Managing Sleep Issues Linked to Medication: A Psychiatric Perspective
Due to issues related to medication? Doctor, I recently visited a urologist due to discomfort while urinating, and the doctor prescribed Mu Jing 1.5 mg. I later discovered that I can't sleep without taking Mu Jing. I researched online and found that discontinuing it can lead...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: There are many reasons for insomnia. I'm not sure if your doctor has discussed the specific cause of your insomnia with you. Understanding the underlying reasons for insomnia is essential to address the issue appropriately, rather than just relying on sedatives or sle...[Read More] Managing Sleep Issues Linked to Medication: A Psychiatric Perspective
Can I Switch Mental Health Providers After Graduation?
Transfer Issues Hello, doctor. I am about to graduate and will be moving away from the initial clinic where I have been receiving treatment. I have been taking medication for one to two months. Can I switch to a mental health clinic closer to my home on my own?
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Yiyi: Sure! However, when you visit other clinics, you need to clearly communicate your past treatment history, including any changes in medications and variations in symptoms. If you are not very clear about your past treatment, I recommend that you request a copy of your ...[Read More] Can I Switch Mental Health Providers After Graduation?
Managing Anxiety and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Journey
Anxiety and autonomic nervous system dysregulation? Hello, Doctor. This is my first time asking a question here. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder at the age of 22, but after several years of treatment, I am no longer on medication. Last year, due to some noise an...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hi there! Your situation may be indicative of hypochondriasis, a condition where symptoms fluctuate with psychological stress. I suggest you reflect on any recent stressors and consider ways to cope with them. If necessary, you can ask your psychiatrist for a referral for psychot...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Your Mental Health Diagnosis: Should You Ask Your Doctor?
I would like to know my diagnosis? Hello, doctor. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for over a year, and I feel that I have a good rapport with my doctor. However, during this time, the doctor has not explained to me what exactly my condition is; I only see the diagnosis written ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, 月: Patients have the right to understand their medical condition, and physicians have the obligation to inform patients about their health status. It is advisable for you to ask your doctor. If you are concerned about taking too much time, you can write down the questions ...[Read More] Understanding Your Mental Health Diagnosis: Should You Ask Your Doctor?
Managing Side Effects: Can Taking Lorazepam Help with Insomnia from Escitalopram?
Medication consultation My doctor prescribed me Esetam and Lorazepam, but Esetam has a side effect of insomnia. Would it be better if I take Lorazepam before bed? The doctor mentioned that I can take Lorazepam as needed. Is it true that Esetam can increase suicidal thoughts in in...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao An: The side effects of medications can vary from person to person due to individual differences in physiology, so the side effects listed on the medication label may not necessarily occur in you. In my clinical experience, I often hear patients report feeling letharg...[Read More] Managing Side Effects: Can Taking Lorazepam Help with Insomnia from Escitalopram?
Long-Term Use of Escitalopram for Panic Disorder: Is It Safe?
Medication Consultation Hello Doctor, I have severe panic disorder. In early 2020, I took Escitalopram (5 mg) for six months, but after stopping the medication, my symptoms recurred. At the end of 2021, I started taking Escitalopram (5 mg) again, and I have been on it for almost ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello A-Leh: This medication is very safe for long-term use, so you can take it with confidence. However, I want to remind you that regardless of the medication you are taking, it is essential to inform your physician about all the medications you are currently using whenever you...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Escitalopram for Panic Disorder: Is It Safe?
Understanding OCD: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts About Sexuality
Concern about compulsive behavior? Hello Doctor, this is Derek, who asked you a question a few days ago. I'm quite sure that I do not have an attraction to the same sex, but I am wondering why these thoughts are occurring. My anxiety was at its worst in April, and it has bee...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Derek: What you are experiencing is compulsive thinking, which is one of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is often triggered by factors such as anxiety and stress, and having a predisposition to this condition can also be a contributing factor. If yo...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts About Sexuality
Distinguishing Between Obsessive Thoughts and Delusions: A Guide
How to distinguish between delusions and obsessive thoughts? How to stop worrying? Hello, doctor. I am the patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder who was very worried about having delusions or a mental illness a few days ago. I would like to ask you how to differentiate betwe...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ah Yue: This is a typical case of obsessive thinking, and just like other forms of obsessive thoughts, no matter how much reassurance others provide, you will still worry about "what if...". Therefore, the best approach is to redirect your attention and engage in ...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Obsessive Thoughts and Delusions: A Guide
Understanding Anxiety and Confusion About Sexual Orientation in College Students
Worry and anxiety? I am a first-year college student. In March, when I started a part-time job, I noticed a male colleague and felt a strange sensation. At that moment, I began to fear that I might be gay. I even tried watching gay pornography to confirm my sexual orientation, bu...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Derek: You may not have feelings for that male colleague that indicate a desire for an intimate relationship, but because you are uncertain about what those feelings are, you might feel worried and scared. If this situation continues, it is advisable to seek counseling from...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Confusion About Sexual Orientation in College Students
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: OCD vs. Delusional Disorder
Obsessive thinking? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and have been suffering from it for ten years (I have previously consulted you online). Currently, my symptoms mainly manifest as obsessive thoughts, with very few compulsive beha...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ayue: Your thoughts are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not delusional disorder. When such thoughts arise, you can try to redirect your attention and avoid dwelling on them, as continuing to think about them will only lead to increased discomfort and anxiety. How...[Read More] Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: OCD vs. Delusional Disorder
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Tips for Better Communication Skills
Not accustomed to talking to people? I still don't have the habit of talking to people in middle age. Sometimes when someone talks to me, I feel uncomfortable and want to quickly end the conversation. I'm okay with talking on the phone, but face-to-face interactions fee...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: If you are not accustomed to speaking with others but wish to communicate face-to-face, it is recommended that you participate in courses focused on learning communication skills. Practicing how to interact with others can help alleviate your concerns. Wishing you peace an...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Tips for Better Communication Skills
Understanding Binge Eating and Substance Abuse: A Path to Recovery
Long-term binge eating, substance abuse, and inability to self-regulate? I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's really important that you talk to someone who can help you, such as a mental health professional.
