Exploring Gender Transition: A Guide for Those Considering Change
Can I become a girl? I have lived as a male for 45 years but have always wanted to be a woman. I have been married for over three years and have been separated for nearly two years, with no children. I don't look my age; I still appear to be in my 30s, but I really want to t...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
"Gender identity" refers to the acceptance of one's own gender and whether one likes their gender. Gender dysphoria is classified as a type of gender identity disorder in psychiatry. However, the current consensus in the field of sexology is that gender dysphoria i...[Read More] Exploring Gender Transition: A Guide for Those Considering Change
Can Sexual Orientation Change? Understanding Fluidity in Attraction
Sexual orientation issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if it is possible to transition from heterosexuality to homosexuality. In the past, I did not have any feelings for the same sex, but over the past few years, I have spent a lot of time with a person of the same sex and...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
In this situation, most individuals are originally bisexual rather than having transitioned later. They may not have been aware of it initially but gradually discover their sexual orientation upon encountering someone they like. There is no right or wrong in sexual orientation. H...[Read More] Can Sexual Orientation Change? Understanding Fluidity in Attraction
Understanding Legal Responsibility in Cases of Assault by Mentally Ill Individuals
Legal Responsibility Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a recent incident involving a child of a friend who was assaulted by a man with a mental health disability certificate. This man entered the school and attacked the child without reason, resulting in injuries that ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Dear concerned mother, There is no regulation that holding a mental and physical disability handbook exempts one from criminal liability. Since he understands revenge and is capable of using tactics to block others during school commutes, his actions cannot be classified as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Legal Responsibility in Cases of Assault by Mentally Ill Individuals
Understanding Hallucinations After Head Injury: Causes and Concerns
I am experiencing hallucinations? Today at school, I got into a fight with a male classmate, and he hit me on the back of the head. I also bumped my head against a wall, and now my head hurts a bit. I'm feeling somewhat dizzy, and it seems like I'm experiencing hallucin...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Yuan Yuan: The head is the central part of the human body, and when it is injured, abnormal phenomena will certainly occur. Seeking medical attention and undergoing a head examination is essential! Especially visual hallucinations, which are one of the important warning si...[Read More] Understanding Hallucinations After Head Injury: Causes and Concerns
Overcoming Emotional Struggles: Strategies for Self-Adjustment
How to self-adjust? Hello doctor, I often feel down and my complexion reflects that. This creates a vicious cycle where I just can't seem to feel happy. I easily recall past failures, such as times when I didn't perform well or felt weak. I find myself crying in front o...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Soul: "Always"? How long has it been? Has it been like this since childhood, or did it develop after some setbacks? If it has been this way since childhood, it may be related to personality issues, such as introversion and lack of self-confidence. Changing a pers...[Read More] Overcoming Emotional Struggles: Strategies for Self-Adjustment
Understanding Post-Reading Fantasies and Emotional Responses
Why do I experience fantasies after finishing my studies? Doctor, why do I find myself daydreaming or talking to myself unconsciously after finishing a novel? Sometimes, just standing up makes me feel dizzy and unstable, and I have to hold onto something to avoid falling. I even ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, dear: After reading a novel, it's common to daydream! I believe if you ask any adult, they would have had similar experiences growing up. For example, after reading a martial arts novel, one might fantasize about having lightness skills... so it's normal! Suddenl...[Read More] Understanding Post-Reading Fantasies and Emotional Responses
How to Persuade Family Members to Improve Air Quality at Home
How to persuade others to change? Hello Dr. Chen: My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew (an infant) live on the first floor. They only open a small window, and sometimes they don’t open it at all (that floor has a refrigerator, television, air conditioning, heating, and an electr...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello Tom, Today I happened to hear a news report about a family who, due to the cold weather, tightly closed their doors and windows. Suddenly, everyone started feeling dizzy, and some even fainted and had to be taken to the hospital. Blood tests ruled out carbon monoxide pois...[Read More] How to Persuade Family Members to Improve Air Quality at Home
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety: Understanding the Role of Medication
Fear of the unknown? A person is afraid to go out, fearful of social interactions, hesitant to take initiative, and constantly thinks negatively. They feel introverted and withdrawn around others, often experiencing unhappiness, anxiety, fear, and depression due to being scolded,...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your letter, I believe the diagnosis from your physician is likely "social anxiety disorder." The medication prescribed is appropriate. Generally, this medication is taken once daily during the day. If you experience daytime drowsiness and nighttime slee...[Read More] Overcoming Fear and Anxiety: Understanding the Role of Medication
Understanding ADHD: Insights for Parents of Active Children
Pediatric Inquiry The child is currently in the third grade of elementary school. He is usually very active, has difficulty concentrating, and loves to talk. He can chat from Taipei all the way to Kaohsiung during a car ride, but can also settle down to read. His academic perform...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ah Yuan: The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes three components: hyperactivity, inattention, and poor impulse control. Gifted children, on the other hand, often exhibit abundant thinking and can learn any problem quickly; they may alread...[Read More] Understanding ADHD: Insights for Parents of Active Children
Understanding Auditory Hallucinations: The Sound of Ambulances
The sound of an ambulance? Symptoms: Hello, doctor. Since last Thursday, I have been frequently hearing the sound of ambulances. At first, I didn't pay much attention because my school is located on a busy road, and it's quite common to hear ambulances. However, I keep ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello Mimi, To be honest, it doesn't seem likely, especially since it's only been five days. Additionally, you have a history of prolonged headphone use, so I recommend that you see an otolaryngologist to check your auditory nerve. Also, you mentioned experiencing hyp...[Read More] Understanding Auditory Hallucinations: The Sound of Ambulances
Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Duration, and Treatment Options
Anxiety Panic Disorder Doctor, my symptoms seem to be getting worse! In addition to the dizziness and fatigue I had before, recently my heart has been racing, feeling hot and stuffy, and I'm experiencing difficulty breathing, almost gasping for air! My throat feels like it&#...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Peanut: When addressing any issues, it is essential to first identify the underlying cause, especially those that are "visible." As previously mentioned, priority should be given to cardiology. If the cardiologist determines that it is unrelated to mitral valve p...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Duration, and Treatment Options
Managing Panic Disorder: Safe Medication Options for Women
Panic disorder I have been suffering from panic disorder for many years, and I also have mild mitral valve prolapse. My cardiologist said this is a common issue and that I don't need to worry about it, but my panic disorder has not improved despite various treatments such as...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ms. Huang: Thank you for your hard work. It seems that you have tried almost all possible treatments... However, when treatments are ineffective, it is often necessary to consider whether the medication dosage is sufficient, whether the treatment duration is adequate, an...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder: Safe Medication Options for Women
Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Heart Health and Mental Well-being
Mitral valve prolapse Thank you for your previous letter, Doctor! I went to the cardiology department and was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. Should I focus solely on addressing the cardiac issues and symptoms of anxiety and panic, or do I also need to see a psychiatrist fo...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Peanut: It's great that the diagnosis came back so quickly! Identifying the cause is almost half the battle won. Mitral valve prolapse is one of the common conditions in cardiology, and there are likely many treatment options available. You should have a thorough disc...[Read More] Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Heart Health and Mental Well-being
Overcoming Panic and Anxiety Without Medication: A Personal Journey
Neurosis Doctor, I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety, but I don't want to take medication because it makes things worse and I can't even sleep. I really want to overcome my psychological barriers on my own! However, it seems like my ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Sky: In response to the two letters regarding autonomic nervous system disorders and neuroses, it is important to note that these conditions often involve some degree of depression or anxiety, and therefore, these terms are no longer commonly used in psychiatry. What makes...[Read More] Overcoming Panic and Anxiety Without Medication: A Personal Journey
Understanding the Differences Between Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction I would like to ask the doctor what the difference is between autonomic nervous system dysfunction and anxiety disorders such as pathological lying anxiety disorder. How can a doctor differentiate between these two? Can autonomic nervous syste...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Sky: In response to the two letters regarding autonomic nervous system disorders and neuroasthenia, it is important to note that these conditions often involve some degree of depression or anxiety, and thus, these terms are no longer commonly used in psychiatry. What makes...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
Understanding OCD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Dr. Chen, I have been suffering from long-term obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I used to be very healthy before I became ill. Ever since my work has not been going well and with advancing age, I first developed depression, but the treatmen...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Rong: It is quite uncommon for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to manifest at the age of 45; it typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood. Therefore, given your age, your condition requires thorough evaluation, as it may not be solely OCD. Currentl...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can Facial Blushing Be Treated? Understanding Social Anxiety and Solutions
Is there a treatment for blushing? Hello Dr. Chen, I am someone who gets easily nervous and my face turns red when I laugh! I’ve noticed that I increasingly dislike this and feel useless. Gradually, I’ve become more depressed, pessimistic, and evasive, even having thoughts of w...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, frog at the bottom of the well: This is indeed social anxiety disorder. If you experience avoidance behaviors that affect your interpersonal, occupational, and social functioning, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Current treatment options include antidepressants,...[Read More] Can Facial Blushing Be Treated? Understanding Social Anxiety and Solutions
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
Social anxiety? Hello Dr. Chen: As the title suggests, I believe I have social anxiety disorder. I have listed my symptoms and examples... 1. I am hesitant to go shopping alone because I have to speak to the store staff; even ordering food is difficult for me to initiate. 2. I am...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Pang: Some anticipated anxiety and negative thinking may appear to others as "overthinking." In fact, the individual often knows they are overthinking, but how can they stop themselves from doing so? In your case, social anxiety disorder involves not only an...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
How to Move On: Letting Go of Past Relationships
How can I erase her image from my mind? Five years ago, I met a girl and we had a good relationship for about two months. However, we broke up for some reason and lost contact. Even after all this time, I still find myself thinking about her occasionally. I hope to stop thinking ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello Geoffrey, to be honest, I can't answer this question! 1. Does time heal all wounds? 2. Is it destined that you love her? The answers lie within your own heart... Thank you for your letter![Read More] How to Move On: Letting Go of Past Relationships
Could Your Physical Symptoms Be Linked to Mental Health Issues?
Mental illness? Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent fatigue and a significant decline in physical strength for a year. I often feel a sense of pressure between my eyebrows, have a stiff neck, feel dizzy, and experience blurred vision. I have already consulted various spec...
Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Peanut: In order to diagnose a mental disorder, it is essential to rule out any physical issues. Although there is an interplay between the two, the treatment approaches differ. Since all the examinations across various specialties have shown no abnormalities, it is indeed...[Read More] Could Your Physical Symptoms Be Linked to Mental Health Issues?