Understanding Nicotine Gum: Benefits, Flavors, and Availability
Regarding nicotine gum? Hello! I would like to know what nicotine gum is. My friend mentioned that it contains nicotine. What does it taste like? Does it have a smoky flavor or is it sweet like regular gum? How does it differ from the gum sold in stores? Does using nicotine gum o...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear friend: The so-called "nicotine gum" refers to chewing tablets that contain nicotine, primarily used to replace the nicotine intake from smoking, in order to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings experienced by smokers during cessation, thus helping them achie...[Read More] Understanding Nicotine Gum: Benefits, Flavors, and Availability
Struggling to Quit Smoking: Overcoming Peer Pressure and Temptation
Quitting smoking is frustrating for me! I have tried many times to quit smoking, but I just can't do it! I know the reason why: one of my family members smokes, and out of my ten friends, eight of them smoke (the ones I hang out with). I think my failure to quit smoking is d...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear friend: I am glad to see you have made the decision to quit smoking, and I understand the conflict and helplessness you feel regarding your girlfriend and friends! The biggest challenge and difficulty in quitting smoking is how to persist and resist environmental temptations...[Read More] Struggling to Quit Smoking: Overcoming Peer Pressure and Temptation
Managing Anxiety and Medication: A Guide for Patients in Crisis
excuse me? Hello Doctor: Happy New Year!!! I apologize for bothering you again. Recently, I've been experiencing constant panic and anxiety, so you changed my medication to Inderal (as needed), Semi-Nax, Seroxat, and Lexotan (2 tablets at bedtime). After taking them last nig...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear A-Rong, I sincerely apologize for my delayed response over the past two months due to my busy work schedule. It seems you are facing numerous challenges, including discomfort from medication, work-related stress, financial pressures, and plans for marriage. I find it diffic...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Medication: A Guide for Patients in Crisis
How to Approach Mental Health Concerns with a Resistant Parent
Could you please provide me with some guidance? My three sisters and I have been wanting to take our mother to see a psychiatrist, but my sister previously suggested it to her, which backfired and led our mother to accuse her of needing to see a doctor instead. Our mother cannot ...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiaoqian, I apologize for the delay in my response over the past two months due to work commitments. Based solely on your description, I cannot determine whether your mother has a mental illness, but it seems that some of her behaviors and fixed ideas have caused significan...[Read More] How to Approach Mental Health Concerns with a Resistant Parent
Understanding My Emotional Struggles: Seeking Help for Relationship Issues
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a diagnosis or medical advice. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment of your condition? Hello, Dr. Tang: I cannot tolerate the tone and expressions my girlfriend uses during arguments; I often feel...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend, I apologize! Based solely on your description, I cannot determine whether your "deviant behavior" is indicative of a specific mental disorder in clinical medicine. However, it seems that you are aware of the vicious cycle between your behaviors and emotion...[Read More] Understanding My Emotional Struggles: Seeking Help for Relationship Issues
Effective Strategies to Quit Smoking After Multiple Attempts
Smoking cessation I want to quit smoking, but I have failed five times. Sigh! How can I quit? I've tried drinking ice water and deep breathing, but nothing seems to work. Are there any other methods? Please help me, thank you!
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear A-Jun, I am glad to hear that you have decided to quit smoking! It seems that you feel frustrated and disappointed with your five unsuccessful attempts. Quitting smoking is not an easy task; the biggest challenges are the numerous temptations in the environment, the easy ac...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Quit Smoking After Multiple Attempts
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms When Quitting Smoking: What to Expect
Symptoms of smoking cessation? Hello, doctor: I feel uncomfortable when I try to quit smoking. According to the information I found online, withdrawal symptoms include: poor mental state, insomnia, dry mouth, coughing, irritability, restlessness, increased anger, depression, feel...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear Xiao Lin, I am very glad that you have decided to quit smoking and that you are encouraging your boyfriend to quit as well. Working together and supporting each other will increase your chances of success! Quitting smoking can lead to withdrawal symptoms primarily caused by...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms When Quitting Smoking: What to Expect
Am I Sick? Understanding When to Seek Help for Mental Health
Is it a disease? Should I see a doctor? What can a doctor do to help me? Am I really sick? Everything in life seems to have less meaning to me; losing him makes me wonder what the point is in trying or being strong. Day and night, I can't think of anything else. I don't...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Fan-er, It seems that you are experiencing a significant loss in your life. This loss appears to have been affecting you for quite some time, leading your emotions to plummet. It seems that your daily routines, social interactions, and important personal roles have been gre...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding When to Seek Help for Mental Health
When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Depression Treatment?
Depression and Hospitalization Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your encouragement during my last visit, which led me to seek timely treatment. Although I have been switching hospitals frequently, I have finally found a suitable one—my condition is gradually stabilizing at the hospit...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Wenwen, I am glad that my suggestions have been helpful to you, and I feel comforted and joyful about your recovery! Patients with depression typically have low hospitalization rates, as many appear to be just like anyone else. Additionally, most psychiatric hospitals requi...[Read More] When Is Hospitalization Necessary for Depression Treatment?
