Understanding the Struggles of Families with Mentally Ill Loved Ones
The Life of Individuals with Mental Illness Hello, Doctor. My father was taken to the psychiatric emergency room years ago after a manic episode, during which he claimed to have special abilities and danced in a peculiar manner. Since he was not hospitalized at that time, our fam...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: One of the most challenging aspects of mental health conditions is that they can affect judgment. While individuals do not lose all cognitive abilities, certain specific areas may be impacted, leading to significant difficulties for themselves and their families. The suffe...[Read More] Understanding the Struggles of Families with Mentally Ill Loved Ones
Exercising on Adderall: Managing Side Effects and Enhancing Performance
Side Effects of Ritalin and Exercise Hello, I am an adult ADHD patient currently taking 20mg of Adderall. The side effects I experience include elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and decreased appetite. My question is: Are there any precautions I should take when exer...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: When it comes to the side effects of atomoxetine related to exercise, it is particularly important to consider whether you have a family history of arrhythmias. If so, the risk of atomoxetine inducing arrhythmias is significantly higher, especially when combined with vigor...[Read More] Exercising on Adderall: Managing Side Effects and Enhancing Performance
Managing Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Help
Anxiety and restlessness? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing stomach discomfort and pain since June 24. During this period, I visited the hospital multiple times, but my symptoms did not improve. The doctors believed that an endoscopy was not necessary. I have been feeling em...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Sometimes gastrointestinal issues are caused by stress, so a psychosomatic specialist can address the root problems, which may gradually improve gastrointestinal issues. Bupropion itself can also cause extrapyramidal symptoms (depending on individual tolerance, some people...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Insomnia: Coping with Sleep Issues and Depression
Insomnia issues I have started experiencing insomnia symptoms. Since July 29th, I have not slept well until August 10th, which is a total of thirteen days. Sometimes I can't sleep for half an hour, and other times for an hour. I am from Hong Kong, and I also have depression....
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Your depression has become quite severe, and of course, severe insomnia can exacerbate suicidal thoughts. Please seek evaluation and treatment as soon as possible! Don't worry about feeling strange about visiting a mental health clinic. The majority of the patients wa...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Coping with Sleep Issues and Depression
Understanding Atypical Psychosis and ICD Code F29 Explained
Regarding atypical psychosis? Hello, doctor. What is meant by atypical psychosis? Additionally, what does the ICD code F29 refer to? I don't understand the English explanation, so I'm asking for your help! Thank you!
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Atypical psychosis is an older term that previously referred to what is now classified as F29, or "unspecified psychotic disorder." Unspecified psychotic disorder refers to the presence of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, without a more d...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Psychosis and ICD Code F29 Explained
Understanding Serotonin Medications: Safety, Side Effects, and Anxiety Concerns
Psychiatric medications Hello, doctor. A few years ago, I visited a hospital for depression, and the doctor prescribed me one tablet of Prozac and a sedative to take before bed. The first time I took the medication, I finished it around 11 PM, and by the next evening, around 7 PM...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: In all things, moderation is key. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that maintains physiological processes in the brain; however, other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, also rely on serotonin for daily bodily functions. When levels are excess...[Read More] Understanding Serotonin Medications: Safety, Side Effects, and Anxiety Concerns
Is My Throat Pain a Side Effect of SMILON Medication?
Is it a side effect of the medication? Hello Doctor, I have been taking one SMILON (Sumeining) 15 mg film-coated tablet every night before bed for nearly two months. Initially, the only side effect I experienced was an increased appetite and some weight gain, but I did not feel a...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Similar to other antidepressants, a very small percentage of patients may experience bone marrow suppression due to individual constitution after taking Suvenil, leading to reversible agranulocytosis. Severe agranulocytosis can result in opportunistic infections. Although ...[Read More] Is My Throat Pain a Side Effect of SMILON Medication?
Overcoming Fear of Outside Noises: A Guide for Anxiety Sufferers
I am very afraid of sounds from outside the space? I feel very anxious about the sounds outside when I'm in a certain space. For example, when I'm in a room, I become very aware of the noises coming from outside the door. Faint sounds from a distance might be okay, but ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: This is a typical fear response; however, some specific phobias are less common and may not have readily available information online. It seems that this heightened state of alertness is significantly affecting your life. I recommend seeking medical attention as soon as po...[Read More] Overcoming Fear of Outside Noises: A Guide for Anxiety Sufferers
Struggling with Sleep Schedule: Tips for Resetting Your Sleep Cycle
Disrupted sleep schedule? Due to years of staying up late during my student days, I recently graduated and found it difficult to adjust my sleep schedule. Last night, I tried to sleep at 2 AM and managed to fall asleep, but I woke up three times during the night and didn't w...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Indeed, this method can be used to accumulate fatigue, making it easier to fall asleep at night. It is recommended to engage in outdoor activities during the day, get some sunlight, and alleviate the feeling of drowsiness.[Read More] Struggling with Sleep Schedule: Tips for Resetting Your Sleep Cycle
Understanding Depression: Navigating Thoughts of Death and Seeking Help
Depression? Hello, doctor. About two years ago, I started experiencing various thoughts about death from time to time, but I have never engaged in self-harm or suicidal behavior. I feel like I have been trying hard to suppress these thoughts about death in my mind, yet they keep ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The nature of depression is not simply black and white; it is not just a state of despair when present and a paradise when absent. Instead, it fluctuates based on environmental factors and one's mental state, as well as personal perception of emotions. If someone is a...[Read More] Understanding Depression: Navigating Thoughts of Death and Seeking Help
Managing Anxiety and Insomnia: Insights on Escitalopram and Alprazolam Use
