Understanding the Differences Between Psychologists, Counselors, and Occupational Therapists
Schizophrenia Hello: What are the differences between clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and occupational therapists? I have some psychological issues, but I'm currently facing some urgent questions about my future career direction. Is there a possibility to i...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Clinical psychologists assess and treat individuals with diagnosed mental disorders. Counseling psychologists work with the general public, such as in school counseling and workplace counseling. Occupational therapists provide rehabilitation assessment and treatment recomm...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Psychologists, Counselors, and Occupational Therapists
Understanding Conversion Disorder and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
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 intensity is quite high. I have consulted various specialties and undergone numerous tests, but mo...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Conversion disorder often involves 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 can manife...[Read More] Understanding Conversion Disorder and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Understanding Eating Disorders: Seeking Clarity on Diagnosis and Treatment
Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about the diagnosis and issues related to binge eating disorder? First, there is the issue of the doctor inputting the diagnosis. I have depression and anxiety, but I noticed on my health insurance app that the doctor I usually see has only r...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The psychiatric diagnostic system is a classification system that facilitates communication among healthcare professionals. Different physicians may have varying thought processes and diagnoses. You can discuss your concerns and worries with a trusted physician, focusing o...[Read More] Understanding Eating Disorders: Seeking Clarity on Diagnosis and Treatment
Does Purtraline 50mg Have Anxiety-Relieving Effects?
What is the anxiolytic effect of antidepressant medications? Hello, doctor. Does Purtraline (50mg) have anxiolytic effects? If so, how long does it typically take to start experiencing antidepressant and anxiolytic effects? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Sertraline 50mg is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is effective in treating depression and anxiety. The onset of its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects varies from person to person, typically requiring several weeks to a month. It is important to be...[Read More] Does Purtraline 50mg Have Anxiety-Relieving Effects?
How Long Will It Take to Recover from Lorazepam Withdrawal Insomnia?
How much longer will it take to return to normal? I have been experiencing insomnia for three months after discontinuing Lorazepam, which I was taking for over three months. This insomnia is not caused by autonomic nervous system issues; my symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: After discontinuing Lorazepam, insomnia symptoms may appear. If this is solely due to withdrawal from the medication, most cases will improve within a few weeks. It is important to assess the original reason for using Lorazepam, as it may also indicate a worsening of pre-e...[Read More] How Long Will It Take to Recover from Lorazepam Withdrawal Insomnia?
Can Taking Olanzapine Cause Muscle Cramps at Night?
Can taking Amiodarone cause muscle cramps? Last night, after taking Anlipin tablets, I experienced two muscle cramps while sleeping.
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Oxazepam is a sedative-hypnotic medication that has anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effects. It should not cause muscle spasms as a side effect. If this phenomenon persists, it is advisable to consult the prescribing physician to clarify the underlying cause.[Read More] Can Taking Olanzapine Cause Muscle Cramps at Night?
Overcoming Psychological Trauma: Healing Your Mind and Emotions
Psychological trauma Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been troubled by the emotional scars from past psychological trauma, which continue to affect my current emotions and thoughts. This has severely impacted my daily life and routines. How can I prevent past injuries from binding my heart...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello, psychological trauma can severely impact daily life. It is important to assess whether the criteria for "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Acute Stress Disorder" are met. Sometimes the symptoms can be quite distressing and cannot be overcome by willpower a...[Read More] Overcoming Psychological Trauma: Healing Your Mind and Emotions
Overcoming Negative Thoughts: Do You Need Therapy or Just Medication?
Negative emotions and thoughts keep flooding my mind; psychological counseling? Hello Doctor, I have been subjected to slander, defamation, stalking, and entrapment by malicious individuals in the workplace. It's been over a year since I left that environment, but these nega...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Negative emotions and feelings of inferiority that persist after stressful events may need to be evaluated to determine if they have reached a pathological state. It is possible that psychological trauma could make medications for conditions such as major depressive disord...[Read More] Overcoming Negative Thoughts: Do You Need Therapy or Just Medication?
Understanding Family Dynamics and Mental Health: Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Family interaction and depression-anxiety (including recurrent situations of non-continuous medical treatment)? Hello, doctor. I find myself in a difficult situation, which is why I'm asking here. With the pandemic, the children have been home, making it impossible for me to...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. Based on the information you provided, the gentleman may exhibit symptoms related to hoarding disorder. Following external intervention, he may also experience subsequent emotional symptoms, necessitating an evaluation for possible major depressive episodes. It is advis...[Read More] Understanding Family Dynamics and Mental Health: Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Understanding Pregnancy Risks for Those with Schizophrenia and Intellectual Disabilities
Affective Disorder I have been diagnosed with mild schizophrenia. I have been taking psychiatric medications since I was in the first year of junior high school, and I am currently on the following medications: Depakote 500 mg extended-release, Seroquel 200 mg extended-release, S...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. During the use of psychiatric medications, it is essential to discuss with your physician any potential adjustments to your medication if you are planning to become pregnant, as these medications may affect the fetus. 2. The causes of preterm birth are complex; please c...[Read More] Understanding Pregnancy Risks for Those with Schizophrenia and Intellectual Disabilities
Managing Anxiety: Medication Concerns and Emotional Recovery Strategies
Liyou, Heart Rhythm Tablets, Yiketon? Three weeks ago, my doctor diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder (with irritability) and prescribed me three medications (one of each). I took Liyou only at bedtime, and by the third day, I experienced bradycardia (heart rate of 55),...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. According to your description, if a patient with generalized anxiety disorder experiences discomfort after medication and subsequently develops anxiety, depression, low mood, and anhedonia after discontinuing the medication, it is advisable to seek evaluation from a psy...[Read More] Managing Anxiety: Medication Concerns and Emotional Recovery Strategies
Is 8 Tablets of Ativan 0.5mg Safe for Insomnia Treatment?
