Anxiety or Menopause: Understanding Behavioral Changes in Aging Women
Anxiety disorder or menopause? Hello doctor, my mother is currently going through menopause. She previously visited a clinic for anxiety and insomnia and hasn't taken medication for a long time. She often has a furrowed brow, even while watching dramas. Over the past year, s...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear ttkk, it sounds like your mother is indeed experiencing some anxiety. Women going through menopause often face changes in their physiological state, which can contribute to anxiety. Additionally, at this age, they frequently confront issues related to the passage of youth an...[Read More] Anxiety or Menopause: Understanding Behavioral Changes in Aging Women
Navigating Medication Reduction: Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms and Anxiety
Medication reduction issues This year during the Lunar New Year, I experienced my first panic attack. After seeking medical attention, I was diagnosed with mild panic disorder without agoraphobia. Since February, I have been taking Zoloft (sertraline) at a daily dose of 50 mg. A ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Twist, The causes of anxiety disorders are partially related to fluctuations in serotonin levels. The medication you are taking works to regulate serotonin (by extending its retention period in the body). It is recommended to extend the duration of use to nine months, and ...[Read More] Navigating Medication Reduction: Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms and Anxiety
Navigating Medication Reduction: Understanding Anxiety and Withdrawal Symptoms
Medication reduction issues This year during the Lunar New Year, I experienced my first panic attack. After seeking medical attention, I was diagnosed with mild panic disorder without agoraphobia. Since February, I have been taking Zoloft (sertraline) at a daily dose of 50 mg. A ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Twist, The causes of anxiety disorders are partly due to fluctuations in serotonin levels. The medication you are taking works to regulate serotonin. It is recommended to extend the duration of your medication, and once your condition stabilizes, consider gradually reducin...[Read More] Navigating Medication Reduction: Understanding Anxiety and Withdrawal Symptoms
Understanding Sleep-Related Auditory Hallucinations: Causes and Insights
Hypnagogic hallucinations? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling tense during the day, and for the past three months, I occasionally hear ringing sounds upon waking from a nap (though I am aware that these are internally generated sounds). I wanted to consult because last n...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Yuanping, it is actually possible for an average person to experience physiological hallucinations or illusions, especially in tense situations, such as hearing a phone ring while on duty or thinking someone is calling their name while walking down the street. It would be a...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Auditory Hallucinations: Causes and Insights
Am I Just Overthinking My Mental Health Issues?
I don't know if I'm just complaining without any real illness? Hello, doctor. Since middle school, I have felt that my study efficiency is very poor; it takes me a long time to read an article. However, due to my competitive nature, I am willing to spend a lot of time i...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear lulala, it sounds like your emotional state has a significant impact on you, and I hope you don't feel like you're just complaining without reason. Generally speaking, foundational medications like bupropion can help improve mood fluctuations, so I recommend discus...[Read More] Am I Just Overthinking My Mental Health Issues?
Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Is It Related to Anxiety Disorders?
Feeling dizzy all day... Could this also be due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Anxiety medication: Anban 1 tablet daily (half a tablet before napping at noon), Mirtazapine half a tablet before bed. Duration of medication: Started around November last year, nearly a year...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear ruderchi, thank you for your question. Many of the physical discomfort symptoms you mentioned seem to align with those of anxiety disorders. Anxiety can generally affect the autonomic nervous system and various aspects of the body, which may explain the dizziness, stiffness,...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Is It Related to Anxiety Disorders?
Understanding Breathing Issues: When to Consult a Psychosomatic Specialist
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor: My symptoms started at the end of February this year. I have a constant urge to take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling deeply; if I don't do this, I feel a tightness in my chest. At that time, my heart rate was very fast (140 bpm during the...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Jason, based on your description, it seems to align with the symptoms of psychosomatic disorder. Most people who become overly focused on their breathing tend to experience an increase in their breathing rate, which can lead to discomfort. This excessive focus often stems fr...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: When to Consult a Psychosomatic Specialist
Should I Seek Help for My Mental Health Struggles?
Should I seek medical attention? Hello Doctor: For the past two years, I have been experiencing unexplained bouts of anger, a lack of interest in anything, and a reluctance to go to work. I don't feel like talking and avoid conversations with friends or family. I've bee...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Raven, it seems like it's been a while since you mentioned your situation. If you're unable to adjust on your own in a short period of time, I recommend seeking evaluation from a mental health professional to shorten the duration of your distress and to prevent rec...[Read More] Should I Seek Help for My Mental Health Struggles?
Understanding Panic Anxiety Disorder: Treatment and Medication Insights
Panic Anxiety Disorder Hello, doctor. My mother is 53 years old and experiences excessive hyperventilation every day, which is very distressing for her. When her breathing is not smooth, she starts to feel anxious and depressed, and sometimes the symptoms last all day. The doctor...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Shuzhen, this medication is primarily for adjusting anxiety and panic disorders. It is recommended to continue taking it. If you need to adjust the medication, please discuss it with your physician before making any changes to avoid abrupt discontinuation and potential rela...[Read More] Understanding Panic Anxiety Disorder: Treatment and Medication Insights
Understanding Depression and Anorexia: A Personal Struggle
Depression-related anorexia Hello, doctor. Because I am working abroad and there is a language barrier, I am unable to see a doctor. My mother has depression and bipolar disorder, and I was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder in the ninth grade as well. Recently, I hav...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiang Xiang. I can tell that you are struggling with the symptoms of depression, but it seems that accessing medical care abroad can be challenging. Perhaps you could ask a friend who speaks the same language to accompany you to your appointment? Depression can respond wel...[Read More] Understanding Depression and Anorexia: A Personal Struggle
Is the Combination of Lendormin, Ulotar, and Liyou Safe in Psychiatry?
