Understanding Mental Health: A Teen's Struggle with Anxiety and Gaming
I think I am sick? Hello doctor, I am a third-year junior high school student. I often feel unwell and want to go home or don’t want to go to school; I just want to sleep and rest. However, every time I’m at home, I only think about playing video games. Every morning before class...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, junior high school student. Your analysis of the psychological motivations behind your refusal to attend school and your obsession with video games is quite insightful. However, you mentioned that you do not want to bring up the issue of seeking medical help because you do...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health: A Teen's Struggle with Anxiety and Gaming
Why Do I Cry and Feel Numb When Scolded? Understanding Emotional Responses
Crying when scolded and experiencing numbness in the hands? I am a nearly 20-year-old girl who has always cried when scolded by elders since childhood. While crying was not a big deal when I was younger, my tendency to cry has not diminished over time. Now that I am approaching a...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Li, currently there is no diagnosis of "crying disorder" in psychiatry. The numbness in your hands when you cry excessively may be a symptom caused by hyperventilation due to emotional excitement. Learning emotional regulation and frustration tolerance may be ...[Read More] Why Do I Cry and Feel Numb When Scolded? Understanding Emotional Responses
Managing Emotional Issues in Children: A Family Dynamics Challenge
Children's Emotional Issues My family consists of three generations living together. I have two daughters who are twins (the older one looks like me, while the younger one resembles their father). Due to financial considerations, I take care of the children myself. The young...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Twin Mother, Thank you for your hard work. The differing parenting styles between generations in your household often lead to behavioral issues in children, which can create a tense atmosphere at home. Over time, these problems, as you have observed, tend to worsen. I recom...[Read More] Managing Emotional Issues in Children: A Family Dynamics Challenge
Overcoming Fear of Bowel Movements in Young Children: A Guide for Parents
Fear of constipation My child is currently 2 years and 10 months old. Since starting solid foods after one year, their fluid intake has been insufficient, leading to frequent constipation. We began potty training in April of this year, but initially, my child resisted sitting on ...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Parent, Your child has already associated an unpleasant experience with bowel movements. On one hand, please discuss with a pediatrician whether medication could help alleviate their physiological discomfort. On the other hand, whenever the child successfully uses the toil...[Read More] Overcoming Fear of Bowel Movements in Young Children: A Guide for Parents
Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Does this qualify as a mental illness? Hello, doctor. I have two personal issues I would like to seek help with. Thank you! The first issue is that I have been very shy since childhood. In kindergarten, I was unable to speak to my teachers or classmates, not even a single word,...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Joyce, your anxiety and unpleasant experiences at home may be interconnected. Growing up under the negative influence of your father and sister has likely contributed to your lack of confidence and sense of security. It sounds like your family story is quite lengthy and the...[Read More] Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Understanding Children's Attachment to Objects: A Guide for Parents
Childhood fetishism Hello Dr. Song, My only son is currently in the sixth grade. Before he turned two and a half, he spent 24 hours a day at a nanny's house (only coming home on weekends). Compared to other children, he is not very sociable and tends to be timid. Perhaps he...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Mother, Based on your description, it seems that your child has a close relationship with you and lacks a sense of security. Regarding the hoarding of clothes you mentioned, I wonder how severe it is? If it’s just one or two old garments that your child is reluctant to part...[Read More] Understanding Children's Attachment to Objects: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Nighttime Loneliness: Insights from Psychiatry
Feeling lonely? I have been feeling a bit lonely at night lately, wishing someone were by my side. However, I don't experience this feeling during the day; it only happens at night.
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, after reading your statement, I'm not sure what medical issue you are inquiring about. I can only sense your loneliness at night, and I wish you the best in finding a good partner or a comforting source for your soul. Dr. Song.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Loneliness: Insights from Psychiatry
Managing Sleep Medications for Addiction Recovery: What Patients Need to Know
Sleeping pills Can individuals in recovery from addiction receive a larger prescription of controlled sleeping pills during their hospital visits? Major hospitals typically prescribe a maximum of two pills per day, which is insufficient for those in recovery. My friend successful...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello: Major hospitals' addiction or substance abuse outpatient clinics are generally willing to assist individuals who are motivated to overcome their addiction. Regarding the prescription of FM2, the regulations vary by institution; for instance, our hospital has long ceas...[Read More] Managing Sleep Medications for Addiction Recovery: What Patients Need to Know
Navigating Teen Internet Addiction: Balancing Control and Communication
Adolescent Internet Addiction Hello, my son is currently in his teenage years and often exhibits rebellious behavior. Recently, he has been spending a lot of time online on his phone. Although I try to control his internet usage at home, many convenience stores offer free Wi-Fi, ...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Parents, Dealing with a teenager can be challenging, especially when it comes to their lack of self-control with internet usage, which is a common concern for many parents. I recommend taking your child to a pediatric psychiatrist or a child and adolescent mental health spe...[Read More] Navigating Teen Internet Addiction: Balancing Control and Communication
Understanding Wall Scratching Behavior in Anxious Second Graders
The behavior of elementary school students picking at the wall? Dear Dr. Song, Hello. My son is a second-grade elementary school student. He has an introverted personality, is timid, and easily anxious. During a casual conversation yesterday, he mentioned that during recess, he ...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear concerned parents, it is quite common for children in the preschool to elementary school stages to exhibit some repetitive behaviors; however, this does not necessarily indicate a pathological condition. If these repetitive behaviors are affecting the child's normal act...[Read More] Understanding Wall Scratching Behavior in Anxious Second Graders
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: Tips for Relief
Withdrawal from St. John's Wort? The doctor originally prescribed me to take Keryon (an antidepressant) twice a day for about six months. During my follow-up appointment last week, the doctor changed the dosage to once a day, instructing me to take it in the morning and skip...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, during the process of tapering off the medication, discomfort usually gradually decreases within two weeks. If you are experiencing significant discomfort, you can increase the dinner dose back to half a tablet and schedule an earlier appointment with your attending physic...[Read More] Managing Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: Tips for Relief
Understanding Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Depression: Key Insights
Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Depression Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions, as my attending physician is in Taipei and I am studying in Chiayi. 1. Is social anxiety disorder considered a type of panic disorder? 2. Can panic disorder and depress...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Gao, I apologize for not being an expert in this area. If you have seen my profile, I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and I am happy to answer your questions regarding autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral and emotional dis...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Depression: Key Insights
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Psychiatric Medications?
