Navigating Career Choices in Medicine: A Guide for Aspiring Students
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide a translation. Could you please provide more details or content? Hello Dr. Chen, I just have a simple question to ask you, thank you. I am 25 years old and have a psychosomatic disorder. I am currently studying electrical enginee...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Jie: It seems you are currently facing a career choice—feeling disinterested and unfulfilled in your current field of study, while having aspirations toward pursuing medicine, yet experiencing a significant knowledge gap in this area. This situation can be analyzed fr...[Read More] Navigating Career Choices in Medicine: A Guide for Aspiring Students
Understanding Frequent Dreaming: Is It a Sign of Neurological Issues?
Frequent dreaming Hello, doctor. For the past few years (around 5 years), I have been dreaming almost every night. Sometimes I even dream shortly after falling asleep, and I sometimes question whether I was actually asleep. Could this be a sign of neuroasthenia? I have heard abou...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, dear online friend: Before answering your question, I would like to share some basic concepts about sleep. Observations from sleep studies indicate that typically, 1/5 to 1/4 of a person's sleep time is spent in a dreaming state. Therefore, dreaming every night is not...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Dreaming: Is It a Sign of Neurological Issues?
Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Navigating Family Dynamics and Mental Health
Do I have a problem? I would like to ask: My father often lends money to friends and is unable to get it back, and he also enjoys playing the lottery. As a result, my parents frequently argue. When I was in kindergarten and first grade, my mother once returned to her family home ...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear friend seeking happiness: It goes without saying that having experienced your situation, just reading about your struggles is disheartening. This is indeed a "problem" that requires proactive management. Growing up in an unstable family environment and experiencing...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Navigating Family Dynamics and Mental Health
Am I Sick? Understanding Depression and Seeking Help
Am I sick? Hello Doctor: Over the past year, I have noticed that I have very negative thoughts about everything. I constantly feel like I am not doing anything right. Additionally, my relationship with my boyfriend is not very stable; we often argue, and I frequently feel misunde...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, Guazi netizen: Before formally answering your question, I would like to explain a few fundamental concepts in psychiatry. First, the brain, as the central nervous system, governs our entire body; it not only controls our speech and behavior but also determines our emotions...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Depression and Seeking Help
Understanding Schizophrenia: Prescription, Disability Benefits, and Health Risks
Schizophrenia Can I ask my doctor to issue a chronic illness prescription if I have schizophrenia? Will my employer know if I apply for a disability handbook? How can I apply for disability benefits? Is long-term use of sleeping pills harmful to my health? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, Chen: Mental illness is indeed classified as a chronic condition and should meet the criteria for issuing chronic disease prescriptions. However, due to the patient's condition, or because certain medications in the prescription may have severe side effects or be pote...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Prescription, Disability Benefits, and Health Risks
Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Nightmares and Sleep Terrors Explained
Sleep terror Hello, my father has been troubled by a problem for a long time, and I would like your help in understanding it. About an hour after falling asleep, he often experiences dreams or nightmares, and he sometimes shouts loudly. At times, he also kicks his legs uncontroll...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear online friend, Based on your description, your father's sleep issues appear to be indicative of "night terror disorder." However, it may be necessary to rule out the "dreaming" situation you mentioned. Night terrors typically occur during the first...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Nightmares and Sleep Terrors Explained
Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Your Partner
Do people with depression always need to seek medical treatment? My boyfriend is the same age as me; we are both high school freshmen. We started dating last April, but we don't talk much at school, possibly because I'm shy and don't dare to speak to him, even thou...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, cat lover: Based on your description, it appears that your boyfriend has significant emotional issues, particularly characterized by emotional instability and impulsive self-harm (or even suicidal tendencies). From the symptoms you provided, I do not fully agree that he is...[Read More] Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Your Partner
Managing Anxiety Symptoms While Taking Seroquel: What You Need to Know
Medications If you experience anxiety while taking Seroquel, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your symptoms and consider adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication. Do not stop taking Seroquel abruptly without medical advice...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, Chen: The antipsychotic medication you are using, Seroquel (Quetiapine), is a relatively new generation drug with minimal traditional side effects. You mentioned experiencing anxiety while using this medication, which is difficult to explain pharmacologically or clinically...[Read More] Managing Anxiety Symptoms While Taking Seroquel: What You Need to Know
How to Reduce Nightly Dreaming for Better Sleep Quality
Dreaming affects sleep? Hello, I would like to ask how I can stop dreaming every night. I have been experiencing this for over a year, with the dreams mainly revolving around my daily life, occasionally featuring scenarios of climbing mountains or escaping. I usually remember the...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Peggy, The issue you are experiencing is related to frequent dreaming during sleep. Generally, during normal sleep, about one-quarter to one-fifth of the time is spent dreaming. This period is when the brain may be engaged in memory consolidation. Without this stage of sl...[Read More] How to Reduce Nightly Dreaming for Better Sleep Quality
Understanding OCD: Medication Challenges and Personal Struggles
Please ask your questions regarding medications for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Since I got married and had my third child (I only have three children), I started experiencing repetitive behaviors. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it, but then it became over...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Qianhua patient, I deeply understand your concerns from your words. Regarding the medications you mentioned (Anafranil, Zoloft, Cipram), to my knowledge, there are no issues with their production. As for where to obtain them, it depends on your location. I believe that majo...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Medication Challenges and Personal Struggles
Feeling Exhausted? Understanding Emotional Struggles After a Divorce
Always feeling tired? Dr. Chen: Hello, I got married to a Vietnamese woman over a year ago, and I invested a lot of emotions into that relationship. However, after she arrived in Taiwan, we had constant arguments, and within a month, we filed for divorce. Since she returned to Vi...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Ming, When people lose their inner passions or loved ones, it is inevitable that they will experience a series of complex psychological reactions, commonly referred to in psychology as "grief responses." The various situations you are facing are quite typical sym...[Read More] Feeling Exhausted? Understanding Emotional Struggles After a Divorce
Can Bipolar Disorder Be Inherited? Understanding Family Mental Health
Is bipolar disorder hereditary? Dear Dr. Chen, I am a bipolar disorder patient with a history of 10 years. During this time, I have experienced periods of improvement and have stopped medication. However, last year, significant changes in my family life had a strong impact on my...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, Calin patient: As you have experienced and recognized, the hereditary nature of affective disorders (including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) is indeed higher compared to schizophrenia. However, in light of this reality, is pessimism and resignation the on...[Read More] Can Bipolar Disorder Be Inherited? Understanding Family Mental Health
Understanding Facial Asymmetry: Is It a Psychological Concern?
