Managing Excessive Sleepiness in Schizophrenia: Seeking Solutions
Schizophrenia, excessive sleepiness for 12 hours, feeling tired during the day, and experiencing significant fatigue? Hello, Doctor (I apologize for the lengthy message): I have schizophrenia and experience excessive daytime sleepiness for about 12 hours daily, feeling very fatig...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Zhou, first of all, I want to commend you on your awareness of your condition. Understanding your illness and consistently taking your medication greatly contributes to your stability. Regarding Abilify, it does have a higher incidence of drowsiness as a side effect, wh...[Read More] Managing Excessive Sleepiness in Schizophrenia: Seeking Solutions
Overcoming OCD: Managing Cleanliness Standards and Anxiety in Daily Life
I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with a focus on cleanliness. I have questions regarding improvement and standards of cleanliness? Hello, Doctor. I am currently a university student. I started experiencing obsessive cleanliness behaviors since the first year of junior h...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Oda, based on your description, it seems that your standards for cleanliness are higher than average, and your anxiety levels are quite elevated. I wonder if you've ever felt that your fear of dirt is unreasonable but difficult to control? If this may be related to obse...[Read More] Overcoming OCD: Managing Cleanliness Standards and Anxiety in Daily Life
Managing Medication for Pregnancy: Benzodiazepine Reduction Strategies
While working and preparing for pregnancy, I stopped taking Anxiolytic 0.5 mg and Clonazepam 1 mg (planning for rTMS treatment)? Dear Dr. Huang, I have been married for a year and do not wish to become an advanced maternal age patient, but for the sake of safe conception, I have...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. The dosage is not high, so it should not be difficult. 2. It is recommended to start with half a tablet of Anxiolytic. 3. During the tapering period, Anxiolytic can be considered in combination with buspirone, which is classified as B4. 4. If the use of the above two me...[Read More] Managing Medication for Pregnancy: Benzodiazepine Reduction Strategies
Do I Have a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Intrusive Thoughts
I would like to ask if this indicates an illness? Hello, Dr. Huang: When I try to focus on tasks, I suddenly have thoughts like my clothes are not properly adjusted or that I might have knocked something off the table. This compels me to adjust my clothing or check the floor for ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, sorry for the delayed response. You mentioned that it occurs when you are focused? It seems more related to anxiety, but it may not reach the level of a disorder. I'm not sure if there are any specific stressors currently. I suggest looking for ways to relieve stress ...[Read More] Do I Have a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Intrusive Thoughts
Understanding Atypical Schizophrenia: Key Insights and Definitions
Atypical patient Atypical schizophrenia refers to a subtype of schizophrenia that presents with symptoms that do not fit the typical patterns of the disorder. Patients may experience a mix of symptoms, including mood disturbances, anxiety, and psychotic features, but may not exhi...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, this usually means that although the patient exhibits some characteristics consistent with schizophrenia, many of the traits are not common symptoms, suggesting that it may not actually be schizophrenia.[Read More] Understanding Atypical Schizophrenia: Key Insights and Definitions
Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Strategies for Better Sleep and Focus
Bipolar disorder, depression If I often find myself overthinking and worrying about various things before bed, which prevents me from sleeping, what should I do? Sometimes, I cry for no apparent reason... I want to talk to my family about it, but whenever they ask or I try to spe...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Amy, regarding the situation you mentioned, it is indeed possible that it started due to stress. However, prolonged stress can have a significant impact on the body, such as accelerating the depletion of neurotransmitters related to depression, which can worsen depressive mo...[Read More] Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Strategies for Better Sleep and Focus
Understanding SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms: Insights and Recommendations
Medication Consultation: SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and have been taking Escitalopram (10mg) daily for about a year. At the beginning of September, I started to taper the dosage to half a tablet (5mg) dai...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, I apologize for the late reply. Regarding the first question, changing from 1# to 0.5# can be understood as a 50% reduction, while going from half a pill to none at all represents a 100% decrease. Therefore, when tapering off medication, it is advisable to slow down the re...[Read More] Understanding SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms: Insights and Recommendations
Managing Panic During MS Diagnosis: Expert Advice and Support
Finally, I would like to ask the doctor? Hello, I am the person who recently asked you about multiple sclerosis. (1) What should I do if I find myself in a panic during this month (with tests scheduled for the end of the month)? (2) Based on your last response, do you think I hav...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Chullukechul, 1. When you find yourself in a panic, it is recommended to practice diaphragmatic breathing, engage in simple stretching exercises, or seek pharmacological treatment for relaxation. 2. I believe you do not have multiple sclerosis; however, it is evident that...[Read More] Managing Panic During MS Diagnosis: Expert Advice and Support
Understanding Bipolar Disorder Medications and Family Support Strategies
Bipolar disorder medication issues and consultation information? Hello, doctor. Thank you very much for your patient reading and professional response. My family member has bipolar disorder and has been visiting a clinic for about one to two years. However, a little over a month ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello! At first glance, the symptoms of your family member do resemble those of mania or hypomania, and indeed, there are no mood stabilizers specifically for the treatment of mania included in the medication regimen. Regarding counseling, our institution does provide services on...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder Medications and Family Support Strategies
Understanding Long-Term Disruptive Symptoms of Life and Learning
Long-term disruptive symptoms of living and learning? Hello Doctor, I am a 22-year-old woman. Since elementary school, I have experienced intrusive thoughts, such as believing that if my right foot is not placed on the top step of the stairs, I will lose my friends (which has l...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Yan Yan. I understand that this fear makes your life quite difficult. However, these symptoms are treatable. I recommend that you seek an evaluation from a mental health professional for early intervention. You can also communicate with healthcare providers and your family...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Disruptive Symptoms of Life and Learning
Overcoming Fear of Illness: Coping with Health Anxiety and MS Concerns
Anxiety about the fear of becoming ill in the future? Hello, doctor. I visited a neurologist and expressed my concerns about multiple sclerosis. He ordered relevant tests for me. Recently, I've been feeling tired and dizzy in the afternoons and evenings, and I keep yawning. ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, if the test results come back and the neurologist confirms that it is not MS, but you are still worried about the likelihood of being ill, it is recommended that you seek an evaluation from a psychosomatic specialist and receive treatment to achieve a goal of living in pea...[Read More] Overcoming Fear of Illness: Coping with Health Anxiety and MS Concerns
Understanding Dissociative Identity: Signs and Symptoms Explained
I feel like I have a split personality? I'm not quite sure; others often tell me that I sometimes act strangely, but I have no recollection of it. There are also times during the day when time seems to pass without any memory of it.
