Understanding Cancer Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Mental Health
Cancer panic disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder? Hello, doctor. Please take a careful look at my question: I used to be a very happy person with quite a bit of confidence in my health (perhaps it could also be interpreted as not paying much attention to my health). Last Septe...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, indeed, one type of rice can nourish a hundred different people. Some individuals may be genuinely ill but continue to harm their bodies, showing no signs of concern until it's too late. Others may only have minor ailments yet feel such overwhelming anxiety and fear t...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Mental Health
Does Invega Cause Increased Salivation? Understanding Side Effects
Invega, known generically as paliperidone, is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective Hello, may I ask if the medications Invega 3mg and 6mg have the side effect of increased salivation after administration?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
According to the literature, approximately 4% of individuals taking Invega may experience excessive salivation as a side effect. If you are certain that you are only taking Invega as your antipsychotic medication, then it is more likely that this side effect is caused by Invega. ...[Read More] Does Invega Cause Increased Salivation? Understanding Side Effects
Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts About STIs: A Guide to Mental Health
Regarding obsessive thinking? Hello Doctor: I feel like I have been struggling with obsessive thoughts for many years. The things I worry about change at different stages, and now I find myself easily associating many situations with the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the content of obsessive thoughts is mostly mundane and consists of things that could happen in real life. Most people occasionally have these thoughts, but they can usually handle them more easily. The reason why these thoughts become persistent may be very deep and inter...[Read More] Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts About STIs: A Guide to Mental Health
Understanding Insomnia: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives for Young Adults
Insomnia issues Hello Dr. Ding, I have some questions I would like to ask. My girlfriend is 24 years old and may be experiencing insomnia due to work-related stress. She recently visited a hospital where the doctor prescribed her "Suvorexant." She was able to sleep well...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, insomnia is a common manifestation of many diseases or issues. Therefore, the severity of insomnia symptoms can change with the progression of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. The use of sleep medications like Stednos primarily serves as a symptomatic reli...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives for Young Adults
Coping with Parental Loss: A Guide for Only Sons Facing Isolation
Parents passing away early? I feel closer to my parents because I am the eldest son, which has led to a more distant relationship with my two younger sisters. I am uncertain about who I should rely on if my parents were to pass away, as I am the only male in the family and feel t...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, our potential actually far exceeds our imagination. It is usually when we face challenges that we can unleash it, and we come to understand the limits of our various abilities. Whether you are helping out at home with household chores or in a family-run business, it seems ...[Read More] Coping with Parental Loss: A Guide for Only Sons Facing Isolation
Can Good Mental Health Compensate for Lack of Sleep?
Good mental health with little sleep? Is it harmful to the body if sometimes I sleep less than 5 hours but still feel good (just unable to fall asleep)?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, it might be more urgent and important to ask the question in reverse: why is it that "sometimes I sleep less than 5 hours, yet feel great (just can't fall asleep)?" If you are certain that there are no other mental or physical issues, this situation can be a...[Read More] Can Good Mental Health Compensate for Lack of Sleep?
Understanding Hallucinations: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues
Suspected hallucination Hello, doctor: My mother has recently been experiencing confusion between imagination and reality. Could this be caused by stress? Does she need to see a doctor?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, there may be situations where imagination and reality are confused; could this be caused by stress? In some cases, yes, and in others, no! Is it necessary to seek medical attention? It is advisable to seek medical care. Best wishes for everything to go smoothly. Sincerely,...[Read More] Understanding Hallucinations: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues
Understanding Self-Talk: Is It Normal or a Sign of Mental Illness?
Soliloquy My doctor said he couldn't find any evidence of auditory hallucinations in me, as self-talk caused by mental illness is generally characterized by hallucinations. I would like to ask what other mental disorders might lead to self-talk. Additionally, how do psychiat...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, From your letter, it is clear that you possess a strong spirit of inquiry and maintain an open attitude towards your concerns, which is commendable. From an external perspective, talking to oneself is not exclusively a behavior associated with mental illness; it is quite...[Read More] Understanding Self-Talk: Is It Normal or a Sign of Mental Illness?
Coping with the Fear of Losing Parents: Finding Balance and Independence
Fear of departure? I am worried about my parents passing away, so I stay at home to help them or run errands, and I don't go out to find my own space. I know my parents are getting older, but I am afraid of losing them. What should I do?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, you mentioned concerns about your parents' passing, and your regular assistance to them indicates a good relationship. The saying "filial piety is the foremost virtue" certainly holds true in your case. However, sometimes the underlying reasons for our feeli...[Read More] Coping with the Fear of Losing Parents: Finding Balance and Independence
Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Communication Patterns and Intelligence Levels
Asperger's syndrome The tendency to only communicate with familiar individuals does not necessarily indicate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on its own. Autism can manifest in various ways, and while some individuals with ASD may have higher intelligence, it is not a requirem...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, being relatively introverted and only speaking with familiar people does not equate to Asperger's syndrome. There are many other situations where individuals may behave this way. In our department, we have a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team with three experts: Dr....[Read More] Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Communication Patterns and Intelligence Levels
Struggling with Daytime Fatigue Despite Sleep Medication: What to Do?
