Understanding Compulsive Behaviors in Elderly Patients: A Family's Struggle
Always requiring others to perform the previous action? Hello Doctor: My father (63 years old, a teacher) has recently started exhibiting strange behaviors. He asks our family members to repeat previous actions (for example, if I walk past him and bend down to pick up a piece of ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Jin. Based on your description of your father's situation, there seems to be a possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, due to insufficient information, a definitive conclusion cannot be made. Regardless, if the obsessive thoughts and behavior...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Behaviors in Elderly Patients: A Family's Struggle
Can You Take Zoloft and Zopiclone Together Safely?
Could you please specify the medication or treatment you are inquiring about? Hello, can Zoloft and Zopiclone be taken together, or should they be spaced half an hour apart?
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Mr. Zhong: You mentioned that Zoloft (an antidepressant) and Zopiclone (a new generation sleep aid) can be taken together before bedtime. Thank you.[Read More] Can You Take Zoloft and Zopiclone Together Safely?
Managing Schizophrenia: Is Quetiapine Still Effective for Your Symptoms?
Medication for schizophrenia? I have been taking quetiapine (fumarate) 250mg, but recently I have been experiencing constant daydreaming, talking to myself, and laughing with heightened emotions. Is this a serious condition that requires a change in medication?
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, if there are unusual thoughts and emotional changes, it is indeed necessary to assess whether the condition has worsened. I recommend that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician to discuss this and determine if a medication adju...[Read More] Managing Schizophrenia: Is Quetiapine Still Effective for Your Symptoms?
Understanding Confusion After Pneumonia: What Families Should Know
Confusion due to pneumonia leading to admission to the intensive care unit? The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to pneumonia and is experiencing confusion, believing that the person in the adjacent bed is someone they know. Their consciousness seems to be stuc...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on the description of the case, if the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to pneumonia and subsequently began to exhibit symptoms such as confusion, misidentifying people, memory deficits, and significant emotional fluctuations, it is possible that t...[Read More] Understanding Confusion After Pneumonia: What Families Should Know
Understanding Chronic Depression: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms: I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with severe depression 18 years ago. It took 5 years to treat (though it was not completely resolved). I experienced relapses 8 years ago and 4 years ago. I am currently taking Western medication (Topiramate)...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, in cases of severe depression during the first episode, if the dosage and duration of medication are adequate, there is a 60-70% chance of recovery within a few months. However, the course of the illness may recur in the future or become chronic, leading to persistent depr...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Depression: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
How to Encourage a Reluctant Family Member to Seek Mental Health Care
A family member is suspected to have a mental health disorder but refuses to seek medical attention? Hello, my father-in-law often complains about the following symptoms: 1. Numbness or tingling sensations in his body 2. Feeling of heat in the body 3. Weakness and soreness in his...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello! Generally, when elderly individuals have physical complaints, the possibility of a physical illness is prioritized. If relevant medical examinations do not reveal the cause of their discomfort, then considerations for psychosomatic disorders, somatization, or other mental ...[Read More] How to Encourage a Reluctant Family Member to Seek Mental Health Care
Can Injections, Medications, or Surgery Replace Therapy for Mood Issues?
Can mood issues be treated with injections, medication, or surgery? Can we use injections, medications, or surgery to address feelings of sadness? Additionally, seeking psychological therapy seems to be a source of shame, so I wonder if it would be advisable to eliminate psycholo...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, there are many reasons for feeling down, which can involve personal constitution, personality, family, and social environment factors. It may be a normal emotional response or related to certain physiological and mental health disorders, so the approaches to handling it ca...[Read More] Can Injections, Medications, or Surgery Replace Therapy for Mood Issues?
Frequent Arguments with Girlfriend: Understanding Emotional Triggers
Often argue with my girlfriend over trivial matters? I often feel upset over trivial matters and tend to complain a lot. When I hear her responses, it feels like she doesn't care and is very casual about it. I don't know if it's because of my impatient personality ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, it is difficult to determine whether there are any psychiatric issues. It may be related to both individuals' personalities and interaction patterns, which require mutual growth and adjustment to change. However, if emotional distress become...[Read More] Frequent Arguments with Girlfriend: Understanding Emotional Triggers
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Journey Through Medical Misdiagnosis
Illness At first, my friend's father felt like he was coming down with a cold, and then he experienced a lack of energy. He went to a small clinic, where the doctor diagnosed him with a cold. He didn't suspect anything at first, but after a few days, he felt worse and b...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms presented by your friend's father seem to be more related to neurological issues. It is advisable to seek assistance from a neurologist to determine if any neurological examinations are necessary. Currently, there are no indicat...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Journey Through Medical Misdiagnosis
Understanding Medications for Schizophrenia: Your Questions Answered
Medication issues Hello, Doctor Dai. I have visited a psychiatrist, and it seems that I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The doctor prescribed Olanzapine 200 mg and Quetiapine extended-release 500 mg. I would like to know if these medications are used for treating schizoph...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello, I apologize for the delay in responding to this email due to the change in my email address. Indeed, Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication used in psychiatry, one of the treatments for schizophrenia, primarily aimed at addressing psychotic symptoms such as hallucinatio...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Schizophrenia: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Zoloft: Timing, Ingredients, and Differences from Other Antidepressants
