Understanding ADHD Medications: Efficacy, Duration, and Side Effects
Medication issues related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Dear Dr. Song, I am engaged in academic research. Although my educational background appears impressive, my academic journey has been fraught with challenges, and I have had my share of struggles. It w...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, in response to your question, the current scientific research has not yet determined whether there is a permanent therapeutic effect. However, since each individual's attention span is influenced by personal neurological development, life requirements, and adaptation ...[Read More] Understanding ADHD Medications: Efficacy, Duration, and Side Effects
Am I Straight or Gay? Understanding Sexual Orientation Confusion
Am I heterosexual or homosexual? I like girls and want to date them, but I also have sexual desires for boys. Am I gay or straight? I'm really confused.
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: You are currently in puberty, which is a stage of development where psychological and sexual exploration begins. If you have uncertainties regarding your sexual orientation, it is advisable to seek professional resources for guidance. Through appropriate discussions and a ...[Read More] Am I Straight or Gay? Understanding Sexual Orientation Confusion
Managing Anxiety and Panic: Effective Relaxation Techniques for Students
Anxiety and Panic Hello, doctor. I am a person who easily gets anxious, and recently, due to some academic pressure, I occasionally have thoughts of not being able to hold on. I have had a tendency towards hypochondria in the past, and lately, I often experience chest tightness, ...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, if your level of anxiety has become severe enough to affect your physical and mental well-being, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a psychosomatic specialist. We hope that appropriate mind-body therapy can help improve your condition.[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Panic: Effective Relaxation Techniques for Students
Overcoming Procrastination Challenges in ADHD: Seeking Solutions
Severe procrastination issues in ADHD? I am an ADHD patient, and I have no problem focusing on my studies at school or in the library. However, on weekends, because there is no one to hold me accountable, I often end up procrastinating. I set a goal to study from 1 PM to 7 PM, bu...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ah Han: Procrastination and poor planning are indeed common issues faced by individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If you have been receiving treatment, it is advisable to discuss your situation with a professional who is familiar with your condi...[Read More] Overcoming Procrastination Challenges in ADHD: Seeking Solutions
Managing ADHD: Is Medication Necessary for Safe Riding and Focus?
Is it suitable for individuals with ADHD to ride a motorcycle, and can medication help them focus on work and riding? I have ADHD and I am now over 20 years old. My doctor previously mentioned that I might not need to take stimulant medications like Ritalin at this age. After bei...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, CHOU: Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may have a certain percentage of residual symptoms into adulthood. If you find that your attention issues are indeed affecting your work or daily life, it is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist. Th...[Read More] Managing ADHD: Is Medication Necessary for Safe Riding and Focus?
Understanding Your Mental Health: Signs of Possible Disorders
I am not sure if I have any mental health disorders? I'm sorry to bother you. I am a high school sophomore, and I have been troubled by some issues that make those around me wonder if I might have a mental illness. Since the fifth or sixth grade, I have had a subconscious ha...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: Emotional and behavioral difficulties can benefit from the assistance of professionals. Based on your description, it is advisable to visit a professional medical institution to discuss your situation in detail with a qualified expert, which will help you better understand...[Read More] Understanding Your Mental Health: Signs of Possible Disorders
Understanding Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
What are the symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, I am a high school student. Due to frequent breath-holding during weight training, I have developed mild mitral valve regurgitation. I heard that this condition is often associated with autonomic nervous...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Peter, Mitral valve insufficiency is a cardiology condition, while autonomic dysregulation is a type of psychosomatic disorder. The former requires evaluation by a cardiologist, while the latter may present symptoms related to anxiety, such as chest tightness, tremors, an...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Understanding and Managing Sound Sensitivity in Mental Health
Aversion to resonant sounds? Hello Doctor: Since I was very young, I have had a strong aversion to the sound of bells and the clashing of stainless steel. Hearing these sounds makes me very uncomfortable and anxious, and I often find myself ruminating on them. Sometimes, even whe...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is recommended to first visit an otolaryngologist or a neurologist to confirm whether there are any specific issues with hearing or neurological sensations. If related problems are ruled out, you may then consult a psychiatrist to assess for conditions such as anxiety, ...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Sound Sensitivity in Mental Health
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders in Young Adults
Anxiety Panic Disorder Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions. I just graduated from middle school and have chosen to attend a vocational school in another city. However, I am starting to experience feelings of worry and fear, which I think might be related to movin...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: When facing a new environment, it is common to experience feelings of anxiety or unease. If these feelings become too severe and interfere with daily life, it may be necessary to seek formal medical attention and professional counseling assistance. It is recommended that y...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders in Young Adults
Understanding Selective Eating and Obsessive Behavior in Children
My 9-year-old son is not only picky with food but also overly fixated on the utensils? My 9-year-old son weighs only 23 kilograms and is very picky with food. He refuses to try many things just by looking at them, and the only way to get him to try something is through intimidati...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Jia Jia: Regarding your child's unique fixation behavior, it may be helpful to try encouraging him to explore different choices at home when he is in a good mood. Avoid forcing him to accept options when he is "in tears," as this may lead to him consuming fo...[Read More] Understanding Selective Eating and Obsessive Behavior in Children
Can Traditional and Western Medicine Be Used Together for Mental Health?
