into My Condition?
Managing Salivary Gland Enlargement in Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia nervosa can lead to parotid gland enlargement? I have been suffering from binge eating disorder for many years, and the swelling on the side of my parotid gland has also been present for several years without pain. Can the swollen area only be removed surgically, or are t...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The enlargement of the parotid glands caused by binge eating behavior is usually due to repeated vomiting associated with binge eating, leading to inflammatory obstructive parotid gland enlargement. If the inflammation and swelling at the opening of the parotid duct resolv...[Read More] Managing Salivary Gland Enlargement in Binge Eating Disorder
Understanding Paranoia and Depression in School Bullying Situations
Paranoid delusions with depressive tendencies? I'm a student living in a dorm with many younger classmates. Recently, one of the younger classmates, who used to get along well with me, suddenly started to dislike me. Now, she has reported me to the school for sexual harassme...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing emotions such as depression and fear in response to stressful events, leading to difficulties in trusting others and even thoughts of hopelessness. Would it be possible to seek assistance from a neutral third pa...[Read More] Understanding Paranoia and Depression in School Bullying Situations
Understanding Vision Changes with Anxiolytic Medication: A Patient's Guide
Anxiolytic Tablets I was originally prescribed 10 mg to take at night by my doctor. Later, the doctor increased the dosage by adding 5 mg of the blue pill to take at noon. However, I started experiencing blurred vision, where I can see things on the left side but not on the right...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: A small number of individuals taking Aripiprazole may experience blurred vision as a side effect, which is more commonly observed after starting the medication or increasing the dosage. This side effect typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. If the side effect persists and a...[Read More] Understanding Vision Changes with Anxiolytic Medication: A Patient's Guide
Understanding OCD: Coping Strategies and Treatment Options for Relief
I have some concerns? I would like to share my experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with my doctor: During the Mid-Autumn Festival barbecue in the year I just entered junior high, I saw a suicide prevention advertisement on the charcoal grill. At that moment, I fel...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: It sounds like your condition may involve obsessive thoughts, combined with depression and psychosomatic symptoms. 1. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is typically treated with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown good ef...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Coping Strategies and Treatment Options for Relief
Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
Regarding issues of emotional instability? Hello Dr. Tsai, I feel a bit shy asking this for the first time here. Recently, my emotions have been quite volatile and extreme; I get easily irritated and cry often. I frequently feel down over trivial matters and have the urge to hit ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: It sounds like the long-term pressure from interacting with family members is leading to significant emotional fluctuations, negative thoughts, and self-harming ideations. The closer the relationship, the more likely it is for both parties to hurt each other. Without oppor...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
Coping with Intrusive Thoughts: Understanding OCD and Its Effects
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Issues If a patient suddenly experiences intrusive thoughts, such as saying disrespectful things about deities or the deceased, it's important to understand that these are often symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While these ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Obsessive thoughts are not easily overcome by willpower. Even though one knows that negative events will not occur due to irrational thinking, it is difficult to stop the intrusive thoughts and worries. If this causes significant distress in daily life, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Coping with Intrusive Thoughts: Understanding OCD and Its Effects
Overcoming Anxiety and Lack of Motivation After a Difficult Breakup
Anxiety, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating? I just ended a two-year relationship that was filled with constant turmoil. The ongoing struggle between staying together and breaking up left both of us emotionally and physically exhausted. We both realized that we are ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The end of a relationship requires courage and determination, and the subsequent adjustment takes time. It seems you have already gone through the most difficult phase and are ready to start a new life. Currently, you may still be experiencing a lack of motivation, anxiety...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety and Lack of Motivation After a Difficult Breakup
Overcoming Concentration Issues: Strategies for Memory Improvement
Difficulty concentrating? I would like to ask if there is any way to remedy memory decline. Since middle school, I haven't paid much attention to my studies, especially in mathematics, where I almost relied on mental calculations. I started to stop using my brain and just pl...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: It sounds like the issues have been troubling you since middle school: insufficient sleep, decreased attention, impaired memory, and sluggish reactions. It is important to rule out 1. depression 2. sleep disorders 3. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is r...[Read More] Overcoming Concentration Issues: Strategies for Memory Improvement
Overcoming Anxiety and Lack of Motivation After a Breakup
Anxiety, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating? I just ended a two-year relationship that was filled with constant turmoil. The ongoing struggle between staying together and breaking up left us both physically and emotionally exhausted. We both realized that we are fun...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The end of a relationship requires courage and determination, and it also takes time to adjust afterward. It seems that you have already gone through the most challenging part and are ready to start a new life. Currently, you may still be experiencing a lack of motivation,...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety and Lack of Motivation After a Breakup
Can You Take Lisdexamfetamine with SSRIs for Focus During Treatment?
Can Lichangning and Paxil be taken at the same time? Hello, doctor. Regarding the period of taking SSRIs and experiencing fatigue and lack of motivation, is it possible to concurrently take medications like Modafinil to enhance focus?
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: If you experience fatigue and lack of energy while taking SSRIs, it is important to assess whether this is a side effect of the medication or if your underlying mental health condition has not improved. You should discuss with your physician the possibility of adjusting th...[Read More] Can You Take Lisdexamfetamine with SSRIs for Focus During Treatment?
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Key Questions for Family Caregivers
Please ask your questions regarding bipolar disorder? Doctor: Hello! A family member developed depression over ten years ago due to work-related stress, but later stabilized after changing their focus. However, in recent years, due to work and family pressures, the depression has...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. Prolonged bed rest needs to be evaluated to determine if it is due to medication side effects or if the depressive episode has not fully resolved. It is recommended to discuss this with a physician to rule out these causes, and also to talk with the patient about any ot...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Key Questions for Family Caregivers
Understanding Conversion Disorder and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Chronic Pain
What is conversion disorder? Is it considered a type of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing chronic pain for nearly two years, and the pain levels are quite high. I have consulted various specialties and undergone numerous tests, most of ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Conversion disorder is often associated with deep-seated psychological trauma or stress, which may originate from childhood, and typically presents with more dramatic neurological symptoms such as hemiplegia or inability to speak, rather than pain. Autonomic dysregulation ...[Read More] Understanding Conversion Disorder and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Chronic Pain