Understanding Schizophrenia and Substance Withdrawal: A Family's Journey
Initial consultation summary of the patient's condition? Hello Doctor: My brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia in May 2019. Before his diagnosis, he had been taking excessive amounts of non-psychiatric prescribed sedatives and sleeping pills, around 200 pills a month for...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, A-Zuo: Based on your description, your brother's issue should prioritize managing the symptoms of schizophrenia while also addressing the problem of rhabdomyolysis. After that, it would be advisable to discuss with a psychiatrist about handling substance abuse through...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia and Substance Withdrawal: A Family's Journey
Understanding Bullying and Its Impact on Mental Health: A Personal Journey
Bullying and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) When I was in seventh grade, I experienced bullying and verbal harassment from my classmates, which made me feel isolated. No matter what I did, I was always alone. I often made uncomfortable excuses to skip school to avoid going...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello Student Y: Based on your description, it seems that your experience of being bullied has significantly impacted your emotions and daily life. You may be exhibiting symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as re-experiencing past trauma, avoidance...[Read More] Understanding Bullying and Its Impact on Mental Health: A Personal Journey
Understanding Inpatient Stays at Bali Rehabilitation Center: What to Expect
Bali Rehabilitation Center Is it necessary to stay in the acute care unit at your affiliated rehabilitation center? Dr. Hsieh Meng-Hsuan from Tucheng Chang Gung Hospital, who has also served in the eight therapies, mentioned from his own experience that one should stay for 90 day...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, our Rehabilitation Home is managed by the Social Work Department. To apply for admission to the Rehabilitation Home, an assessment by an outpatient physician is required (it is preferable to have medical records or discharge summaries from other hospitals). After that, a d...[Read More] Understanding Inpatient Stays at Bali Rehabilitation Center: What to Expect
SSRIs and Memory: Do They Enhance or Impair Cognitive Function?
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) Dr. Dai: I am taking an SSRI, and I saw on PTT that some people feel their memory has worsened after taking it. However, SSRIs are supposed to increase serotonin, and isn't serotonin supposed to enhance memory? I would like to as...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, patients with depression not only experience symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest, negative thoughts, and insomnia, but they can also be affected in terms of cognitive functions like memory and attention. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can help alle...[Read More] SSRIs and Memory: Do They Enhance or Impair Cognitive Function?
Understanding Medication Dosage for OCD: Balancing Effects and Side Effects
Drug dosage Dr. Dai: Here's the situation. After taking the medication, I noticed some changes in myself. I am a repeat examinee with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and I take one tablet of Sertraline (Zoloft) daily. Before taking the medication: 1. When classmates would cha...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, the feeling of decreased motivation after using medication for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests a therapeutic effect, as you have become less concerned about things that previously bothered you, and there is an improvement in ruminati...[Read More] Understanding Medication Dosage for OCD: Balancing Effects and Side Effects
How to Address Elderly Reluctance to Discuss Urine Storage Issues
Elderly individuals have issues with urinary retention? Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. Over the past six months, I've noticed that the elderly family member has developed a habit of storing urine in plastic bottles. After a while, especially when the volume increa...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Chen: It is important to first understand the reasons behind the elder's urinary retention. Additionally, aside from urinary retention, are there any other urinary tract symptoms, emotional or behavioral issues, sleep disturbances, cognitive function changes, or pe...[Read More] How to Address Elderly Reluctance to Discuss Urine Storage Issues
Seeking Guidance on OCD Treatment and Medication Concerns
I need advice? Dear Dr. Dai, I have a few questions regarding my condition: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. 1. With the upcoming university entrance exams, the doctor suggested that I take 0.25 mg of Anxiolytic. However, I found in the medication leaflet tha...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, regarding the questions you raised, here are the responses: 1. The concerns you mentioned about the side effects of Anlifu (Amisulpride) related to sedation and tardive dyskinesia: some individuals may experience drowsiness after taking it, which can affect attention and ...[Read More] Seeking Guidance on OCD Treatment and Medication Concerns
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Tension Headaches
Dysautonomia discomfort? Hello, doctor. I was recently diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and have been prescribed medication by a specialist. I am experiencing significant stiffness and tension on the side of my head and neck, which sometimes extends to my ears,...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello Fangfang, Based on your description, it does seem like tension-type headache. Additionally, a person's emotional state is closely related to autonomic nervous system responses. During times of anxiety and tension, one may experience physical symptoms such as rapid bre...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Tension Headaches
Understanding Unconscious Aggression: A Teen's Struggle with Anger
When angry, one may unconsciously smash objects or hit others? I tend to lose control of my emotions and exhibit unconscious violent tendencies when I am angered by a single person (such as throwing objects at their face or hitting them forcefully). I am a high school girl, and I...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Wu: Violent behavior when angry can have many possible causes. Insufficient coping skills for stress, certain personality traits (such as impulsivity), or mental disorders may all contribute. If it is an occasional issue related to emotional management and inadequate ...[Read More] Understanding Unconscious Aggression: A Teen's Struggle with Anger
Uncontrollable Speech When Recalling Embarrassing Memories: A Psychiatric Perspective
When recalling embarrassing memories, one may involuntarily speak or make sounds? When I recall embarrassing memories or past mistakes, I find myself involuntarily speaking a series of phrases. Sometimes I repeat the apologies I made at the time of the incident, other times I utt...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello Sincere: Based on the symptoms you described, there are initially two possible interpretations. First, it resembles a phenomenon in children's cognitive development where they learn language through social activities. Children often repeat commands they receive (or the...[Read More] Uncontrollable Speech When Recalling Embarrassing Memories: A Psychiatric Perspective
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 had been taking for over three months. This insomnia is not caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction; my symptoms of autonomic dysregu...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiaohao: Long-term use of anxiolytics or sleep medications may lead to increased tolerance and dependence. If your insomnia improves for more than 1-2 weeks, you may consider gradually tapering the dosage. It is generally recommended to reduce the dosage by 1/4 to 1/5 over...[Read More] How Long Will It Take to Recover from Lorazepam Withdrawal Insomnia?