Struggling to Quit Smoking: Coping with Stress and Emotional Challenges
I want to quit... but... due to psychological distress... and high pressure... I can't seem to stop? I used to smoke only occasionally. In fact, I started smoking regularly about 3 to 4 years ago. However, now I am considering quitting due to image concerns and the realizati...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear Ah Sheng, I am glad to hear that you have decided to quit smoking! For many individuals struggling with addiction (including nicotine, alcohol, and drug addiction), the process of overcoming an "addiction" involves facing similar challenges at different stages: ma...[Read More] Struggling to Quit Smoking: Coping with Stress and Emotional Challenges
Understanding Anxiety and Heart Health: A Patient's Journey
It seems that your message Hello Dr. Tang, I originally planned to visit you at the Chianan Rehabilitation Hospital today, but my family insisted that I go to the National Taiwan University Yunlin Branch for a cardiology check-up. The electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-ray results wer...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Hui, Every person who faces a serious illness goes through an emotional process of adjustment and experience regarding the unknowns of life and death. I have described these processes in my response to your first letter. In fact, the family members of the patient are also c...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Heart Health: A Patient's Journey
Why Is Human Blood Red? Exploring Color and Brain Myths
I have a question again!!! Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been troubled by a question: why is the blood of humans and animals red? In movies, aliens or monsters often spray green liquid; why is it not like that in reality? I believe that God created everything for a reason, but I...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear A-Rong: Your questions indeed exceed the scope of what I can answer, which is why I have not responded for a long time. It seems that you often find yourself troubled by these unrealistic, magical, and incomprehensible issues? Or is it really as you wrote: "too idle&quo...[Read More] Why Is Human Blood Red? Exploring Color and Brain Myths
Managing Panic Disorder: When to Consult a Cardiologist?
I have issues with panic disorder? For the past two years, I have been troubled by palpitations and chest tightness. About two years ago, I underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG), a 24-hour Holter monitor, and an echocardiogram, but no abnormalities were found. Later, I learned tha...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Ginny, It seems that your panic disorder has been troubling you for quite some time, and there appears to have been some changes recently? Generally speaking, the most effective treatment for panic disorder currently involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive b...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder: When to Consult a Cardiologist?
Understanding the Link Between Physical Symptoms and Mental Health in Patients
excuse me? Hello, Doctor. I engaged in oral sex with a sex worker at the end of August 2004 without protection, which resulted in persistent pain in my mouth, throat, and tongue. I subsequently visited an otolaryngology clinic, where the doctor performed an endoscopic examination...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear KK, It seems that your concerns began after engaging in unprotected oral sex with a sex worker at the end of August last year? The ENT specialist has examined you and found no issues, but you still feel uneasy? It appears that you are feeling regret, shame, and difficulty i...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Physical Symptoms and Mental Health in Patients
Struggling with Resentment and Regret: A Mental Health Journey
It has started again—my thoughts are racing, and it's so painful! Hello Dr. Tang: 1. I have started to feel hatred again towards people I used to despise, both in the past and present. Whenever I encounter difficulties or see them (or think about them), I find myself quiet...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, It seems that your condition has changed recently. Are there some distressing and sorrowful voices in your mind? You have some negative thoughts that are affecting your mood! Additionally, you have experienced some unpleasant events in the past that you regret, an...[Read More] Struggling with Resentment and Regret: A Mental Health Journey
Helping My Boyfriend Quit Smoking: Natural Methods and Support Tips
I want to help him quit smoking? I want to help my boyfriend quit smoking, but he has been smoking for over ten years. I'm not sure if it will be very difficult for him to quit. Is it really impossible for him to stop? How can I assist him? Are there any better methods? He e...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation
Dear Demon Didi, I am glad that your boyfriend has decided to quit smoking, and I am touched by your willingness to support and assist him in this endeavor! Quitting smoking is not an easy task; the biggest challenge is the numerous temptations in the environment, as cigarettes ...[Read More] Helping My Boyfriend Quit Smoking: Natural Methods and Support Tips
Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
I am sick? Hello Doctor: What are the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder? If someone has panic disorder, will palpitations be severe? Is it necessary to see a cardiologist for diagnosis? Does taking spirulina affect the condition? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear A-Rong, Panic is an inexplicable state of emotional tension and anxiety. When this state occurs repeatedly and affects the individual's daily life, functional performance, and interpersonal relationships, causing distress in various aspects of life and emotions, it is ...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Symptoms: Seeking Answers for Mental Health Struggles
Please provide an answer? Ten years ago, I experienced episodes of tachycardia and a sensation of distortion, prompting me to visit the emergency room. Since then, similar episodes have occurred about four or five times, but I have not experienced them again for the past three ye...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend, It seems that your distress has been ongoing for quite some time. You feel confused about your condition and unsure of what to do, which leaves you feeling helpless and hopeless. Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing "panic disorde...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Symptoms: Seeking Answers for Mental Health Struggles
Understanding the Side Effects of Risperdal: Weight Gain and Concentration Issues
What are the potential side effects of Risperdal? A 53-year-old male patient with jealous-type delusions is taking 1.7 ml of Risperdal daily. What side effects might he experience? Will he gain weight or have difficulty concentrating? Initially, he experienced drowsiness when sta...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear QQ: It seems that you are inquiring about medication for a family member. Risperdal (known in Chinese as "理思必妥") is a novel antipsychotic medication. According to information provided by the manufacturer's branch in Taiwan, common side effects of this medicati...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Risperdal: Weight Gain and Concentration Issues
Managing Autonomic Nervous System Disorders After Liver Surgery
Autonomic nervous system After undergoing surgery for liver cancer in September (a 5 cm liver resection at an early stage), I have been experiencing daily chest tightness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. I have consulted many specialties (cardiology, pulmonology, otolaryngo...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend, Facing a serious illness can be incredibly shocking and frightening at first, especially when confronted with an uncertain future: Will it be completely removed? Will it recur? Are there any postoperative complications? For the vast majority of people, this requires...[Read More] Managing Autonomic Nervous System Disorders After Liver Surgery