How to Help a Family Member Exhibiting Disturbing Behavior
What should I do if a family member exhibits unusual behavior? My sister has been unemployed at home for a while. She experienced significant setbacks at her previous job and decided to pursue a public service career, but that hasn't gone well either. Recently, she has exhib...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: It seems that your sister is experiencing some negative emotions and exhibiting unusual behaviors, which may require a professional evaluation. Family members can help by: 1. Listening (if she is willing to talk) 2. Providing support and care. Additionally, I hope you can ...[Read More] How to Help a Family Member Exhibiting Disturbing Behavior
Can She Return to Work? Understanding Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace
Can he still go to work? Hello, I hired a female employee who initially showed no signs of issues, as she was not given any high-pressure tasks. However, after sending her on a business trip, she had a conflict at the factory and was reprimanded. While staying at a hotel, the sta...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello! Due to incomplete information, I may not be able to fully answer your question. Some mental disorders can indeed manifest abnormalities related to specific themes, but whether the unusual behavior reaches the level of a disorder still needs clarification. It is also import...[Read More] Can She Return to Work? Understanding Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace
Challenges in Compulsory Treatment for Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Patients with moderate bipolar disorder who lack insight into their condition and cannot be compelled to seek treatment? Hello, I would like to ask Dr. Chiu: My mother is a patient with moderate bipolar disorder, and she has entered a manic phase again this year (this is her four...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: There may be some resistance to the involuntary treatment of patients with mental illness in practice, but as long as there is good communication and coordination, it should not be difficult. Please remain calm and proactive. Here are some suggested steps: 1. The mother...[Read More] Challenges in Compulsory Treatment for Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Prognosis, and Lifelong Impact
How to know if you have bipolar disorder? How can one know if they have bipolar disorder? Will it get better? Is it a lifelong condition?
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that is typically diagnosed based on medical history and symptoms. The hallmark symptoms include alternating phases of elevated mood (mania) and depressed mood (depression). It is essential to seek a professional diagnosis from a...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Prognosis, and Lifelong Impact
Understanding Fish Oil: Benefits for Brain Health and Mental Disorders
Follow-up questions regarding fish oil and related issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if fish oil and cod liver oil are the same or different? What is the role of Omega-3 in fish oil? How should I choose a pollution-free and effective fish oil? What is the recommended way...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: This question is quite broad and partially falls outside my area of expertise. Sometimes, it may be more appropriate to consult a pharmacist or a nutritionist. In the meantime, I suggest you start by googling (DHA, EPA functions), where you can find relevant reference mate...[Read More] Understanding Fish Oil: Benefits for Brain Health and Mental Disorders
Is It Laziness or a Mental Health Issue? Understanding the Signs
Is it laziness or a mental illness? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, my brother has not worked at all since he was discharged from the military (over ten years ago) despite being physically healthy. Initially, our parents would constantly nag him, but he still refuses to work a...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: You may feel helpless and worried about this matter. Indeed, if what you mentioned is an issue related to "adult children living at home," it is a complex problem that affects families and society. However, strictly speaking, it is not currently recognized as a m...[Read More] Is It Laziness or a Mental Health Issue? Understanding the Signs
Struggling with Insomnia: Why Sleep Aids and Coffee Aren't Working
I'm in so much pain; taking two Barbie sleeping pills at the same time didn't help, and drinking coffee didn't work either? I can't fall asleep even when lying in bed; my mind keeps racing with thoughts, whether it's songs or past events, and I can't...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Insomnia is quite common in today's society, and its causes are not necessarily simple; they can include physical, psychological, and environmental factors. It is recommended that you practice good sleep hygiene (there are many educational articles available online). ...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia: Why Sleep Aids and Coffee Aren't Working
Can You Measure Lung Health After Quitting Smoking? Expert Insights
"Black lung" disease, also known as coal worker's pneumoconiosis, is a respiratory condition caused by long-term exposure to coal dust and other types of particulate matter, including those from smoking. It is characterized by the accumulation of coal dust in the l...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Smoking Cessation
Hello: First of all, congratulations on overcoming your addiction; I believe your health will improve significantly. Regarding your question about whether your lungs are "black," it may be necessary to clarify if this term relates to lung tissue pathology in medical ter...[Read More] Can You Measure Lung Health After Quitting Smoking? Expert Insights
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Sleep Issues and Anxiety
Regarding autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor! I have a lot of trouble sleeping every day and often take 1 to 2 hours to fall asleep. However, the quality of my sleep is very poor; I wake up at the slightest noise! When I wake up, my whole body feels sore! Additio...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Sleep problems are becoming increasingly common in today's society, with various causes that can be categorized into physical, psychological, and environmental factors. Individuals with a more sensitive and anxious temperament may indeed experience sleep issues. Addit...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Sleep Issues and Anxiety
Maximizing Medication Efficacy in Treating Bipolar Disorder with Psychosis
Maximum therapeutic effect of a medication? A family member has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms (delusions) and has been undergoing medication treatment for three weeks (Depakene 500mg twice daily and Seroquel 200mg twice daily, both taken at bedtime)...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: The treatment course for patients with bipolar disorder can be quite flexible. Some symptoms may respond to treatment relatively quickly, while others may persist for a longer duration. It is important for you to assist your family member in coordinating with the attending...[Read More] Maximizing Medication Efficacy in Treating Bipolar Disorder with Psychosis
Requesting Hospitalization for Bipolar Disorder: Family's Role and Challenges