Managing Schizophrenia Relapse: Concerns After Medication Discontinuation
Issues of Psychiatric Relapse Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia by a physician at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I was told that I have delusional thoughts, and psychological tests indicated that I have dependent and paranoid p...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Xiao Yu: Because your question involves a complete understanding of your personal medical history, it is advisable to discuss it with your attending physician. Even if you stop taking medication, you should still monitor any changes in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Regu...[Read More] Managing Schizophrenia Relapse: Concerns After Medication Discontinuation
Understanding Music Hallucinations and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, musical hallucinations? A female elder in the household, approximately 60 years old, has been experiencing symptoms of depression and insomnia. Four years ago, she sought treatment at a mental health clinic and was prescribed Cymbalta (duloxe...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Since I have not examined the patient, it is difficult to accurately respond to your specific questions regarding the case. I can only provide a brief response regarding general conditions. 1. If the medication (such as Sertraline) was effective in the past but is no lon...[Read More] Understanding Music Hallucinations and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Is It OCD? Understanding Compulsive Behaviors and Emotional Outbursts
Is this obsessive-compulsive disorder? Hello, Doctor. Since elementary school, I have had an impulse to compulsively count my fingers. If I don't count to a specific number, I feel very uncomfortable. However, this situation has now evolved into an involuntary counting behav...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Huang: Based on your description, there is indeed a possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, individuals with Tourette syndrome have a higher likelihood of co-occurring OCD compared to the general population. OCD has a high chance of improvement...[Read More] Is It OCD? Understanding Compulsive Behaviors and Emotional Outbursts
How to Treat Musical Ear Syndrome: Understanding and Managing Symptoms
If you are experiencing persistent auditory hallucinations, such as hearing music or voices, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment options may include: 1. **Psychotherapy**: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you manage and understand your Hello Doctor: A...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Ms. Jian: Based on your description, it is very likely to be what is known as benign auditory hallucinations (with no other psychiatric symptoms present). However, if it is causing distress, a low dose of antipsychotic medication could be considered (such as the medication you me...[Read More] How to Treat Musical Ear Syndrome: Understanding and Managing Symptoms
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Mental Health and Complications
Is stress the cause of many complications? Hello, doctor. I often assess my emotional state and categorize it as follows: 1. Since childhood, I would count the telephone poles outside while in the car, and I still occasionally do this. I also tap my foot to a rhythm; if I don&#...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, miss: After reading your description, it seems that there are several emotional distress issues. More details are needed to determine what kind of mental disorder you might be experiencing (it could range from adjustment disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-trauma...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Mental Health and Complications
Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness and Mental Health
Fear of illness? Hello, Doctor: I am very afraid of getting sick. Whenever I notice any unusual symptoms in my body, I uncontrollably search the internet for related diseases (and the more I read, the more I identify with them), which takes up almost all of my leisure time. This ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Miss: Based on your description, it seems that the primary symptoms are anxiety, fear, and excessive worry about physical illnesses. However, more information is needed to determine the specific type of mental disorder, as there are currently no symptoms of delusions or ha...[Read More] Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness and Mental Health
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When to Seek Help
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Hello Doctor: This past year, I have experienced many accidents (which are not common for an ordinary person), leading me to become very sensitive about injuries. I tried going to counseling, but I couldn't understand why I started crying u...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, miss: Based on your description, it seems that your primary symptoms are anxiety and excessive worry. It is indeed important to consider anxiety-related disorders, as these symptoms have already impacted your daily life. Since counseling has not improved your symptoms, I r...[Read More] Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Side Effects of Zyprexa for Panic Disorder Treatment
Side effects of Xanax? Doctor, I have panic disorder, which has led to chronic headaches and digestive issues. The doctor prescribed me Xanax and stomach medication, but I am afraid of the side effects and haven't taken them yet. If I develop tolerance, how long will it take...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Mr. Mirror: If a diagnosis of panic disorder is confirmed, it is possible to prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anxiolytic medications (such as Xanax) for treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be used in conjunction with medicatio...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Zyprexa for Panic Disorder Treatment
Understanding Emotional Instability and Cognitive Issues in Aging Parents
Emotional instability, cognitive impairment, mood disorders? Hello, my mother used to frequently complain to me about my father, his mother, and his siblings, saying they treated her poorly. She often recounted past grievances, such as, "My father's brother asked my bro...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your mother may have issues with emotional instability. However, there are many potential causes for emotional instability, including personality traits, life stressors, and mental health disorders. If it is a mental health disorder...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability and Cognitive Issues in Aging Parents