Managing Medication Dosage for Bipolar Disorder: When to Consult Your Doctor
Medication dosage Hello, I have been seeing a psychiatrist for six months, and I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Currently, I am in a depressive episode. I have been switched to taking two tablets of Bupropion in the morning, half a tablet of Lamotrigine, one tablet of...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello, some of these medications may cause side effects such as rapid heartbeat and tremors in a small number of individuals. It is advisable to keep a record of the medication taken, the dosage, and the timing of these symptoms. Then, discuss this with your physician. If the sym...[Read More] Managing Medication Dosage for Bipolar Disorder: When to Consult Your Doctor
Should You Take Anxiety Medication? Assessing Your Needs and Concerns
How to determine if you should take anti-anxiety medication? I have always been a person who is easily nervous and anxious. My current profession is a teacher. In my first year after entering the workforce, I struggled with my abilities and did not perform well in many tasks, whi...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello. If we view psychiatric medications (especially the stigmatized benzodiazepines used for sedation, sleep, and relaxation) as just a common tool to help improve functionality, it becomes clear that we should use this tool when there is impairment in (daily life, work, academ...[Read More] Should You Take Anxiety Medication? Assessing Your Needs and Concerns
Overcoming Life's Challenges: A Journey Through Mental Health and Employment
Living conditions Hello, doctor. I am a patient with a handbook. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 23 years. My mother passed away in 1996, which was a significant blow to me! I have a handbook, and during my military service, I was bullied by enemies, which led to my dischar...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello, thank you for your sharing. It is truly not easy to persist and strive for improvement in the face of health challenges. Wishing you all the best. Tang Chia-Hong.[Read More] Overcoming Life's Challenges: A Journey Through Mental Health and Employment
Managing Emotional Instability in Rare Disease Patients During Pandemic
Emotional instability I have been a patient with a rare disease for a long time and have been taking medication to control my epilepsy. Before the pandemic, I had only mild delays in job opportunities, which occurred once every six months. Currently, I can only complete half of m...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: Your condition should first be evaluated and managed by a neurologist for epilepsy. Once the epilepsy is under stable control, an assessment of emotional and cognitive functions can be conducted to determine if treatment improvements are possible. It may be necessary to ad...[Read More] Managing Emotional Instability in Rare Disease Patients During Pandemic
Can Individuals with Mild Schizophrenia Work as Public Servants?
Can individuals with mild schizophrenia work as civil servants? Hello Doctor: I am considering taking the national civil service examination for general candidates in the coming years. However, I am concerned about how to respond to supervisors regarding my medical condition if I...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: Mental health professionals should encourage patients to try employment within their capabilities and suitable conditions. However, issues related to the appointment of civil servants may involve regulations under the Civil Service Employment Act, which is beyond our profe...[Read More] Can Individuals with Mild Schizophrenia Work as Public Servants?
Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Becomes a Daily Struggle
Psychological issues Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask. 1. I have a personality that is easily worried and fearful, but in the past few months, I have noticed that my anxiety is starting to affect my life. For example, I am very afraid to go out (it's easier for m...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. Whenever psychological conditions impact daily life, we may suspect that they have reached a symptomatic level, necessitating adjustment or seeking help. It is not necessarily classified as a disorder, as a comprehensive evaluation of other symptoms is required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Becomes a Daily Struggle
Is It Time to Seek Help? Understanding Mental Health Concerns
Should I see a doctor? Hello Doctor: My family member, a 26-year-old male, has been observed to spend all his time alone in his room (only leaving to use the bathroom or buy takeout) since graduating from university at 22. He currently claims he is preparing for a higher-level ex...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: Currently, it seems that this situation is quite different from most people's lives. However, he has neither harmed himself nor others, and he is able to maintain his physical condition and live alone for extended periods. The impact of his poor emotional state is tha...[Read More] Is It Time to Seek Help? Understanding Mental Health Concerns
Understanding Diagnosis and Medication Guidance for Delusional Disorder
Diagnosis and Medication Education I am currently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but I don't have any delusions; rather, I consider myself a very realistic person. This diagnosis and the medication make me feel anxious and panicked, so I often search online for infor...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: You can actually ask the physician why they made this diagnosis and inquire whether they believe you have symptoms of delusions or hallucinations. Delusions are beliefs that you hold, which most people find illogical, but at least you can listen to others' opinions an...[Read More] Understanding Diagnosis and Medication Guidance for Delusional Disorder
Studying Abroad with Schizophrenia: Challenges and Solutions
Schizophrenia and issues related to studying abroad! Hello Dr. Tang, I am a 40-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia, and I have been dealing with this condition for about 16 years. I initially experienced symptoms such as flat affect, delayed responses, delusions, and audi...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: Regarding medications, according to the National Health Insurance Administration's website: "Chronic patients with continuous prescriptions who are scheduled to travel abroad, return to offshore islands, or are crew members of deep-sea fishing vessels or internat...[Read More] Studying Abroad with Schizophrenia: Challenges and Solutions
Can Stopping Seroquel Suddenly Cause Delusions?
Discontinuation of Sikkim? Hello doctor, can suddenly stopping the use of Seroquel lead to the emergence of delusional symptoms? (There were no delusional symptoms prior to taking it.)
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is difficult to distinguish whether the symptoms are related to the original condition (which often worsens after discontinuation of the medication) or if they are related to the withdrawal from the medication, requiring longer observation. Withdrawal symptoms also enco...[Read More] Can Stopping Seroquel Suddenly Cause Delusions?