Request for hospitalization during follow-up visit? The patient has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for three months and has not been compliant with medication. Previously, when the doctor suggested injections, the patient also refused. Recently, the patient's condition...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Patients with mental illnesses often have poor insight into their condition (not recognizing that they are ill), which frequently leads to noncompliance with treatment and subsequent deterioration of their condition, causing distress for their families. In light of this, t...[Read More] Requesting Hospitalization for Bipolar Disorder: Family's Role and Challenges
Encouraging Medication Adherence in Bipolar Disorder Patients
Refusal to take medication without reason? 1. In situations like this, it's important to approach the patient with empathy and understanding. Encouraging open communication about their feelings regarding medication can help. Involving a mental health professional to facilita...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Due to the poor insight of individuals with mental illness (they often do not acknowledge their condition), it is common for them to refuse medication. In such situations, obtaining the patient's consent for treatment can be quite challenging. While persuasion from fa...[Read More] Encouraging Medication Adherence in Bipolar Disorder Patients
Understanding Self-Talk in Bipolar Disorder: Insights and Concerns
Self-talk in mania Hello Dr. Chiu, a family member was recently diagnosed with the manic phase of bipolar disorder and has been on medication for over two weeks. For the first two weeks, they only took Sertraline, and during the second follow-up appointment, Lamotrigine was added...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: The effectiveness of treatment during the manic phase of bipolar disorder can vary significantly, making it difficult to provide a precise timeline. Generally, a treatment course may take about three months, and if there is a history of previous manic episodes, the treatme...[Read More] Understanding Self-Talk in Bipolar Disorder: Insights and Concerns
Activities to Support Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder: A Guide
Activities that can help with bipolar disorder? Thank you very much, Dr. Chiu, for your thoughtful responses to the family's concerns! The family member has no prior history of mental illness but recalls feeling as though someone was following him about eight years ago, whic...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: The primary treatment for bipolar disorder is medication. During the treatment period, how family members cope is important. I believe that support and care are indeed crucial, but there is no need to put too much pressure on oneself. Following the physician's advice ...[Read More] Activities to Support Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder: A Guide
Does Seroquel Cause Insomnia? Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Medication Effects
Can taking Seroquel cause insomnia? 1. The family member's behavior could be indicative of bipolar disorder, especially given the symptoms of grandiosity, paranoia, and erratic behavior. However, a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional is necessary for an ...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: I'm not sure if there is a history of mental illness in your family, but based on the symptoms described, it is indeed possible that they may be indicative of bipolar disorder. As for the use of Seroquel causing insomnia, this is relatively uncommon; it may be related...[Read More] Does Seroquel Cause Insomnia? Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Medication Effects
Can Acute Psychosis Be Cured? Understanding Recovery and Support
Can acute psychosis be cured? Doctor, my boyfriend has been unemployed for two months due to a failed business venture this year. A couple of weeks ago, he started experiencing symptoms of waking up shortly after falling asleep and then being unable to sleep for the rest of the n...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Ting: This issue is quite complex and may not be easily addressed in a brief response, but please do not worry. You have already taken excellent action by promptly bringing your boyfriend in for evaluation, and there has been improvement with treatment. I want to clar...[Read More] Can Acute Psychosis Be Cured? Understanding Recovery and Support
Overcoming Anxiety-Induced Nausea After Gastroenteritis: A Guide
Easily anxious and feeling nauseous? Since the severe gastroenteritis at the beginning of the year, I seem to have developed a psychological barrier that makes me very anxious. Just the thought of going out to eat causes my appetite to decrease, and even when I'm very hungry...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: From your letter, it appears that your symptoms have persisted for over six months, which is beyond the normal range and likely causing you considerable distress. I wonder if you have sought medical attention during this time. The description in your letter does suggest th...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety-Induced Nausea After Gastroenteritis: A Guide
Understanding Nausea and Anxiety: When Stress Triggers Vomiting
It's easy to feel anxious and nauseous? Since childhood, I have felt nauseous and had the urge to vomit whenever I am nervous or anticipating something. Recently, this has become increasingly exaggerated, with even trivial matters causing emotional fluctuations. As a result,...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello, From your message, it is clear that you have a preliminary understanding that the cause of nausea and vomiting stems from emotional changes such as anxiety. This can be considered a manifestation of psychological influence on physiology. For instance, some individuals ma...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Anxiety: When Stress Triggers Vomiting
Managing Blood Pressure Anxiety: Tips for Patients with Panic Disorders
Measuring blood pressure? Hello Doctor: I had a cardiac ultrasound examination on March 27, and the doctor found issues with my mitral valve and cardiac hypertrophy. The doctor believes I have had hypertension for some time and advised me to start taking antihypertensive medicati...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Experiencing anxiety attacks while measuring blood pressure can indeed be distressing. However, since you are already on medication for anxiety and panic disorder, it would be advisable to consult your prescribing physician for solutions to this situation. In the meantime,...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Anxiety: Tips for Patients with Panic Disorders
Overdose on Medication: What to Do After Taking 12 Pills?
I took 12 Viagra at once? A couple of days ago, I was feeling down and took 12 tablets of a medication called Wei Bo Jun. Afterwards, I experienced full-body tremors, vomiting, slurred speech, and confusion. I was hospitalized for two days, receiving intravenous fluids and medica...
Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello Candy: Drug overdose can be fatal, so please take this experience seriously and cherish your well-being. As for how long it takes to completely eliminate the substance from your body, it varies depending on the individual and the amount used, so I cannot provide an exact ti...[Read More] Overdose on Medication: What to Do After Taking 12 Pills?