Am I Depressed? Understanding Symptoms and Medication Options
Am I a patient with depression? I went to see a psychiatrist today. After struggling for a long time, I finally gathered the courage to visit Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's psychiatry department. I'm not sure if I have depression; I have had suicidal thoughts, self-harm...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. The symptoms you described, such as insomnia, low mood, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, are indeed indicative of depression. Clinically, individuals with lower resilience to stress are more susceptible to developing depression....[Read More] Am I Depressed? Understanding Symptoms and Medication Options
Do Psychiatrists Need Internal Medicine Knowledge? A Critical Discussion
Dr. Lee... you lack professional knowledge? Hi, Dr. Li Zhengfeng... You do not have sufficient expertise to be a doctor... In your recent letter, you mentioned that physiological symptoms arising from psychological issues need to be assessed by an internist first to determine if ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: I apologize, but this system is an online consultation platform and cannot conduct in-person examinations of patients, which sometimes prevents us from providing definitive answers. Even if an in-person examination were possible, it is still necessary for psychiatrists to ...[Read More] Do Psychiatrists Need Internal Medicine Knowledge? A Critical Discussion
Struggling with Sleep? Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety
What should I do if I can't sleep? I have to go to work in the morning and prepare for next year's exam in the evening. Recently, I've encountered a bottleneck in my studies and can't seem to motivate myself to study, which has caused me to fall seriously behi...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. The causes of insomnia can generally be categorized into three main types. Based on your description, it seems that your insomnia is likely caused by psychological stress. Severe insomnia can lead to feelings of depression and physi...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep? Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Overcoming Specific Phobias: Strategies for Managing Fear in Confined Spaces
Specific Phobia Hello, Dr. Lee. I have been feeling what I believe to be a form of claustrophobia. Whenever I stay in a confined space for too long, I start to feel anxious and have an overwhelming urge to escape, especially in unfamiliar environments. However, once I become fami...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, welcome to your letter. According to what you mentioned, it seems that you are currently experiencing a phobia, which is a type of anxiety disorder. Treatment options include pharmacotherapy as well as psychotherapy or behavioral therapy. The etiology of phob...[Read More] Overcoming Specific Phobias: Strategies for Managing Fear in Confined Spaces
Struggling with Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? I often feel a heaviness in my chest, which is really frustrating. I can't sleep at night, constantly crying and thinking about the past. I've been drinking more heavily than before and smoking one cigarette after another. ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, welcome to your letter. According to what you mentioned, it seems you are currently experiencing a state of depression. The treatment for depression is not solely medication; some patients may also require psychotherapy and activity therapy for improvement. I...[Read More] Struggling with Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Is Sleepwalking in Seniors Linked to Dementia? Understanding the Risks
Is sleepwalking in the elderly related to dementia? My father is 75 years old and goes to bed around 1 AM every night. He enjoys drinking coffee or tea before sleeping. The problem is that sometimes in the morning he finds himself not sleeping in his bed, or he might urinate in p...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned, it seems that your father is experiencing memory loss before sleep. This condition often occurs in individuals who have a habit of consuming alcohol or sleeping pills before bedtime, and it is not ne...[Read More] Is Sleepwalking in Seniors Linked to Dementia? Understanding the Risks
Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding the Fear of Everyday Life
A Ridiculous Life I am afraid that while playing, there will be a water ghost trying to catch me – I might die. I want to go abroad, but I always feel like the plane will crash – I might die. I am afraid that when I go to an amusement park, the rides will suddenly malfunction – I...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned, you are not suffering from depression but rather from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Patients typically experience excessive and persistent worry about various unspecified issues, without a spec...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding the Fear of Everyday Life
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Teeth Grinding and Mental Health Connections
Sleep issues Dear Doctor, Hello! I was referred to you by my sister's website, and I have a question to ask. Recently, I have been unconsciously grinding my teeth while sleeping, and I wake up with a sore feeling in my face, sometimes accompanied by mild pain. Three years a...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Severe teeth grinding can indeed be quite bothersome. There are many factors that can contribute to bruxism, including individual constitution, oral structure, and psychological stress. To address the issue of teeth grinding, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Teeth Grinding and Mental Health Connections
Emotional Struggles and Insomnia: Navigating Relationship Turmoil
Emotional issues & insomnia I have been in a relationship with my girlfriend for five years. Over the past two years, she has changed a lot, and I have been unable to pinpoint a good reason for it. Her personality and temper are not like they used to be; she seems indifferent...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned in your correspondence, it is not a state of schizophrenia but rather a state of depression. After a breakup, it is common to experience insomnia and feelings of sadness. It may be helpful to temporar...[Read More] Emotional Struggles and Insomnia: Navigating Relationship Turmoil
Understanding Insomnia, Growth Issues, and Depression in Teens
Insomnia, stunted growth, depression? I have insomnia and it takes me about one to two hours to fall asleep every time I lie in bed. I also have a habit of hair loss; when I touch my hair at school, I notice strands falling out. Is this related? I'm only 159 cm tall and I ca...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Dingjie: First of all, welcome to your letter. Insomnia and hair loss are not necessarily related, but it is true that insomnia can lead to the occurrence of certain physiological diseases. For hair loss issues, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. For mild depressio...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia, Growth Issues, and Depression in Teens
Breaking Free from Social Anxiety: Overcoming Communication Barriers
