Understanding Sexual Orientation: A Teen's Journey of Self-Discovery
Am I really gay? Hello, doctor. I am a 13-year-old middle school student. Recently, I found my fifth-grade younger brother very cute and playfully tapped him on the butt, which made me feel like I might be gay. This has made me very anxious because I strongly dislike homosexualit...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Ben, it's quite normal to find children adorable, and there's no need to overly worry just because of that. At the age of 13, they are still in a developmental stage, so it's advisable to focus on learning and daily life. Occasionally, it's inevitable to...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Orientation: A Teen's Journey of Self-Discovery
How to Treat Persistent Earworms: When to Seek Psychiatric Help
How to treat earworms? Hello, I am currently a student. The phenomenon of earworms is generally normal for most people and tends to resolve after a while. However, I have noticed that this issue is affecting my concentration during classes, studying, and exams. Additionally, sinc...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Da: A common approach to this phenomenon is to redirect your attention and focus on the task at hand to ignore the earworm. If it reoccurs, try not to pay too much attention to it, as it is more likely to fade away naturally. However, if it persists and becomes bothersome,...[Read More] How to Treat Persistent Earworms: When to Seek Psychiatric Help
How to Treat Persistent Earworms: When to See a Psychiatrist
How to treat earworms? Hello, I am currently a student. The phenomenon of earworms is generally considered normal and usually resolves after a period of time. However, I have noticed that this issue has begun to affect my concentration during classes, studying, and exams. Additio...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Da: A common approach to this phenomenon is to redirect your attention and focus on the task at hand to ignore the earworm. If it reappears, try not to pay too much attention to it, as it is more likely to fade away naturally. However, if it persists and becomes bothersome...[Read More] How to Treat Persistent Earworms: When to See a Psychiatrist
Understanding Imaginary Friends: A Guide to Mental Health and Support
Imaginary friend Hello Dr. Liang, recently I have noticed that I seem to have an imaginary friend named Lan. Since I tend to be a bit pessimistic, she appeared to comfort me during my low moments. However, her presence has become increasingly exaggerated; she shows up no matter w...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xuan: You can clearly distinguish this way, and it helps stabilize your emotions. It seems to be a psychological defense mechanism unique to you, and there is currently no need for excessive concern. Additionally, I suggest trying to learn some other stress-relief methods ...[Read More] Understanding Imaginary Friends: A Guide to Mental Health and Support
Understanding Gender Identity: Navigating Confusion and Acceptance
Is this a case of gender dysphoria? Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old. Since elementary school, I have had a desire to wear clothing of the opposite gender, which makes me feel comfortable inside. In middle school, I had crushes on male classmates, but I also felt attraction toward...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Basically, your behavior has not harmed others, and it is advisable not to put too much pressure on yourself. Everyone is unique, and preferences can vary. If you do not want to become overly immersed in it, try to engage in a variety of different leisure activities. Addit...[Read More] Understanding Gender Identity: Navigating Confusion and Acceptance
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: Understanding Hand Tremors and Heart Rate Changes
Tremors due to drug withdrawal? Hello Doctor, I have been taking Lexapro for about 10 months. On March 11, I reduced my dosage from half a pill to a quarter of a pill. However, in the past week, I have started experiencing increased heart rate (around 90 bpm) and hand tremors. Co...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is also possible that the original anxiety and depression have not stabilized. It is recommended to continue taking the dosage advised by your physician and discuss it in person during your follow-up appointment.[Read More] Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: Understanding Hand Tremors and Heart Rate Changes
Am I Sick? Understanding Sleepwalking and Its Implications
Does this situation qualify as an illness? Hello, this situation has been occurring for a long time, but recently I have noticed some different circumstances and would like to understand if this indicates that I am unwell. Since childhood, I have often sat up in bed at night and ...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Lin: The situation you described may be a form of sleepwalking. However, if it occurs too frequently or involves potentially dangerous behaviors, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a sleep study.[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Sleepwalking and Its Implications
Understanding Childhood Delusions: When to Seek Professional Help
Is it childhood delusional disorder and does it require medical attention? Your 4.5-year-old child frequently exhibits paranoid behavior, claiming that things are being stolen and that classmates are bullying her. She often recounts complete narratives and stories rather than fra...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Wu: A 4-and-a-half-year-old child may sometimes struggle to express their emotions and might exaggerate or fabricate stories to gain adult attention. It is advisable to first observe whether the child is attempting to seek our attention. Additionally, I recommend spendi...[Read More] Understanding Childhood Delusions: When to Seek Professional Help
Understanding Social Anxiety: Overcoming Challenges in Social Situations
Social anxiety? Hello, doctor. I apologize if my question seems a bit strange. I have been introverted and quiet since childhood. I can interact normally with my family, but at school, I hardly speak—usually only responding or nodding, and I rarely say more than ten sentences fro...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Bao Bao: Your situation may indicate a social anxiety response, but you can still continue to engage in social activities, which shows that there is no significant impact on your social functioning. Laughing occasionally during games is perfectly fine as long as your frien...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety: Overcoming Challenges in Social Situations
Should I Seek Mental Health Help for My Self-Harming Daughter?
When my daughter (currently in her second year of high school) is feeling down, she uses a blade to cut her wrist (the wounds are shallow but there is bleeding). Should I take her to see a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist? My daughter, who is in the second year of high ...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: A child's self-harm may be related to their internal feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger, with self-injury serving as an outlet for these turbulent emotions. In order for the child to stabilize their emotions, they must feel understood and develop effective met...[Read More] Should I Seek Mental Health Help for My Self-Harming Daughter?