Is the prescription of two tablets of Lendormin and two tablets of Ulotar safe? Is the prescription of two tablets of Lendormin, two tablets of Ulotar, and one tablet of Liyou 10mg safe?
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, sorry for the late reply. The half-lives of these two medications are not long, and they are safe to use. You shouldn't have to worry too much about taking them together, but avoid using them with alcohol. Best wishes to you.[Read More] Is the Combination of Lendormin, Ulotar, and Liyou Safe in Psychiatry?
Managing Health Anxiety: Should You Avoid Self-Checks?
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors? I have been suffering from health anxiety for many years. After continuous counseling, I have slowly learned to ignore it, but I still can't reduce it to the level of a normal person. For example, when I feel some tightness from my shoulders t...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your question. This is indeed a compulsive symptom. Psychological adjustment and medication can be somewhat helpful. Trying to view things from a family perspective to help yourself feel more at ease is a good approach. It is advisable not to self-examine too...[Read More] Managing Health Anxiety: Should You Avoid Self-Checks?
Should You Consider Therapy for Anxiety After Medication Treatment?
Should I see a therapist for anxiety disorder? Hello, doctor. I used to work for a Japanese company where I had no freedom and little sleep, and my supervisor was very neurotic. I was overworked every day, and due to excessive effort and lack of sleep, I developed anxiety disorde...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear yorusora, it sounds like interpersonal interactions and work stress are some challenges you're facing. In fact, psychotherapy is a process that helps you gain a better understanding of yourself. Many times, we are aware of our conscious thoughts, but we may not notice o...[Read More] Should You Consider Therapy for Anxiety After Medication Treatment?
Understanding Emotional Ups and Downs: When to Seek Help for Mood Swings
Constant intermittent lows, and usually when there is no issue, my mood suddenly shifts with any stimulation? Hello Doctor, I previously asked questions #142143 and #157705. During the time of #157705, I often felt inexplicably sad and even cried suddenly once. After a few days, ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear abc, Based on the above description, it seems that it does not align closely with typical mania. However, it is evident that there are some psychological issues that have not been well processed. I recommend consulting a psychiatrist to determine if psychological therapy w...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Ups and Downs: When to Seek Help for Mood Swings
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Finding Your Voice After 20 Years
Fear of meeting people? I have rarely spoken since middle school, and now, over 20 years later, when someone talks to me, I feel anxious and uncomfortable. My parents are aware of my introverted nature and lack of friends, so they do not expect me to settle down or have a career....
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear A, thank you for your question. Regarding interpersonal relationships, this is indeed a profound inquiry. I'm not sure what factors contribute to your hesitance in initiating conversations with others. Often, a person's behavior can be influenced by both surface-le...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Finding Your Voice After 20 Years
Managing Sleep Issues and Mental Health: Strategies for Stress Relief
Sleep issues, bipolar disorder, stress-related problems? Hello Doctor, I am currently studying at a university in Japan, but I am stuck in Taiwan and unable to return to my studies. I am taking online courses, and the daily stress is overwhelming due to the large number of report...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Sammi, Thank you for your question regarding insomnia. It can indeed be challenging to address when faced with life stressors, and it's common for dreams to increase during such times (dreams are a physiological mechanism by which our brain attempts to process emotion...[Read More] Managing Sleep Issues and Mental Health: Strategies for Stress Relief
Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Navigating Work Stress and Mental Health
Adjustment Disorder Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old. Let me briefly explain my situation... Since childhood, I have always had difficulty adapting to new environments. During my school years, I was mostly able to adjust over time. I just started my first job after graduating, and...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Michael, thank you for your question. Regarding your issue, it currently does not appear to be a mental illness, but it would be advisable to seek further evaluation from a psychiatrist for confirmation. It seems that work-related stress is clearly causing you distress, and ...[Read More] Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Navigating Work Stress and Mental Health
Managing Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder: Medication Alternatives and Strategies
Anxiety and bipolar disorder medication issues? 1. I have a personal history of bipolar disorder for two years. Initially, I was taking Seroquel, but later switched to two tablets of Vraylar and Lamictal to replace Seroquel, as it significantly affected my sex life. However, my c...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Zhou, First, to address your concerns, I would like to ask if your recent emotional symptoms are primarily related to depression, as the medications mentioned above are all used to treat depression. Among them, Vortioxetine is indeed less likely to cause sexual side e...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder: Medication Alternatives and Strategies
Coping with Panic Attacks During Flights: Tips for Travelers
Panic attack Hello, doctor. I have a question. I'm going to travel abroad by plane, but I experience panic attacks every time I fly. My doctor advises me to take a sedative beforehand, which usually helps, but if it doesn't, it can be really distressing. I experience hi...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Qinglongzi, thank you for your question. Panic is usually accompanied by sympathetic nervous system activation, which often leads to sensations such as rapid breathing and increased heart rate, along with feelings of impending doom. The duration of these episodes is typicall...[Read More] Coping with Panic Attacks During Flights: Tips for Travelers
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Navigating Inner Voices and Control
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by some personality issues. Since childhood, I have heard voices of other people in my head, but I used to think it was normal, so I ignored it. However, this situation has continued to bother me, and now I ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your question. Generally speaking, dissociative identity disorder is more common in the medical field (dissociation occurs as a response to stress), while classic multiple personality disorder is relatively rare. Both dissociative identity disorder and multip...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Navigating Inner Voices and Control