Depression Zoloft (sertraline) 50 mg should typically be taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. The active ingredient, sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a new generation antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is indicated for conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, among others. Typically, treatment begins with a daily dose ...[Read More] Understanding Zoloft: Timing, Ingredients, and Differences from Other Antidepressants
Understanding Sleep Issues: The Impact of Alcohol on Insomnia
What is the problem? I would like to ask a question! Recently, my father has been having trouble sleeping at night and takes sleeping pills every day to fall asleep. However, he has a habit of drinking alcohol. I am not sure what the reason could be. Could you please help me with...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
There are many causes of insomnia, including physiological diseases such as respiratory and cardiopulmonary issues, as well as mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, there is a common type of insomnia known as psychophysiological insomnia, which can be...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: The Impact of Alcohol on Insomnia
Understanding Anxiety Medications: Interactions and Side Effects Explained
Anxiety I am very anxious and have experienced some emotional understanding loss. The doctor prescribed many medications, including Inderal, Ativan, Seroxat, and Stilnox. I'm not sure what will happen if I don't take Inderal and Stilnox, and whether there will be any in...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Stilnox is a sleep aid, while Inderal is helpful for social anxiety disorder, akathisia caused by antipsychotic medications, and certain autonomic symptoms related to anxiety. These medications should be prescribed based on the presence of these symptoms and needs. Regarding side...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Medications: Interactions and Side Effects Explained
Understanding Hand Tremors: When to Seek Help Beyond Neurology
Tremors in the hands? Hello doctor, my hands have been trembling for a long time (they shake even when I extend them normally), and it gets worse when I'm nervous. During my military service physical examination, the examiner even thought I was using drugs and sent me to the...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
It sounds like your issue primarily involves simple hand tremors, and anxiety or stress could potentially exacerbate similar conditions. I recommend consulting a neurologist to determine the underlying cause. (I am a psychiatrist.) Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Hand Tremors: When to Seek Help Beyond Neurology
Understanding Neurosis Depression: Symptoms and Insights
Neurotic depression What is neurosis depression? Can you explain its symptoms? Thanks!!
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Neurotic depression is a diagnostic term from older psychiatric classification systems (DSM-II, ICD-9). Both systems emphasize that neurotic depression is an excessive emotional response (primarily a depressive reaction) to internal or external stressors. In newer diagnostic syst...[Read More] Understanding Neurosis Depression: Symptoms and Insights
Managing Hand Tremors in Schizophrenia: Tips and Treatment Options
Prolonged use of medication can cause tremors in the hands? I have been suffering from schizophrenia for three years, and recently my hands have been shaking frequently. The doctor at the hospital suggested increasing the dosage of Akineton, but I feel that my condition has not i...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
It sounds like your hand tremors may be related to the side effects of antipsychotic medication. Akineton can indeed help treat such side effects. If increasing the dosage does not improve the situation, you may want to discuss with your physician the possibility of reducing the ...[Read More] Managing Hand Tremors in Schizophrenia: Tips and Treatment Options
Struggling to Focus: Managing Anxiety and Pressure Before Exams
I'm sorry I don't know why, but recently I have been completely unable to concentrate on studying. I can't focus for more than ten seconds, and I feel restless all over, constantly wanting to move. I find that exerting myself feels better than just sitting still. I...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
It sounds like your difficulty with attention and restlessness is related to your current anxiety. You have clearly described the sources of your anxiety, which are connected to your personality and interactions with your father. Some muscle relaxation training should be helpful ...[Read More] Struggling to Focus: Managing Anxiety and Pressure Before Exams
Understanding Existential Thoughts and Emotional Distress in Adolescents
Mental Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by this issue for about a week, and I don't know why. While watching a movie, a thought suddenly crossed my mind: "This is fake. Why am I watching this? What is the meaning of it?" This thought inexplicably arises, and the...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Based on your description, it is currently difficult for me to determine the exact cause of your issues, and I can only make some simple speculations. Each individual faces different challenges regarding the significance of life and existence at various developmental stages. As a...[Read More] Understanding Existential Thoughts and Emotional Distress in Adolescents
Understanding the Link Between Marijuana Use and Schizophrenia: A Personal Journey
I developed schizophrenia as a result of using cannabis? Hello, doctor: I was exempted from military service due to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. This was about eight or nine years ago when my lifestyle was chaotic, and I was using marijuana. I have been seeing a psychiatrist at ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
The causes of schizophrenia are not yet fully understood. However, it is generally believed to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic factors mentioned include various elements such as heredity, viral infections during embryonic development, and brain i...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Marijuana Use and Schizophrenia: A Personal Journey
Is My Husband's Sexual Behavior Abnormal? Understanding Sexual Preferences and Mental Health
Is sexual activity harmful? My husband enjoys oral and anal sex, and he gets particularly excited when watching adult films that depict scenarios of women being raped. Is there a possibility of a psychological disorder?
Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
The objects and methods that evoke sexual arousal can vary significantly from person to person. This range is quite broad and does not necessarily indicate a mental disorder. However, if sexual abnormalities are significant in either quality or quantity and cause distress in dail...[Read More] Is My Husband's Sexual Behavior Abnormal? Understanding Sexual Preferences and Mental Health