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear TSS, it sounds like there are some occurrences that you don't have a clear memory of. First, it's important to clarify the timing of these events (day or night) and whether you consumed alcohol or used any other substances, as well as your emotional state at the ti...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity: Signs and Symptoms Explained
Managing Dry Eye Syndrome and Psychiatric Medications: Key Considerations
(H04122) Dry Eye Syndrome of the Left Lacrimal Gland Ophthalmology Diagnosis: (H04122) Dry Eye Syndrome of Left Lacrimal Gland Question 1: The cornea of one eye is thinner than normal. Is it possible for it to continue thinning? If it continues to thin, could it potentially lead...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Coollo, regarding your mention that there is no clear evidence of a causal relationship between psychiatric medications and glaucoma, it is advisable to consult with an ophthalmologist for further insights. Wishing you the best! Here is the reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nl...[Read More] Managing Dry Eye Syndrome and Psychiatric Medications: Key Considerations
Understanding Your MS Concerns: Insights from a Psychiatrist
Regarding the previous question? Hello, doctor. I am the person asking about multiple sclerosis. I have pondered your response for a long time, and I am not quite sure if you meant to say: "You might have MS!" The psychiatrists who told you that no further examination i...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, I understand that it can be very difficult in such an anxious situation. What I mean is that it is unlikely you have multiple sclerosis (MS). I recommend that you visit a mental health specialist for an evaluation to address your anxiety issues. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Your MS Concerns: Insights from a Psychiatrist
Understanding Panic and Dizziness: Is It Multiple Sclerosis?
Panic-induced dizziness and multiple sclerosis? Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to bother you again. For the past few days, I've been feeling a bit drowsy and lightheaded in the afternoons and evenings, and I found that these symptoms could possibly relate to multiple sclerosi...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your hard work. On Monday, we should be able to proceed further after the evaluation by the psychosomatic medicine department. The involuntary anxiety and the distress from repetitive checking, as mentioned previously and in this instance, are more indicative...[Read More] Understanding Panic and Dizziness: Is It Multiple Sclerosis?
Understanding Severe Mental Health Disorders and Medication Concerns
Major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorder, severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe panic disorder, severe hypochondriasis, post-traumatic stress disorder, mild auditory hallucinations, palpitations, insomnia, and possibly other psychiatric symptoms? Psychiatric pres...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, question 1 should not be a problem. Questions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are typical symptoms of anxiety disorder. Question 7 may vary depending on individual constitution. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Understanding Severe Mental Health Disorders and Medication Concerns
Understanding the Anxiety Surrounding Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Concerns about multiple sclerosis? Doctor, a few months ago, I was worried about having Sjögren's syndrome due to dry mouth and dry throat, and I became increasingly anxious when I experienced pain in my fingers and toes. This led me to consult a rheumatologist, who assured ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, the incidence of this disease is actually quite low, and your symptoms are not very typical, so there is no need to worry excessively. However, the symptoms of anxiety disorders involve uncontrollable worry, which makes it difficult to change your thoughts through willpowe...[Read More] Understanding the Anxiety Surrounding Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Risks with Medications
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Before bedtime, I take 30mg of Cymbalta, 50mg of Seroquel, and two tablets of Effexor. I would like to ask the doctor about the Cymbalta leaflet, which mentions the risk of causing fatal Stevens-Johnson syndrome. After reading the leaflet, I am hesitant t...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, the medication you are taking is relatively safe, and the likelihood of any issues is very low, so you can take it with peace of mind. You may discuss it with your prescribing physician. Wishing you well.[Read More] Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Risks with Medications
Managing Panic Symptoms: Understanding Heart Palpitations and Breathing Issues
Palpitations and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation, and I'm not sure if it's related to stress. I easily get tired and short of breath when walking or climbing stairs. When I wake up, I feel palpitations, my hands and fee...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Mild mitral valve prolapse is actually quite common in young women, and many individuals are asymptomatic and discover it incidentally. If the heart's contraction function is normal (as indicated in the echocardiogram report), there is no need to worry excessively. Your symp...[Read More] Managing Panic Symptoms: Understanding Heart Palpitations and Breathing Issues
Understanding the Risks of Serotonin Syndrome with Multiple Medications
Severe insomnia, anxiety, and depression? Psychiatry before bed: Leeyo (ESCITALOPRAM) 10mg * 2 tablets, Mirtazapine 50mg * 2 tablets, Sertraline 50mg * 1 tablet, Zolpidem 10mg * 2 tablets, Flunitrazepam 2mg * 2 tablets, ALPRAZOLAM 0.5mg * 1 tablet in the morning and evening. ENT...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear benlotices, I apologize for the late response. Regarding the current medications related to serotonin, the primary one is Lyrica (Pregabalin). This medication is commonly prescribed at this dosage, and since you have been taking it for a while, the likelihood of developing s...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Serotonin Syndrome with Multiple Medications