Do I have a problem? The right cheekbone is wider than the left, and the right mandible also protrudes more than the left. This is not just an aesthetic issue; the right side of the bone feels more developed than the left, which feels unusual enough to affect my daily life. I hav...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Bill, I appreciate your description of the distress you are experiencing and the treatment approaches you have encountered, which closely resemble a diagnosis in psychiatry known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The characteristics of this condition include an obsession...[Read More] Understanding Facial Asymmetry: Is It a Psychological Concern?
Managing Insomnia After Heroin Addiction: Seeking FM2 Prescription
Insomnia issues Hello Dr. Chen: I was a heroin user for over two years, and after treatment, I have been experiencing sleep issues. Previously, at the Caotun Psychiatric Hospital, I was prescribed FM2 as a sedative for sleep, which worked quite well. I would like to know if it is...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear patient, Congratulations on successfully overcoming your heroin addiction; this is a remarkable display of willpower. I am also concerned about your sleep issues, as the use of FM2 carries the risk of another form of substance abuse. This situation has become increasingly p...[Read More] Managing Insomnia After Heroin Addiction: Seeking FM2 Prescription
Navigating Mental Health: Insights and Reflections on Psychiatric Care
Thank you very much for the doctor's advice, but I..? Dear Doctor, Thank you very much for your thoughtful response last time, but I would like to discuss further with you. Let me clarify: I do not consider the Taiwan e-Hospital as a free "Q&A" service. Regard...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, Thank you for your letter. I have some personal insights to share for your consideration: 1. Firstly, your generalized disdain for law enforcement personnel may be somewhat biased and unfair to the majority who are law-abiding and dedicated public servants. Addit...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health: Insights and Reflections on Psychiatric Care
Exploring Career Paths: From Detective Aspirations to Medicine
Talk to a physician? Dear Dr. Chen, 1. I understand that my life direction is determined by myself, but due to my interests and abilities, I enjoy reading detective novels and solving mysteries. Therefore, becoming a police officer would be ideal, but I am not tall enough; I am ...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, Regarding your first question, when doctors face patients' symptoms, they unravel the details and deduce a diagnosis, which is quite similar to the spirit of a detective solving a case. Forensic medicine is a rigorous scientific investigation, which aligns c...[Read More] Exploring Career Paths: From Detective Aspirations to Medicine
Employment Rates and Suitable Job Types for Individuals with Latent Schizophrenia
Question What percentage of patients with latent schizophrenia are employed? What types of jobs do those who are employed typically have? What types of work are more suitable for them?
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Ring user: You inquired about the term "latent schizophrenia," which likely refers to patients who have not yet manifested the illness. Since they have not developed symptoms, it is not possible to conduct any substantial statistics on them. For those who have man...[Read More] Employment Rates and Suitable Job Types for Individuals with Latent Schizophrenia
Understanding Nail Biting: Is It OCD and How to Overcome It?
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? I have been picking and biting my nails since childhood, often to the point of bleeding. Does this count as obsessive-compulsive disorder? How can I completely overcome this issue? This has been troubling me for...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Your Highness, based on the situation you described, it indeed resembles what is known as "impulse control disorder." Common examples include "obsessive-compulsive disorder," "intermittent explosive disorder," "pyromania," "kleptomania...[Read More] Understanding Nail Biting: Is It OCD and How to Overcome It?
Understanding Emotional Disturbances: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Bipolar disorder? Delusions? Possession by evil spirits? Dear Doctor, Thank you very much for taking the time to read this lengthy letter amidst your busy schedule. I am at a loss as to what to do. My girlfriend of six years, who is now 24 years old, has always been a considerat...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Phillips, Thank you for your detailed letter. It has provided a clear understanding of the changes your girlfriend is experiencing, as well as the concern, anxiety, and helplessness felt by those around her—a classic depiction of the struggles faced by individuals with ment...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Disturbances: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
How to Identify and Discuss Your Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Could you please tell me if I have bipolar disorder? I have been experiencing anxiety since the year before last. My mood changes very quickly, and sometimes I even pull out my own hair. I can easily feel extremely low due to minor issues, and I often sleep for more than 13 hours...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Little Cookie Online Friend, I read your letter and am very concerned to hear that you are suffering from emotional disturbances. Based on your description, and due to certain details and other symptoms that cannot be fully clarified, I can currently suggest two possible di...[Read More] How to Identify and Discuss Your Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder