Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Sleep Impact
Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Hello, Doctor. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with severe tinnitus, and sometimes I can hear my heartbeat in my ears. There are also times when I feel extremely fatigued by the evening, needing to take deep breaths as if I can't catc...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Wendy: Your situation indeed resembles the symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Some individuals may experience similar symptoms after contracting COVID-19, and the duration can vary, with some lasting for several months. It seems that you are making efforts to...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Sleep Impact
Understanding Potential Borderline Personality Disorder in Young Adults
I have discovered that I may have been struggling with borderline personality disorder all along? Hello Doctor, I am a 20-year-old college student who has been dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder since middle school and have been under psychiatric care and medication ever ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Meng: It seems that you easily oscillate between two extremes regarding others' opinions, which aligns with some characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, to be diagnosed with BPD, other criteria must also be met, including emotional inst...[Read More] Understanding Potential Borderline Personality Disorder in Young Adults
Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Worries About Illness
Health anxiety concerns Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing health anxiety for the past three months. Since July, I have had chest tightness and pain (especially on the left side of my chest; I previously asked a question on Taiwan's e-hospital). I have been Googling my s...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Zoe: It seems that you are experiencing a lot of physical discomfort. I recommend that you first visit an internal medicine or family medicine specialist to assess whether there are any underlying health issues. If the physician examines you and arranges for tests, and all ...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Worries About Illness
Are Panic Attacks Linked to Seasonal Changes and Caffeine Intake?
Is there a correlation between panic attacks and seasons? This afternoon, I took a nap and when I woke up, I experienced palpitations. After resting for a while, I used an electronic device to check my heart rate, which showed normal readings. Later, when I walked to the restroom...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiang: Climate changes may affect the autonomic nervous system, which in turn can influence symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, diet can also impact the autonomic nervous system; for example, caffeine found in tea and coffee can increase heart rate and exacerbate feelings o...[Read More] Are Panic Attacks Linked to Seasonal Changes and Caffeine Intake?
Understanding Compulsive Anxiety: Medication, Symptoms, and Recovery
Medication-induced anxiety disorder Due to previous relationship issues, I experienced some sudden mental health problems and sought help from a psychiatrist. It seems I have symptoms of obsessive thinking and anxiety. For example, I would say some morally questionable things to ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Hsieh: It seems that you have recently started experiencing symptoms of anxiety and possible obsessive thoughts again. I recommend that you return for a follow-up appointment with your physician to discuss whether to continue medication or consider therapy as a treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Anxiety: Medication, Symptoms, and Recovery
Understanding the Connection Between Symptoms and ALS: A Young Adult's Concern
I would like to ask if there is a connection between symptoms and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)? I am 21 years old and haven't experienced significant changes in my daily life recently. However, I have started to frequently fall unexpectedly (in the past, even after se...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello! Based on your situation, it appears that there are issues with maintaining balance and a decrease in muscle mass. In addition to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is important to consider whether there are abnormalities in muscle or joint function, peripheral nerves,...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Symptoms and ALS: A Young Adult's Concern
Long-Term Use of Mirtazapine for Insomnia: Risks and Side Effects
Morus alba is used for insomnia? Is the antidepressant Mirtazapine used for insomnia safe for long-term use? Does it have more severe side effects? Can it cause an increase in blood sugar levels?
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, A-Cang: Mirtazapine can be taken long-term. Common side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, drowsiness, and constipation. More serious but less common side effects (occurring in less than 0.1% of patients) include blood cell reduction. If increased appetite du...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Mirtazapine for Insomnia: Risks and Side Effects
Can Schizophrenia Be Diagnosed with Only Positive Symptoms?
Schizophrenia Hello Dr. Lin! I would like to ask you a question. If a person only exhibits positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) and shows no negative symptoms at all, can this still be classified as schizophrenia? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: The diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms. At least two of these five symptoms must be present (with at least one of the first three) for a duration of one month, along wit...[Read More] Can Schizophrenia Be Diagnosed with Only Positive Symptoms?
Can Long-Term Use of Sedatives Lead to Dementia Symptoms?
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, dementia? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you about my husband. He has been taking medication for autonomic nervous system disorder for many years. The side effects of the sedatives can lead to memory decline, and he often finds himself di...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Current research indicates that long-term use of sedatives does not lead to dementia; in fact, for patients with higher levels of anxiety, sedatives can help alleviate anxiety and improve short-term memory. Ideally, for older patients, it is best to use low doses of shorte...[Read More] Can Long-Term Use of Sedatives Lead to Dementia Symptoms?
Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Heart Rate, and Anxiety Management
Is it panic disorder? Dr. Lin, I apologize for bothering you. Three years ago, I experienced panic anxiety and took medication (Prozac) for two years. I also underwent rTMS treatment. Although I sometimes feel anxious and tense, I was able to live a relatively normal life and suc...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Andy: It seems that you are experiencing significant anxiety. Whether this is a panic attack depends on whether you have other symptoms in addition to a rapid heartbeat, such as sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest or abdominal discomfort, dizziness, etc. Severe ...[Read More] Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Heart Rate, and Anxiety Management
Overcoming Self-Curse Thoughts: Managing Anxiety and Medication Fears
Frequently cursing oneself internally? Hello, Dr. Lin. I am very afraid of getting sick, getting injured, or becoming disabled. The more I fear, the more I can't help but think about it. Recently, I don't know why, but whenever I want to do something I enjoy or any smal...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Liu: It seems that your situation is causing you significant distress. I recommend that you combine pharmacological treatment with psychotherapy to effectively improve your condition. Regarding medication, serotonin-based antidepressants such as "Luvox" (Flu...[Read More] Overcoming Self-Curse Thoughts: Managing Anxiety and Medication Fears
Understanding OCD: Common Concerns and Treatment Insights for Students
Consultation on issues related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients? Hello Doctor, I am a diagnosed patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and I am currently a university student. Six months ago, after experiencing a stressful event, my OCD symptoms flared u...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. J: 1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not classified as a major illness, so you cannot apply for a major illness card. However, if the symptoms of OCD are severe enough to affect your functioning, you can apply for a disability certificate. The term "can&qu...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Common Concerns and Treatment Insights for Students
Do I Need to See a Psychiatrist Again? Understanding My Mental Health
I would like to ask if I need to see a psychiatrist based on my current condition? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18 years old and graduated from high school. Over a year ago, I went to see a psychiatrist without my family's knowledge due to symptoms like persistent sadness an...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. U: I believe you are here to inquire because you are somewhat troubled by your situation, yet unsure of its severity. There is no definitive standard for whether one needs to seek medical attention. I have encountered individuals who come for consultations simply to det...[Read More] Do I Need to See a Psychiatrist Again? Understanding My Mental Health
Can Occupational Therapy Improve OCD and Anxiety Symptoms?
Occupational therapy issues related to obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorder. I was discharged from the psychiatric ward at the hospital at the end of April and am currently...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Chen: The treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders primarily involves medication and psychotherapy. Occupational therapy aims to enhance your ability to adapt to daily life and can be used as an adjunct, but it is not the primary treatme...[Read More] Can Occupational Therapy Improve OCD and Anxiety Symptoms?
Navigating School Policies for Children with Depression: A Parent's Guide
The child has experienced depression and has had suicidal thoughts? The school has requested that the child engage in home study due to a previous incident of jumping from a height. They require us to provide a certificate from a public hospital in order to grant an extended leav...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ms. Chi: If your child's condition is not good and you cannot get an appointment at an outpatient clinic, you can go to the emergency department for medical care. However, if a public hospital is fully booked, have you considered looking for other public hospitals? At...[Read More] Navigating School Policies for Children with Depression: A Parent's Guide
How to Transition from Acute to Chronic Psychiatric Care in Taiwan
If I want to be admitted to a chronic psychiatric ward, what should I do? Hello, I would like to ask about my current situation. The hospital I am visiting only has an acute care unit, and I have been a frequent patient there, having been hospitalized 8 times for acute issues ove...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Da Ren: If you want to stay in a chronic care ward, you need to first visit a hospital that has a chronic care unit for an evaluation by a physician to determine if you are suitable for admission. As far as I know, in Taoyuan, there are psychiatric hospitals with chronic c...[Read More] How to Transition from Acute to Chronic Psychiatric Care in Taiwan
Misdiagnosis in Mental Health: Understanding Its Impact on Your Life
It may have been misdiagnosed in the past..? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who has been suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for nearly ten years. Recently, I recalled something: throughout these years, every psychiatrist I have seen has only diagnosed me with OCD...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ayue: First of all, being prescribed medication for schizophrenia (formerly known as schizophrenia) does not necessarily mean that you have the disorder. To understand why the previous physician informed you that way, you may need to ask him directly. Additionally, insuranc...[Read More] Misdiagnosis in Mental Health: Understanding Its Impact on Your Life
Seeking Help for Swallowing Disorders: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
Hello Dr. Lin, I have some questions regarding swallowing disorders? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been suffering from swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and related anxiety for a long time. I have already undergone throat examinations at the hospital and have seen a rehabilitation spec...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hi there! If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, it is generally recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for an examination. If the examination results are normal, it is advisable to seek care from a psychiatrist. Your condition may likely be what is known as "globu...[Read More] Seeking Help for Swallowing Disorders: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
Can Non-Antipsychotic Medications Manage Schizophrenia Symptoms?
Issues with Antipsychotic Medications A family member has schizophrenia and exhibits symptoms such as hallucinations. After seeing a doctor, they were prescribed Wellbutrin (bupropion), Rifampicin, and Fluoxetine. I would like to ask the physician if these medications, which are ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: These medications may not effectively improve the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia (such as hallucinations, delusions, etc.), and it is possible that your family member did not fully disclose their condition to the physician during the medical visit. It is recommended t...[Read More] Can Non-Antipsychotic Medications Manage Schizophrenia Symptoms?
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Causes, Treatments, and Management Tips
Sleep disorders Hello, Doctor. On March 11, I encountered some stress in my life, and that night I began experiencing sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night), along with palpitations and feelings of tension. On March 17, I visited ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello KK: 1. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not a precise diagnosis; it is more of a general syndrome. Many functions related to the autonomic nervous system, such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, gastrointestinal activity, sweating, and sleep, can be termed ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Causes, Treatments, and Management Tips