Zanax and Klonopin alcohol consumption? If I take the medication twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, does that mean I cannot drink alcohol on the days I take the medication? Or can I drink a few hours after taking the medication? Thank you for your response,...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Due to the varying rates of metabolism for drugs and alcohol among individuals, it is still advisable for you not to consume alcohol, especially without a clear understanding of your health condition. Dr. Song.[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Psychiatric Medications?
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Xanax and Celexa?
Zanax and Klonopin alcohol consumption? Due to social anxiety disorder, the doctor prescribed Xanax 0.5 mg to be taken once in the morning and once in the evening, totaling twice a day. Additionally, they prescribed Cymbalta 12.5 mg, also to be taken once in the morning and once ...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Gao, it is indeed not advisable to suddenly discontinue Xanax after using it for more than six months, as this can lead to various uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. I recommend that you discuss with your physician about gradually tapering the dosage before stopping the...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Xanax and Celexa?
Can Xanax Alone Cure Panic Disorder? Exploring Treatment Options
Can taking only Xanax treat panic disorder? I have been taking Xanax 0.25 mg, 2 to 2.5 pills daily, previously taking 3 to 3.5 pills a day before tapering down. I have been on it for about a year, and the doctor I consulted told me that I could recover from my condition without t...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Xiaomi, regarding your concerns about medication, generally speaking, we do not encourage patients to use Xanax long-term. It is typically used during the initial treatment phase, while transitioning to a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the later stages, along with behavior...[Read More] Can Xanax Alone Cure Panic Disorder? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Side Effects and Dependency of Klonopin and Zoloft
Kava (Piper methysticum) I have been taking these two medications for almost six months. The doctor diagnosed me with social anxiety disorder. There was a time when I thought I could skip taking them for two or three days since I wasn't going out, but later I started experie...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Mr. Gao, Since you did not specify the medication you are taking, it is difficult to determine whether your condition is related. However, I recommend two things: 1. Discuss with your prescribing physician whether the medication is suitable for long-term use and if there a...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects and Dependency of Klonopin and Zoloft
Understanding the Risks of Stopping Anxiety Medication: Key Insights
Issues related to discontinuation of medication? Hello Doctor: I have been taking medication for anxiety for several months, and after noticing an improvement in my symptoms, I stopped taking the medication on my own for six months (I have felt normal during this time). Will this...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, if your anxiety disorder is no longer a concern, then there is certainly no need for medication. Some psychiatric medications require a gradual tapering off, so it is best to discuss the discontinuation method with your treating physician before making any changes. As for ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Stopping Anxiety Medication: Key Insights
Managing Anxiety Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Medication Use During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy Dear Doctor: I am currently 22 weeks pregnant. I have a history of panic disorder and was treated for a year, after which I stabilized and stopped medication. However, I started experiencing anxiety and tension in the fourth...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
The use of medications during pregnancy indeed raises concerns for every expectant mother. The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) classifies the safety of medications for pregnant women into five categories: A, B, C, D, and X. Below are the classification standards for each ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Facing Loneliness: Concerns About Being Single in Your 30s
I am alone? Doctor, I am worried that if I remain unmarried in my thirties, when my sister gets married and my parents, who are closest to me, pass away, I will be left all alone in the house. I fear that not getting married will be a mistake, and I am afraid of facing the world ...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Your question may not be one that can be answered by psychiatry. No one can guarantee that married life will be happy or free from loneliness. If you are looking for a partner to share your life with, there are many matchmaking agencies that can help you find a suitable match. Si...[Read More] Facing Loneliness: Concerns About Being Single in Your 30s
Navigating Loneliness: Seeking Help for Social Isolation and Mental Health
From childhood to adulthood? Since childhood, I haven't had many friends and my interactions with classmates have not been good. I tend to struggle with making friends, and perhaps because of this, my parents arranged for me to help out in the family store. Due to my solitar...
Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, it seems that you are accustomed to being independent. As long as you lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, it is not necessary to have the same thoughts as everyone else or to pursue social integration. If you are facing difficulties with interpersonal skills and communi...[Read More] Navigating Loneliness: Seeking Help for Social Isolation and Mental Health