Understanding Recurring Anxiety Symptoms: Causes and Treatment Options
Symptoms may recur repeatedly? Hello Dr. Ding, I apologize for frequently asking questions. I would like to inquire again. Previously, I had anxiety disorder and was on medication for a while. Later, I felt better and stopped taking the medication. For the next six months, I felt...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I would like to share some insights regarding the concept of disease. There is a category of diseases, particularly physical illnesses, that do not exist in a so-called healthy state, such as cancer or fractures. This objective abnormal condition is independent of the sick...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Anxiety Symptoms: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Binge Eating and Depression: A Guide for Support
Binge Eating Disorder or Depression Hello, Doctor: My girlfriend (23 years old) has always had high self-expectations. Recently, she often engages in self-denial, feeling useless, lacking ability, unable to find a sense of achievement in life, believing that life lacks purpose, a...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, what you described does resemble symptoms of depression and binge eating disorder. However, I must emphasize that online diagnoses are not appropriate; it's acceptable to inquire about medical knowledge, but actual diagnoses must be made in person. If you feel the iss...[Read More] Understanding Binge Eating and Depression: A Guide for Support
Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts: Managing Anxiety and Fear of Illness
I hope to improve some thoughts? Hello Dr. Ding, I have been experiencing symptoms of obsessive thinking for about 7 to 8 years, with fluctuations in severity. In recent years, I have often worried about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. I feel anxious w...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your experience, it seems that obsessive thoughts are indeed difficult to eliminate. If you have time during the winter break, it might be beneficial to visit a nearby hospital and seek a doctor's opinion. Generally speaking, counseling can be helpful for us,...[Read More] Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts: Managing Anxiety and Fear of Illness
Should I Take Medication for Uncertain Anxiety Symptoms?
Unsure whether to take medication? Hello Doctor: I previously took medication for anxiety disorder, but I felt better and stopped taking it on my own. For the following six months after stopping, everything was normal. However, for some unknown reason, I started experiencing full...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, it is generally safe for doctors to prescribe medication, and it is tailored to meet your needs. In Taiwan, it is common for patients to feel uneasy leaving the hospital without a prescription to try at home, especially since autonomic nervous system disorders are not imme...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Uncertain Anxiety Symptoms?
Managing Insomnia Linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Ankylosing spondylitis and spondylitis leading to insomnia? Hello Dr. Ding, I have been suffering from insomnia for over 8 years since being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. I have consulted a psychiatrist who mentioned that they can only prescribe sleep aids, and the mai...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, my personal opinion is as follows: both physicians are correct in their statements. In recent months, due to certain reasons, the National Health Insurance Administration has implemented stricter regulations regarding the prescription of sleeping pills, which has made it c...[Read More] Managing Insomnia Linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Sleep Disorders: When Dreams Turn Dangerous
Sleep quality It has been some time since I started experiencing vivid dreams during the night, particularly around 4 or 5 AM. During this period, I tend to act out my dreams, such as hitting, kicking, or even choking someone, and I also talk a lot in my sleep. These actions pose...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, for this issue, you can consult a psychiatrist, a psychosomatic specialist, or a sleep clinic. Wishing you all the best. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Shuo-Yan.[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: When Dreams Turn Dangerous
Can Antidepressants Like Zoloft Help Anxiety from Panic Disorder?
Antidepressant medications? Antidepressant medications, such as Zoloft (sertraline) and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can indeed help alleviate anxiety symptoms associated with panic disorder. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin i...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. Your understanding of medication is actually quite good. Wishing you all the best. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Shuo-Yan.[Read More] Can Antidepressants Like Zoloft Help Anxiety from Panic Disorder?
Understanding Co-occurring Depression and OCD: A Student's Journey
Questions regarding the comorbidity of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Dear Dr. Ding, I am currently a junior in college. I have no prior history of mental illness or hospital visits. This semester, due to a heavier course load and a research assistant positi...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I must commend your meticulous description of your psychological distress and the process of seeking medical help. I believe you have already asked your questions to your physician and counselor. However, as I mentioned in previous responses, if you are already seeing a do...[Read More] Understanding Co-occurring Depression and OCD: A Student's Journey
Understanding Attention Issues: Is Ritalin the Right Solution?
Inattention The doctor mentioned that Ritalin can be addictive. If I find myself easily distracted while reading, fidgeting, or playing with my hair, can this be considered a lack of concentration? If so, is it reliable to use Ritalin for treatment, or could there be other condit...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, if you find yourself easily distracted while reading, fidgeting, or playing with your hair, it may indicate a lack of concentration, but it might not necessarily be the case. The information you provided is quite limited, and these behaviors can be common among many people...[Read More] Understanding Attention Issues: Is Ritalin the Right Solution?
Struggling with Insomnia After Taking Zoloft: Is It a Side Effect?
I experienced insomnia at night after taking antidepressant medication? Hello, Doctor: Yesterday afternoon, I took half a tablet of Zoloft (25 mg), an antidepressant, and as a result, I felt a lot of acidity and discomfort in my stomach all night, similar to morning sickness, wit...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the discomfort you are experiencing may be a side effect of the medication, but it could also be a manifestation of your psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. Generally, we recommend that you continue taking the medication for a few more days, as most side e...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia After Taking Zoloft: Is It a Side Effect?