I have taken sleeping pills, but I still feel very lethargic during the day? Hello Dr. Ding, I am 20 years old and have recently developed a habit of taking sleeping pills. Previously, my doctor prescribed me diazepam, but since I need to study in the morning, I have also tried ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the simplest yet most challenging task for a psychiatrist is prescribing sleeping pills that allow patients to sleep soundly through the night and wake up the next day without residual effects, feeling refreshed. Whether we can achieve such an ideal situation with sleeping...[Read More] Struggling with Daytime Fatigue Despite Sleep Medication: What to Do?
Navigating Inner Conflicts: A Teacher's Struggle with Anxiety and Communication
Inner conflict Hello Doctor: I work as a special education teacher at school, but sometimes I find that the real challenge lies in communicating with the teachers (for instance, regarding the situation of children with autism in the classroom and conflicts between parents and tea...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first of all, I would like to express my utmost respect for your current work. It is a very important yet challenging job. Below are some personal experiences I would like to share. School counselors and psychiatrists have some similarities. The "problems" we fac...[Read More] Navigating Inner Conflicts: A Teacher's Struggle with Anxiety and Communication
Struggling with Insomnia at 20: Seeking Help and Solutions
I've been experiencing insomnia almost every day recently? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have been experiencing insomnia lately, which has been getting worse. I now find it difficult to fall asleep until around 1 AM, and since I have classes, I feel quite fatigued duri...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, it is possible to take sleeping pills, but the most important consideration is our symptoms or underlying conditions. If insomnia is severe and leads to poor mental or physical well-being the next day, affecting work, learning, or interpersonal relationships, along with th...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia at 20: Seeking Help and Solutions
Understanding the Difference Between Mood Stabilizers and Antidepressants
Mood stabilizers Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if mood stabilizers and antidepressants mean the same thing? The doctor prescribed me You-Jet, half a tablet daily, but I only take it when I feel off; sometimes when I feel better, I don't take it. Would this be worse? Bec...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello! First of all, if we are not healthcare professionals, our understanding of medical terminology can sometimes be influenced by incorrect information from others or the media. For example, I have noticed that the media's portrayal of bipolar disorder differs from the cl...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Mood Stabilizers and Antidepressants
Understanding Anxiety: Can It Cause Frequent Urination?
Constantly paying attention to the bladder can lead to frequent urination? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent urination recently, but it improves at night. I went to a clinic for blood tests to check for diabetes. My hemoglobin A1c was 5.41, and there was no glucose or pro...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
First of all, I encourage you for taking care of your body and your desire for knowledge; these are signs of a responsible person. Secondly, our bodies are dynamic living organisms that constantly experience changes in sensations and fluctuations in function. As time passes, with...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Can It Cause Frequent Urination?
Seeking Follow-Up Care for Insomnia: Can I Return to My Doctor?
Please help me 2? Doctor, thank you for your guidance regarding my insomnia and difficulty sleeping. Can I come to see you for this? It would be more troublesome to repeat my situation at another hospital since you already understand my condition. So, may I come to you for a cons...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, and thank you for patiently reading my previous response! Regarding your prescription, you can visit a hospital you trust, as I will be going abroad for a year starting August 1st, and I currently have no available clinic hours. I apologize for this. Wishing you all the be...[Read More] Seeking Follow-Up Care for Insomnia: Can I Return to My Doctor?
Overcoming Past Trauma: Seeking Help for Sleep and Mental Health Issues
Please help me? Hello, doctor. I had a hard time falling asleep last night, and this has been happening frequently since the summer vacation. The reason it takes me so long to fall asleep is that my mind keeps dwelling on past negative experiences, which makes me so upset that I ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your letter and for sharing your detailed thoughts and feelings! First, I want to encourage you that since things can change from good to bad, they can also change from bad to good. Generally, maintaining this attitude towards life can help minimize feelings ...[Read More] Overcoming Past Trauma: Seeking Help for Sleep and Mental Health Issues
Understanding the Role of Medication in Managing Anxiety and Stress
The potency of medications? I am someone who gets very anxious easily. Before this exam, my family even asked me if I wanted to take medication (I had previously taken medications like Wu Yu Ning and Inderal, which my doctor said were for perfectionism and adjustment disorder, bu...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, your question is very insightful, and I believe it holds value for many people. We often face emotional issues that seem to stem from stress, and we might feel that our personality and resilience are lacking. We also hear about conditions like depression and anxiety, leadi...[Read More] Understanding the Role of Medication in Managing Anxiety and Stress
Effective Strategies to Manage Mild Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello! I would like to ask how to improve obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although it is not very severe, can OCD still affect a person's life? I feel more anxious than before; what methods can help improve this?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes medication and psychotherapy. The onset of therapeutic effects may take several weeks to months, so patience is essential. Medication treatment should be taken daily as prescribed by a physician; otherwise, it ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Mild Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Understanding Dependency Risks of Panic Disorder Medications
Are there any dependency-forming medications for the treatment of panic disorder? Hello Doctor: I have been taking medication for panic disorder for three years. Although I have changed doctors during this time, I always show the medications I have taken to the new doctor and req...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the medications for panic disorder can be broadly categorized into those that address symptoms and those that target the underlying issues. The medications that target the underlying issues are antidepressants, while those that address symptoms are anxiolytics. Antidepress...[Read More] Understanding Dependency Risks of Panic Disorder Medications