Suppression. Unable to let go? Often in front of unfamiliar people, I find it hard to relax. Whenever there are people of different surnames or those I don't know well, I can't express my thoughts freely like I do with close friends. I'm afraid that I might acciden...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Personality traits are innate; some people are naturally outgoing and lively, while others are more introverted and reserved. If it doesn't cause you distress, it's not a major issue. According to your letter, it seems you...[Read More] Breaking Free from Social Anxiety: Overcoming Communication Barriers
Managing Emotional Instability: Tips for Better Sleep and Well-Being
Unstable...! Dr. Lee: Hello! Lately, my mood has been very fluctuating. Whenever I am alone upstairs on the computer, I always feel very down. This summer, due to relationship issues, whenever I try to calm down, I can't help but think of many things, especially the breakup ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Sean: First of all, welcome to your letter. It is completely normal for a person's emotions to fluctuate, and feeling down can often be one of the causes of insomnia. Mild insomnia and depression may not require medication for treatment. By incorporating enjoyable leis...[Read More] Managing Emotional Instability: Tips for Better Sleep and Well-Being
Can I Marry Someone with Bipolar Disorder? Understanding the Risks and Concerns
Is it bipolar disorder? Hello, Doctor: I have a question I would like to ask! I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for nearly 8 years. Last year, in May 2005, on a Saturday, he was supposed to come see me, but I couldn't make it due to some matters. Unexpectedly, ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Miss Xiao Qian, First of all, welcome to your inquiry. Based solely on what you have described, it is not possible to determine whether your boyfriend is suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness characterized by alternating episodes of ...[Read More] Can I Marry Someone with Bipolar Disorder? Understanding the Risks and Concerns
Breastfeeding and Medication: Guidelines for Inderal Use in New Mothers
Breastfeeding and Medication Hello! If you take Inderal (propranolol) 20 mg only when needed, how long should you wait before breastfeeding? Should the breast milk be expressed and discarded during this time? The child is currently about two months old.
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your message. However, I’m sorry to inform you that your question falls under the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, which is not my area of expertise. To ensure you receive the most accurate answer, I recommend that you rephrase your question and direct...[Read More] Breastfeeding and Medication: Guidelines for Inderal Use in New Mothers
Common Causes and Prevention of Dizziness in Elderly Patients
Elderly individuals often experience dizziness? Hello Dr. Li: My mother, who is in her seventies, frequently experiences dizziness and has fallen (she has hypertension and mild cardiac enlargement, which are managed with medication, but she still often feels dizzy and falls). Wha...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Tsai: First of all, thank you for your letter. However, I regret to inform you that your mother's condition falls under the category of internal medicine, which is not my area of expertise. To ensure you receive the most professional information, I recommend that y...[Read More] Common Causes and Prevention of Dizziness in Elderly Patients
Is Depression Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Links in Mental Health
Is depression hereditary? I would like to ask if my father has had a suspected case of depression in the past, and my uncle also experienced it but later recovered. However, the other four brothers have not had it, and no one else in the family has experienced it. Does this mean ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First, thank you for your letter. Depression is not a disease with a single cause; both genetic factors and external life stressors can contribute to its onset. Research shows that if parents have depression, their children are indeed at a higher risk of developing depress...[Read More] Is Depression Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Links in Mental Health
Is My Dad Depressed? Understanding His Sudden Behavioral Changes
Doctor, is my dad suffering from depression? I'm very worried? My dad has been feeling unwell lately. He complains of chest pain, headaches, and a loss of appetite, expressing that he feels physically unwell every day. He has been lacking energy and has been quiet for the pa...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Based on what you described, there are indeed symptoms suggestive of depression. Depression can be categorized into two main types: endogenous (without obvious psychosocial stress) and exogenous (with significant psychosocial stress...[Read More] Is My Dad Depressed? Understanding His Sudden Behavioral Changes
Struggling with Chronic Insomnia at 17: Seeking Real Solutions
I am only 17 years old and have been experiencing chronic insomnia? I am currently 17 years old and a senior in high school, but I have been experiencing insomnia since middle school. I have seen a doctor, but I can only sleep when I take medication; without it, I cannot sleep at...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. The causes of insomnia can generally be divided into three main categories: 1. Physiological factors: Insomnia may arise from underlying physiological conditions such as arthritis or heart disease, where patients experience discom...[Read More] Struggling with Chronic Insomnia at 17: Seeking Real Solutions
Should You See a Doctor for Long-Term Insomnia and Emotional Issues?
Should I see a doctor? Doctor: I have been suffering from chronic insomnia for over a year. I had depression more than a year ago, but after feeling better, I stopped taking my medication. However, I still experience long-term insomnia and often cannot fall asleep at night, even ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: Thank you for your letter. Based on your description, it seems that you are still suffering from symptoms of depression. Depression is a chronic condition; although it can be treated and resolved, patients are prone to relapse due to various factors. I recommend that you r...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Long-Term Insomnia and Emotional Issues?
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Coping with Exam Stress and Mood Swings
Could it be narcolepsy? Dear Dr. Lee, I am a student facing exam pressure, and recently I have been unable to sleep due to high stress levels. My emotions have been very unstable, and I often find myself inexplicably lashing out at others, causing my family and friends to suffe...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: Thank you for your message. It is normal to experience physiological and psychological reactions when facing stress. A proper way to relieve stress is to take some time each day to engage in legitimate leisure activities or exercises that you enjoy. This can help improve y...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Coping with Exam Stress and Mood Swings