Managing Mild ADHD Symptoms: Tips for High School Students
Hello, I am 17 years old. If I suspect that I have mild ADHD, what should I do? I am currently in high school and tend to shake my legs while sitting and reading. I experience mild impulsivity regarding certain matters (similar to impatience, but not in an emotional sense). For e...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first of all, one good thing about you is that you pay attention to your words and actions and wish to improve in a positive direction. This is not an easy task because many people with hyperactivity or attention deficits are often not self-aware or do not recognize it as ...[Read More] Managing Mild ADHD Symptoms: Tips for High School Students
Understanding Anxiety Relapses: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Suspected anxiety attack? Hello Doctor: I am currently very troubled by my symptoms and would like to consult you. Thank you! I previously had anxiety and depression and have seen a doctor (taking medication for anxiety and depression). After feeling that I had recovered, I stopp...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, experiencing a sensation of heat throughout the body and feelings of restlessness may be manifestations of anxiety or tension. However, whether this constitutes a relapse of an anxiety disorder depends on the presence of other symptoms, as well as the severity and duration...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Relapses: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort When Starting Zoloft?
Is it normal to experience discomfort during the initial phase of taking Zoloft? Dear Doctor, I am 22 weeks pregnant and have a history of panic disorder. I started taking the B-class medication Buspirone due to anxiety at week 20, taking four pills a day. However, it seems to ha...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the side effects of medications can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from our symptoms themselves. Zoloft may have the side effects you mentioned, but they are relatively rare. However, symptoms like cold sweats and palpitations are more likely to be manifestations of...[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort When Starting Zoloft?
Overcoming Long-Term Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Help and Hope
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an appropriate response? Hello, Doctor! I feel like I am a severe case. I seem to be trapped and unable to go out because I have had postpartum depression for about 20 years, which has made me fearful of d...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, these pains are indeed very tormenting. You have endured for so many years, and the bitterness of it is hard for outsiders to understand; it truly has been difficult for you! These symptoms are worth trying medication for, as improvements may occur within a few weeks if yo...[Read More] Overcoming Long-Term Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Help and Hope
Understanding the Psychological Conflict of Smoking and Health Anxiety
Contradictory psychology Hello, Dr. Ding. I have been troubled by some serious issues over the past year, so I would like to consult you. Please read carefully, thank you... 1. I am a civil servant, and since childhood, I have been seen as the "good child" by my paren...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first of all, I want to encourage and commend you. You must be a responsible person who is considerate of others and has high self-expectations. People generally appreciate individuals like you, but the downside is that you may often feel troubled by many things. Some of t...[Read More] Understanding the Psychological Conflict of Smoking and Health Anxiety
Struggling with Focus: Understanding Attention Issues and Solutions
Am I considered to have a mental illness? You may feel that your attention is not very focused, often daydreaming or zoning out, and your reactions may be slower than usual. Dr. Ding, what you said is very accurate; I often hear this from my company, friends, and family. However,...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I recommend that it is best to see a doctor for a personal consultation. This way, the physician can help us clarify if there are any other symptoms or issues, allowing for a comprehensive and complete assessment. Subsequent recommendations or treatments will then be more ...[Read More] Struggling with Focus: Understanding Attention Issues and Solutions
Am I Experiencing a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Reality vs. Dreams
Does this indicate a mental health issue? Sometimes I feel like the current version of myself is not real, and that true reality exists only in my dreams when I am asleep. However, I am unclear about what those dreams actually are. It feels as if everything I am experiencing now ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, some mental illnesses, such as depression or certain psychotic disorders, can make individuals feel detached from the world around them, as if they are not fully engaged or that reality is not genuine, almost like they are mere observers. Some people describe this sensatio...[Read More] Am I Experiencing a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Reality vs. Dreams
Navigating the Challenges of Counseling: Finding Personal Strengths
I really want to develop my own abilities? Hello, Doctor: Thank you for your previous response, which has given me a lot to think about. However, I feel like I'm constantly caught in contradictions and would like to ask for your guidance again. Thank you. I really want to ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I recall that you have asked similar questions a couple of times. In our society, there are many professionals. When we encounter something we do not understand, we naturally seek advice from experts, and we have certain expectations from them. When a car breaks down, we t...[Read More] Navigating the Challenges of Counseling: Finding Personal Strengths
Did My Question Get Submitted? Clarifying Mental Health Q&A Process
Did my question go through? Hello, doctor. This is my first time asking a question here. I just filled out a lot of information, but I didn't select a specific physician because I feel that you all provide great answers. The webpage didn't show any message like "su...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since our physicians are not system administrators of the website, we are unable to determine how issues without a designated physician are handled. Personally, in the past two weeks, I have only seen the question you are currently asking. It is...[Read More] Did My Question Get Submitted? Clarifying Mental Health Q&A Process
Navigating Relationships: Coping with a Partner's Sexual History
Sexual history If your girlfriend has a sexual history but you have not had any sexual experiences, how should you face this situation? Although love is often described as blind, what if you find yourself caring about it?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, this doesn't seem to be a psychiatric issue, and there may not be a standard answer. Some say to focus on the present and future, rather than the past. Others believe that bodily autonomy belongs to oneself, and a spouse can only respect that. If this is a concern for...[Read More] Navigating Relationships: Coping with a Partner's Sexual History