Understanding OCD Medication Side Effects and Their Impact on Study Habits
Side effects of medications for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Dr. Liang: I apologize for the lengthy message, and I really appreciate your patience in reading and responding! I am a repeat examinee with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and I take one tablet of Sertraline (Zo...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Z: In terms of the treatment dosage for obsessive-compulsive disorder, taking one tablet of fluoxetine (Prozac) per day is considered a low dose and should not cause significant side effects. It is recommended to maintain the current dosage and to increase your motivation t...[Read More] Understanding OCD Medication Side Effects and Their Impact on Study Habits
Should I Wait for My Emotions to Improve or Seek Help Now?
Will leaving an injury untreated heal on its own, or will it worsen and become overwhelming? I'm sorry to disturb you, doctor, but I've been feeling that my thoughts and emotions have become unstable again recently. I would like to ask if these feelings are due to puber...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Reflecting on your thoughts and writing them down is a very effective method. There is no standard answer to whether past issues will resolve themselves, but recognizing how your past influences your present self is an important step. Once you are aware, there are various ...[Read More] Should I Wait for My Emotions to Improve or Seek Help Now?
Medication Consultation for Attention and Anxiety Disorders
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the medications I am currently taking: 1. Strattera (Atomoxetine) - one capsule after breakfast; 2. Mindset (Lisdexamfetamine); 3. Lyrica (Pregabalin). The main purposes are: 1. To address attention deficit; 2. To tr...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Chuang: Strattera is primarily used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The other two medications have effects on treating depression and anxiety. Taking them together at the current dosage is generally safe. Whether to continue the medication is a...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Attention and Anxiety Disorders
Managing Adolescent Sexual Curiosity: Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Increased sexual desire in adolescents? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: A better approach is to encourage children to develop alternative interests, such as sports, hiking, playing ball, and so on. This allows them to find satisfaction and a sense of achievement in other activities.[Read More] Managing Adolescent Sexual Curiosity: Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Understanding Urinary Fetishes: Do They Require Treatment?
Paraphilia, characterized by sexual arousal from holding in urine or experiencing incontinence, may require treatment depending on the individual's circumstances and the impact on their daily life. If this behavior causes distress or impairment in functioning, seeking therap...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: If it does not harm others and does not affect your daily life, it can be considered a private habit. However, your inquiry suggests that this habit is causing you inner discomfort. It is advisable to cultivate other interests and hobbies that you can identify with and fee...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Fetishes: Do They Require Treatment?
Managing Anxiety About Health and Fear of Death After Vaccination
How to alleviate anxiety about health conditions and fear of death? Hello, Doctor. After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, I began experiencing chest tightness and pain, which led me to visit the emergency room where I was diagnosed with elevated muscle enzymes and hospitalized for...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello CC: From your description, it is evident that you are experiencing excessive anxiety and worry. You are also attempting to analyze and identify possible causes, which is a good start. Perhaps your innate sensitivity makes you more susceptible to external changes. Your conce...[Read More] Managing Anxiety About Health and Fear of Death After Vaccination
Do You Need Ongoing Appointments for Autism Disability Certification?
The issue of disability certification for autism? Recently, my doctor referred me for a mental disability assessment due to autism. I understand that for chronic mental illnesses, I must continue seeing a physician until the next disability certification expires before I can be r...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is recommended to seek re-evaluation for autism from the same physician to ensure a clearer assessment. Whether continuous follow-up appointments are necessary generally depends on the medical needs of the patient. However, each physician may have different approaches, ...[Read More] Do You Need Ongoing Appointments for Autism Disability Certification?
Understanding Oedipus Complex and Its Impact on Mental Health
Oedipus complex Hello, doctor. I have a problem! Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy; I admit I'm mentally unstable. I have a mild disability certificate. My primary doctor has diagnosed me with schizophrenia! Since childhood, I haven't had many friends, especial...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Being ill is an unavoidable situation, but you can still face reality, collaborate with your physician, and adhere to treatment protocols to minimize the impact of the illness on your life. Reflecting on your past experiences, you may have some insights, and continuing to ...[Read More] Understanding Oedipus Complex and Its Impact on Mental Health
Understanding OCD in Teens: Symptoms, Treatment, and Parental Guidance
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adolescents Dear Doctor: My 13-year-old child has Tourette syndrome and has been taking half a tablet of Aripiprazole. She has been experiencing health anxiety, and recently her obsessive thoughts have intensified. She believes she has a certain i...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Fifi: Medication treatment typically takes six to eight weeks to achieve optimal effects. The current medication is not harmful with long-term use. In addition to medication, cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial. It is advisable to discuss related resources w...[Read More] Understanding OCD in Teens: Symptoms, Treatment, and Parental Guidance
Does IQ Correlate with Life Success? Understanding Mental Health Impacts
Is there a correlation between IQ and life achievements? During high school, I attended one of the top three schools in Taipei. As the university entrance exams approached, everyone was studying very hard, and I was no exception. Despite my efforts, I consistently ranked around 6...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: A single IQ test score cannot predict a person's achievements in life. "Life is actually a long continuous accumulation"; by learning and growing every day, one can get closer to success. An IQ of 98 indicates normal learning ability, and as long as one cont...[Read More] Does IQ Correlate with Life Success? Understanding Mental Health Impacts