5MG Escitalopram I am currently struggling to adapt to a new job, which has led to a lack of self-confidence and anxiety due to long-term unemployment. I also experience insomnia, particularly on special occasions, and during work periods, I completely lose sleep at night. Howeve...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello, here are the answers to your questions: 1. Escitalopram is an antidepressant with a lower risk of addiction. However, alprazolam is a sedative-hypnotic medication, which does carry a risk of addiction; it is recommended to use it only short-term and when necessary. Once s...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Insomnia: Insights on Escitalopram and Alprazolam Use
Understanding Medication Side Effects and Consultation for OCD Treatment
Drug side effects Drug consultation Hello, doctor! 1. I previously took Inderal (propranolol), Sinzac (fluoxetine), and Rivotril (clonazepam) for my obsessive-compulsive disorder, with each medication at a dosage of two pills daily for nine months. After that, I stopped taking ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: It's great that you have done your homework on your treatment options; keep it up and continue discussing with your outpatient physician. Here are my attempts to answer your questions: 1. After discontinuing medication for a period, the serotonin receptors in your bod...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects and Consultation for OCD Treatment
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms and Cognitive Effects of Rivotril®
Medication Issues: Side Effects of Medications Doctor!! I have been taking Rivotril® (clonazepam) due to anxiety for 11 months, at a dosage of 2 pills daily. After stopping the medication, I experienced confusion, memory decline, decreased concentration, and issues with comprehen...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Librium belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications, which act on the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA receptors, resulting in a sedative effect. Withdrawal refers to the body's inability to adapt to the sudden absence of the medication, leading to an imbalance...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms and Cognitive Effects of Rivotril®
Managing Insomnia, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety: A Patient's Guide
Insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety? Hello Dr. Huang: I have recently been diagnosed with insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. My doctor prescribed three medications: 1. Wellbutrin XL 150 mg once daily in the morning, 2. AlepaN 15 mg tablet three times...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Here are my responses to your questions. 1. You mentioned that the side effects may be caused by Wellbutrin XL. The incidence of the aforementioned side effects is approximately 1-10%. If the symptoms disappear after discontinuing Wellbutrin XL and reappear upon resuming...[Read More] Managing Insomnia, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety: A Patient's Guide
Can Occasional Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Harm Your Health?
Intermittent autonomic dysfunction leading to temporary increases in blood pressure—can it harm the body? Hello, Doctor: I have hypertension and have been taking antihypertensive medication for a long time. However, I have noticed that over the past few years, I seem to be partic...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The relationship between physical discomfort and blood pressure is bidirectional; physical discomfort can also lead to elevated blood pressure. Your condition may likely be related to autonomic nervous system issues causing physical discomfort, which ultimately results in ...[Read More] Can Occasional Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Harm Your Health?
Understanding Neurotransmitter Levels and Their Impact on Mental Health
Regarding neurotransmitters? Doctors and hospitals determine the levels of neurotransmitters in the serum, such as dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and melatonin, through various laboratory tests. These tests often involve blood samples that are analyzed using te...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Currently, the influence of neurotransmitters on psychiatric symptoms is referred to as the "monoamine hypothesis." This hypothesis is based on experimental methods that reduce the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, combined with observations of external...[Read More] Understanding Neurotransmitter Levels and Their Impact on Mental Health
Overwhelmed by Worries: When to Seek Mental Health Support
A lot of worries? Hello Doctor, I am obese and have been suffering from sleep apnea for a long time. I didn't know about this condition before, so I didn't pay much attention to my loud snoring, but my blood pressure has been quite high. I have undergone some surgeries ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Yes, I would recommend that you see a psychiatrist. Why? It sounds like you are currently experiencing anxiety due to various physical issues, and this anxiety is likely affecting your daily life. If you tend to be an anxious person by nature, a physician can discuss with ...[Read More] Overwhelmed by Worries: When to Seek Mental Health Support
Navigating Medical Documentation for Tourette's and Bipolar Disorders
I would like to inquire about the section regarding the doctor's certificate? The symptoms of Tourette syndrome began in elementary school, and later a hospital examination confirmed the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome. I have been receiving medication treatment continuously....
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: I understand that you may be concerned about being turned away by the doctor after not having a follow-up appointment for a while. However, you have the right to request the physician to issue the necessary documentation, and they cannot refuse you. Matters related to mili...[Read More] Navigating Medical Documentation for Tourette's and Bipolar Disorders
Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Emotional instability Hello, although I have read many Q&As, I still doubt that I might not have a mental health issue, but rather a problem with my emotional intelligence, so I would like to ask. I feel that since last year, my emotions have become increasingly irritable. I ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Yes, reality can be so frustrating, and sometimes the only option is to escape, isn't it? These feelings of frustration seem to have no one to confide in, unable to be embraced or processed, and of course, they can emerge like a wild beast waiting for the right moment...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Navigating Medication Challenges in Psychiatric Care: A Personal Journey
Is it a problem with the medication? I have forgotten why I initially sought psychiatric care at a regional hospital. At that time, the prescription was as follows: on June 19, 2017, I was prescribed "Xindong" Ambien 0.5 mg and Ulotin 2 mg (aluminum foil/plastic foil). ...
Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on the medication you provided, it mainly consists of antidepressants and various sedative-hypnotics. I recommend that for your central nervous system medications, if possible, you should have a single physician prescribe them. This is because most of the medications...[Read More] Navigating Medication Challenges in Psychiatric Care: A Personal Journey