Managing Weight Gain on Antipsychotics: Switching Medications Safely
Schizophrenia with acute thought disorder, treated with Lurasidone? Hello Dr. Tang: I have been taking Risperidone for a year since my onset of illness in July 2023. I originally took one and a half pills a day, but I have reduced it to one pill every two days. However, I have ga...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: According to the prescribing information for lurasidone, the average weight gain in the LATUDA treatment group was 0.43 kg, while the average weight loss in the placebo group was 0.02 kg. In short-term placebo-controlled trials for schizophrenia in adults, the incidence of...[Read More] Managing Weight Gain on Antipsychotics: Switching Medications Safely
Overcoming Mental Health Struggles: Finding Hope and Connection
I'm not sure what to do? Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to trouble you again! Ever since I was diagnosed with a mental illness at the age of 20, this condition has been haunting me. Whether it's the stigma or the exemption from military service, it has become a shadow th...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Everyone has the right to pursue love, and many individuals with mental health conditions have found partners; happiness or the ability to give happiness does not necessarily depend on having a high-paying job or a government position. Additionally, being able to maintain a job d...[Read More] Overcoming Mental Health Struggles: Finding Hope and Connection
Understanding Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide
Schizophrenia / Anxiety Disorder / Dementia Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My mother exhibited symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and illusions earlier this year. After seeking medical attention, the doctor diagnosed her with schizophrenia. After over a mont...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
After middle age, if hallucinations or delusions occur, it is advisable to check the brain. Visiting a neurologist is a good option to see if any reversible issues can be identified and addressed. Tremors and slow movements can also be discussed with the neurologist to determine ...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide
Managing Intermittent Anger: Medication Insights and Emotional Balance
Medication Consultation Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing sudden outbursts of anger. I searched online and found information about intermittent explosive disorder, but I believe my situation varies depending on the circumstances. I often lose my temper with family members or...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello, assuming that mood stabilizers are helpful for you. Lamotrigine has mood-stabilizing effects, and its side effects are relatively fewer compared to antipsychotic medications. You can discuss with your physician whether irritability/restlessness is a side effect of Lamotrig...[Read More] Managing Intermittent Anger: Medication Insights and Emotional Balance
Navigating Mental Health Challenges: A Personal Journey of Resilience
Living conditions Hello, Doctor. This is Jason, who previously asked you some questions. Do you remember me? I forgot when my last follow-up appointment was. I apologize; I live in the Northeast Coast area, which is considered the eastern part of Taiwan. I only remember that duri...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: Regarding the difficulties you are currently facing, it is important to prioritize the sources of stress and address them one by one. Additionally, frequently recalling past traumas can be addressed by referring to articles written by professionals online, such as "Ho...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health Challenges: A Personal Journey of Resilience
Struggling with Chronic Mental Health Issues: A Personal Journey
I have been troubled by psychological issues for over ten years? My first visit to a psychiatrist is a bit hazy now; I only remember feeling that my family favored my younger brother over me. This started from fifth grade until the first year of junior high school, and I was diag...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello. Individuals with chronic mental illnesses, like everyone else, deserve to have a happier and more fulfilling life. Based on your description, you may be experiencing depressive symptoms and anxiety. However, if you feel that the medication is not effective, you should disc...[Read More] Struggling with Chronic Mental Health Issues: A Personal Journey
Understanding Non-Specific Psychotic Disorders: Clarifying Terminology and Symptoms
Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder Is non-specific psychosis an old term for atypical psychosis? Does it refer to conditions that are not necessarily schizophrenia? Could you please provide a detailed explanation of non-specific psychosis? Thank you.
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello: Schizophrenia, unspecified (F20.9), falls within the category of schizophrenia. It must meet the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, such as the presence of hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms, with at least two o...[Read More] Understanding Non-Specific Psychotic Disorders: Clarifying Terminology and Symptoms
Seeking Help: Coping with Anxiety and Self-Harm in Mental Health
I would like to inquire about psychological counseling issues? I have been feeling anxious frequently and have been engaging in self-harm. It seems to calm the anxiety in the moment, and what initially felt like just small marks has turned into a pattern. When I get angry again, ...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello. Based on your age, it is recommended that you visit a hospital that has a child and adolescent psychiatry department, which is typically available at medical centers. Family support is very beneficial for mental health, so it is advisable to discuss your decision to seek t...[Read More] Seeking Help: Coping with Anxiety and Self-Harm in Mental Health
Managing Mood Disorders: Navigating Medication Side Effects and Adjustments
The medication doesn't seem to be effective, and increasing the dosage makes me feel uncomfortable? Hello, doctor. I am being treated for bipolar disorder and I am taking half a tablet of Lurasidone along with other medications for anxiety and heart rhythm. Last week during ...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
According to the lurasidone prescribing information, the incidence of dizziness at doses of 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg is 6%, 4%, and 4%, respectively. The incidence of drowsiness at these doses is 15%, 16%, and 15%. If symptoms resolve upon discontinuation of the medication and reappe...[Read More] Managing Mood Disorders: Navigating Medication Side Effects and Adjustments
Can You Donate Blood While Taking Medication for Bipolar Disorder?
Can individuals taking medication for bipolar disorder donate blood? Hello, I am a nurse. Due to a long period of not communicating with my husband and having no common ground, I have developed thoughts of wanting a divorce and have already considered my path after the divorce. H...
Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello, it is currently difficult to determine a diagnosis. In my personal opinion, medication can be considered a tool; if it is effective and has no side effects, why not use it? Regarding blood donation, although the "Taiwan Blood Services Foundation > Medication Guidel...[Read More] Can You Donate Blood While Taking Medication for Bipolar Disorder?