Ativan 0.5 mg, 8 tablets? The current medications being taken include Escitalopram 10mg, Doxepin 25mg twice, Pregabalin 75mg twice, Metformin 500mg, Tamsulosin 0.2mg, and Ativan 0.5mg eight times a day. I would like to ask if the dosage of Ativan 0.5mg taken eight times, prescrib...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Ativan is commonly used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, panic, and insomnia, with an average daily dosage of 2-4 mg. Your current daily dosage of 4 mg is within the normal range. If you have any questions about the medication, it is advisable to discuss them with your physician.[Read More] Is 8 Tablets of Ativan 0.5mg Safe for Insomnia Treatment?
Am I Experiencing Binge Eating Disorder? Understanding My Struggles
Do I have binge eating disorder? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my situation. I want to lose weight, but whenever I try to restrict my diet for a period of time, I suddenly binge eat. As long as I know where my favorite snacks are hidden, even if I want to continue rest...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The characteristics of binge eating disorder include dieting due to concerns about body image, followed by compensatory binge eating. After binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting may occur. This cycl...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Binge Eating Disorder? Understanding My Struggles
Navigating Life with Paranoid Schizophrenia: Seeking Guidance and Support
Please provide more context or specific information for me to give you an opinion? Today, during my job search, I mentioned my early diagnosis, but my current diagnosis is "paranoid schizophrenia." I'm unsure how to communicate my diagnosis to others. Perhaps I can...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello, the exact causes of schizophrenia are still not fully understood, but it can lead to abnormalities in the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can severely affect thinking and cause hallucinations, among other symptoms. You might explain to others that schizo...[Read More] Navigating Life with Paranoid Schizophrenia: Seeking Guidance and Support
Struggling with Medication Side Effects: Insomnia and Anxiety Issues
Troubled by the side effects of medication? Dear Doctor, Can taking Olanzapine lead to insomnia? I have been on it for six months, and my sleep issues have been worsening. I have difficulty falling asleep and experience unexplained tremors. Even with sleeping pills, I can only ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: A small number of individuals may experience insomnia when taking Anxiolytics before bedtime, so it may be advisable to consider taking it in the morning instead. Sleep issues could also be a result of an underlying mental health condition, so it is recommended to discuss ...[Read More] Struggling with Medication Side Effects: Insomnia and Anxiety Issues
Can PTSD Symptoms Be Fully Healed After Trauma?
Is it possible to completely cure the long-term effects of PTSD? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from bipolar disorder for 14 years. When I was 20 years old, I was sexually assaulted in an accident, and about six months later, I began to experience a series of sequelae, inclu...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically diminish over time, but they can also be triggered by life stressors, leading to fluctuations, although generally less severe than before. If the intensity and frequency of the symptoms re-emerge and cause sig...[Read More] Can PTSD Symptoms Be Fully Healed After Trauma?
Struggling with Guilt After Eating: When to Seek Help for Binge Purging
Inducing vomiting immediately after eating can lead to feelings of guilt if one is unable to do so? Hello, doctor. I don't know when it started, but in the past, I would only induce vomiting after overeating. Now, even if I eat just a little, like a single piece of candy, I ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Are you very concerned about your weight or external appearance? It seems that eating, purging, and feelings of guilt have formed a vicious cycle. It is recommended to seek an evaluation and assistance from a psychiatrist as soon as possible.[Read More] Struggling with Guilt After Eating: When to Seek Help for Binge Purging
Do I Have Depression? Signs and When to Seek Help
Is it depression? Since September 2014, I have noticed that I have been experiencing depressive emotions. By 2015, I started to cry sometimes and had thoughts of suicide. Now, my emotions have become indifferent, and I don't want to talk to anyone. I feel like I have seen th...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Symptoms of depression may include feelings of sadness, occasional crying, suicidal thoughts, a desire to avoid social interaction, and self-blame. These symptoms can be related to environmental, psychological, and physiological factors. It is advisable to seek evaluation and ass...[Read More] Do I Have Depression? Signs and When to Seek Help
Managing Complex Medication for Mental Health: A Patient's Journey
Taking Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), Rifampin, and Zantac (ranitidine) together may lead to potential drug interactions that could affect heart rhythm. It is important to monitor for signs of arrhythmia, which can include palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. If you experience...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Psychosomatic symptoms need to rule out the influence of mental and physical disorders. Involuntary head shaking and auditory hallucinations require further evaluation for other issues. The medications you are using, including Lyrica, Rifampin, Zyprexa, and Atarax, are all...[Read More] Managing Complex Medication for Mental Health: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Emotional Eating: Coping with Breakup Aftermath
I don't think I have anorexia or depression? Hello Doctor: After the breakup, although I often cry and can't smile, I refuse to interact with others. I can hardly muster the energy to respond to those who care about me. Even when my family takes me out and forces me to ...
Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: If the aftermath of a breakup lasts too long or significantly affects the body, it may lead to psychosomatic disorders and could potentially progress or combine with other mental illnesses. Seeking assistance from professionals can help reduce discomfort and shorten the ad...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Eating: Coping with Breakup Aftermath