Can traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine be taken together? Two months ago, I was diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. After taking Western medicine, my symptoms gradually improved, and I switched to traditional Chinese medicine. Two weeks ago, I redu...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ms. Huang: I am not aware of your medication, but I recommend that you discuss with your prescribing physician whether it is appropriate to combine it with traditional Chinese medicine and what precautions to take. I would also like to remind all patients and readers that ...[Read More] Can Traditional and Western Medicine Be Used Together for Mental Health?
Understanding Anger: When to Seek Help for Emotional Struggles
When angry I feel so angry that I want to die. When I'm angry, I sometimes self-harm or break things, but my parents tell me not to do those things. I cry a lot, and I often make my parents angry. They always say I'm very stubborn and that I disturb the peace of the hom...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xuan: It sounds like you are going through a lot of pain if you resort to self-harm, breaking things, and having thoughts of death when you get angry. It would be a good idea to consult a psychologist to explore what issues you might be facing. Dr. Song[Read More] Understanding Anger: When to Seek Help for Emotional Struggles
Understanding Personality Changes: Seeking Help Without Fear
Dissociative Identity Disorder. Academic issues. Consultation issues? I have quite a few friends who say that sometimes I seem like different people. I just act according to my feelings, and many people around me have mentioned this, leading them to suspect that I might have diss...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. Split personality is not a medical diagnosis. The formal diagnoses are Dissociative Identity Disorder or Schizophrenia. These are two completely different conditions. 2. Most online tests are just for fun and are not diagnostic tools. Their reliability is likely compara...[Read More] Understanding Personality Changes: Seeking Help Without Fear
Understanding Sensitivity and Irritability in Young Children: When to Seek Help
Children who are sensitive and easily irritable? Hello Doctor: We have two boys, the older one is currently 3 years and 4 months old and will start preschool around July this year. Overall, he is a typical child, but we are quite troubled by his sensitive personality and low frus...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Mr. Wan: You mentioned that your eldest child has a stubborn personality, difficulty in changing habits, challenges in emotional regulation, and issues with tactile hypersensitivity, which can indeed be quite troublesome. For the part about uncontrollable tantrums, you mig...[Read More] Understanding Sensitivity and Irritability in Young Children: When to Seek Help
Understanding Emotional Instability in Middle School Students
Emotional instability in middle school students? Hello, doctor. My child just started junior high school this year and is attending a different district. Since entering junior high, he has been having difficulty adjusting, and his emotions have started to show some abnormalities....
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: There are several possible factors to consider regarding a child's emotional instability, which may be caused by poor environmental adaptation. After adjusting to a new environment or managing stress, the child may gradually recover. If environmental factors cannot be...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability in Middle School Students
Addressing Middle School Adjustment Issues in Children: A Parent's Guide
Adjustment issues in middle school students? Hello, doctor. I have a child in the first year of junior high school who was a healthy and normal boy during elementary school. However, after entering junior high, he has been experiencing severe adjustment issues with school life. T...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Worried Mom, Based on your description, it seems that your child is struggling to adapt to the overly strict management style of the current teacher, resulting in noticeable emotional and behavioral responses. Transferring schools is indeed a consideration. Before making a...[Read More] Addressing Middle School Adjustment Issues in Children: A Parent's Guide
Navigating Autism Traits in Children: When to Seek Professional Help
For children with autistic traits? When my son was 5 years old, due to some stubborn personality traits and family concerns, we decided to take him for an evaluation. The assessment revealed only autistic traits, and since he had difficulty expressing himself, he also attended sp...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, CHIN: I recommend that you take your son to a pediatric psychologist or child psychiatry specialist for an evaluation of his disruptive behaviors. The medical team can provide behavioral modification strategies. Children with autistic traits often face challenges in learni...[Read More] Navigating Autism Traits in Children: When to Seek Professional Help
Understanding and Addressing Emotional and Social Challenges in Young Children
Childhood Autism/Emotional Dysregulation Disorder Hello, here is the current situation of my child (2 years and 9 months old girl), and I would like to ask how to address these issues. Thank you! 1. She is reluctant to speak to strangers when we go out (this behavior became not...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiangxiang's mom: After the age of two, if your child has become withdrawn and unresponsive to others, could this be related to parental separation, changes in family dynamics, or alterations in the home environment? If there are further regressions in other functions...[Read More] Understanding and Addressing Emotional and Social Challenges in Young Children
Helping Your Child Overcome Nail Biting and Anxiety Issues
Nail biting and nail picking? Hello Doctor: I have three children at home, and my second daughter is in the second grade of elementary school this year. She has been raised by her grandmother since she was little, and every week when she comes back, she cries very hard. She start...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, everyone: Nail biting, picking at nails, or digging at the skin around the fingers in children is often a sign of anxiety. Your older child not only bites their nails but also experiences nighttime crying and difficulty sleeping, which clearly indicates some distress or di...[Read More] Helping Your Child Overcome Nail Biting and Anxiety Issues
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Preschoolers: Tips for Parents
Separation anxiety before school? Hello Doctor: My child has been attending a daycare center since she was over a month old, and she is now in the middle class at age 4. She has always gone to school in the morning and been picked up after school. However, since she started presc...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello to the mother of a little sister with separation anxiety at home! Many parents with preschool-aged children face similar challenges when it comes to their kids starting school. There are numerous early childhood education experts online who have provided detailed and practi...[Read More] Understanding Separation Anxiety in Preschoolers: Tips for Parents