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Mai Mai: First of all, I want to say that you have been through a lot! Maintaining a state of binge eating and purging for such a long time must have been very difficult for you. In clinical practice, when we encounter cases of eating disorders, the first priority is to en...[Read More] Understanding Binge Eating and Substance Abuse: A Path to Recovery
Understanding Medication for Anxiety and OCD: Key Considerations
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing symptoms of panic, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts for 20 years. I received treatment 10 years ago, during which the doctor prescribed Lexapro along with exercise. After about a year, I was able to work and socialize ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: This medication does not conflict with cold medications. Does the note on your prescription indicate that you have had an allergy to cold medications in the past? The first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (S...[Read More] Understanding Medication for Anxiety and OCD: Key Considerations
Managing Insomnia and Medication Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey
Insomnia and medication withdrawal? Hello, doctor. On March 11, I encountered some stress in my interpersonal relationships, which led to sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep and waking up easily). Later, on March 17, I consulted a psychiatrist and asked if it could be a...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Lai Lai: Jing An Ning is a short-acting and potent sedative that can lead to dependence with prolonged use, and sudden discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms. If you are concerned about the difficulty of tapering off, you can ask your physician to switch you to a...[Read More] Managing Insomnia and Medication Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey
Understanding OCD: Can Symptoms Evolve Over Time?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello, doctor. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Is it possible for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to change over time? For example, I initially had fears of harming others, but later my obsessions shifted to concerns relat...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ah-Gui, In response to your questions: 1. The symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can indeed change over time. 2. Yes. 3. Yes. It seems that you are working hard to overcome your OCD, and I commend your efforts! If you still feel that your progress is not a...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Can Symptoms Evolve Over Time?
Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Physical Discomfort and Mental Strain
Frequently feeling unwell? Hello, doctor. I tend to be easily nervous and anxious, and I am quite sensitive. I often worry excessively about my health; whenever I feel even a slight discomfort, I can't help but focus on that "discomfort," which only intensifies my ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hi there! Your situation is quite typical of illness anxiety disorder. It’s clear that you are making a strong effort to feel better, which leads you to pay more attention to your bodily sensations. However, paradoxically, the more you focus on your physical condition, the more a...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Physical Discomfort and Mental Strain
Overcoming Challenges in Medication Reduction for Insomnia Treatment
Encountering setbacks in medication reduction? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) since March 2022. I visited a psychiatrist who prescribed medication for me to take before bed. Currently, I am taking 1 mg of Zolpidem (Ambien) and 0.5 mg o...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Chen: 1. Jing'an Ning and Keqianping are both sedatives, and prolonged use can lead to dependence. 2. It appears that you are experiencing rebound insomnia. We should continue to observe or adjust the medication based on your tolerance level. If you can accept you...[Read More] Overcoming Challenges in Medication Reduction for Insomnia Treatment
Managing Panic Disorder: Medication Choices and Lifestyle Strategies
Panic disorder (Paxil, Zoloft) Hello, doctor. I have been dealing with panic disorder for eight years now. For the first seven years, I was taking Effexor, but I experienced significant discomfort during withdrawal (I gradually reduced from 2 capsules of Effexor plus a sedative t...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Bi: Long-term use of sedatives can lead to dependence, so it is recommended to use them as an adjunct medication. You can start with one capsule of Prozac and half a sedative. If your condition stabilizes, you can reduce the sedative or even stop taking it altogether. I...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder: Medication Choices and Lifestyle Strategies
Is This Still OCD? Understanding Unreality and Mental Health Concerns
Is this still obsessive-compulsive disorder? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who has been suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for ten years. Recently, I have been experiencing a feeling of fear and worry that everything I see is not real, and I am concerned that I ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ah Yue: Your situation aligns well with the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some individuals with OCD may experience irrational thoughts and feelings, but this does not necessarily lead to the development of other mental illnesses! However, if you find this...[Read More] Is This Still OCD? Understanding Unreality and Mental Health Concerns
Overcoming Anxiety and Helplessness: Finding Support for Mental Health
Anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness? Hello, Doctor: Since graduating from university, I have been staying at home. I have often felt that life has no value since my student days. I am introverted, feel powerless about life, have no desire to go out, and lack interest in do...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Zoe: I can sense your feelings of helplessness and despair, especially since you are a more introverted person. If you don't have a way to express your emotions, it can be very difficult to relieve the discomfort within. Although your previous experience with the docto...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety and Helplessness: Finding Support for Mental Health