Understanding Paranoia: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Families
Paranoia Dr. Tang: Hello! My mother is 61 years old, and she frequently suspects my father of having an affair, often targeting the more lively women or widows in the village as her suspects. My father's response to her suspicions has led to frequent arguments, creating a ch...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Sally: How long has your mother been experiencing this condition? If it has been for a long time, it may be related to a personality tendency towards jealousy, leading to delusions of jealousy. If it is a recent development, we should consider the possibility of a brain diso...[Read More] Understanding Paranoia: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Families
Understanding Severe Sexual Fantasies: How to Support Your Partner
Severity fantasy I am very sad and distressed, not knowing how to accept and help my boyfriend, who has developed a severe sexual fantasy disorder! I sincerely hope to help him, but I don't know what to do! I only discovered this when discussing marriage with him; he has bee...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Ms. Tseng, Regarding your boyfriend's issues, it seems that his internal thoughts (having had sexual experiences with many girls since elementary school) may not reflect reality. Does he often experience sexual impulses? This could potentially be a disorder. I recommen...[Read More] Understanding Severe Sexual Fantasies: How to Support Your Partner
Understanding Lucid Dreams: Why You Realize You're Dreaming
Lucid dreaming Hello, doctor. I have a question. While dreaming, I can accurately recognize that I am dreaming, and it's a bit hard to explain. For example, when I was younger, I had a nightmare related to "ghosts," but strangely, halfway through the dream, a voice...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: It is completely normal to dream while sleeping; everyone dreams every night, although in most cases, we do not remember the content of our dreams. Sometimes we do recall our dreams, particularly if we wake up suddenly during certain stages of sleep (when dreaming oc...[Read More] Understanding Lucid Dreams: Why You Realize You're Dreaming
Addressing Behavioral Issues in Adolescents: A Guide for Educators
Adolescent Issues Dear Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding a student at our school who has been experiencing various behavioral issues since he started first grade last year. Due to his poor conduct, he has been retained in the same grade and is currently still a first...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Teacher Chen, It is rare to see such concern for your students. Based on your description of the student's behavioral issues, it appears that this student is experiencing difficulties with adaptation and impulse control, as well as a low tolerance for frustration. Sinc...[Read More] Addressing Behavioral Issues in Adolescents: A Guide for Educators
Understanding Sleep Disorders and Medication Side Effects in Depression
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Tang: I am a patient with severe depression and have been on medication for over a year, specifically Seroxat and Stilnox. Since November of last year, I have noticed that my sleep has been deteriorating, so I started taking an extra Stilnox on m...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend, In your recent letter, you inquired about two medications: Seroxat and Stilnox. Seroxat is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, which theoretically may have an appetite-suppressing effect (contrary to your situation). Stilnox, also known a...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders and Medication Side Effects in Depression
Seeking Guidance: Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Taiwan
Please advise? Dear Dr. Tang, I apologize for bothering you again, but I truly don't know what to do and would like to hear your opinion. 1. My attending physician is able to treat my physical illness (referring to my current non-illness), but he cannot address my psychol...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, Your first concern seems to stem from the belief that your issues are a result of your former boss treating you poorly, which has exacerbated your condition and led you to adopt a self-isolating approach, making it difficult for you to heed others' advice or ...[Read More] Seeking Guidance: Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Taiwan
Understanding Clomipramine: Uses, Effects, and Mechanism of Action
Clomipramine Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and certain anxiety disorders. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCAs) marketed under the brand name Anafranil. It has antidepressant effects, particularly effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and trichotillomania. However, it is associated with significant sedati...[Read More] Understanding Clomipramine: Uses, Effects, and Mechanism of Action
Understanding Dogmatyl: Uses, Side Effects, and ADHD Connections
Several questions? 1. Dogmatyl is used to treat conditions such as anxiety and certain types of depression. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances. There is a potential for dependence, especially with prolonged use, so ...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: The medication you inquired about, Dogmatyl (Chinese name: 脫蒙治), has several functions. Gastroenterologists use it to suppress gastric acid secretion and treat peptic ulcers, with a typical dosage of less than 300 mg. In psychiatry, it can be used to treat depression...[Read More] Understanding Dogmatyl: Uses, Side Effects, and ADHD Connections
Understanding Excessive Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions for Better Living
Sleeping continuously? Hello Doctor: I see many friends struggling with insomnia, but I have the opposite problem of excessive sleepiness. I sleep over 8 hours every night, yet I still feel very sleepy in the morning. This has severely affected my ability to attend classes and my...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Sleepy: Based on your description, your issue may be a condition clinically referred to as "primary hypersomnia." Patients typically do not have difficulty falling asleep and their sleep quality is generally good, but they find it hard to wake up in the morning and...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions for Better Living
Coping Strategies for Depression: Managing Self-Harm Thoughts
I would like to inquire about issues related to depressive episodes in depression? I'm a patient with depression, and sometimes I become aware that my thoughts are constantly leaning towards self-harm, but I find myself unable to control it. What can I do in such situations?...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Miss Liao, After reading your letter, it seems that the people around you do not fully understand you, and their support appears to be limited, or they may not be able to provide you with sufficient help. This has left you feeling lonely and helpless. It also seems that you...[Read More] Coping Strategies for Depression: Managing Self-Harm Thoughts
Overcoming Fear: Treatment Options for Anxiety and Phobias
Can fear be treated? Dr. Tang: Hello, I am a patient with schizophrenia and have been taking Olanzapine for many years with good results. However, I have noticed that as I grow older, my fears have intensified. For example, I have been afraid of dogs since childhood; whenever I s...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Weiwei, It seems that you have been troubled by "fear," which is increasingly affecting your life. This "fear" appears to have been present since childhood. I wonder if it is related to the symptoms of your schizophrenia. Have you considered how your &qu...[Read More] Overcoming Fear: Treatment Options for Anxiety and Phobias
Understanding Dopamine: Its Role and Function in the Brain
What is dopamine? Could you please explain how dopamine functions in the brain?
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: I apologize for the issues with the previously sent information (which included images), which caused a delay in my response! Regarding your question about dopamine (abbreviated as DA), it is a very important monoamine neurotransmitter in the brain, widely but uneven...[Read More] Understanding Dopamine: Its Role and Function in the Brain
Understanding the Side Effects and Risks of Wellbutrin Use
Side effects of Prozac? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about the medication Wellbutrin (Bupropion). What are its side effects, and how toxic is it? Are there any special contraindications or long-term effects? I have been taking Wellbutrin for eight years, from 1995 until...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: You inquired about the side effects of long-term use of Prozac (fluoxetine). After reviewing some literature, I have summarized the findings as follows: Gastrointestinal side effects (more common, occurring in up to 20% of patients): nausea, decreased appetite, and...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects and Risks of Wellbutrin Use
Rescheduling Mental Health Appointment Due to Military Service
I received my military enlistment order to serve on December 19th? Dear Dr. Tang, I am Mr. Lin, who originally scheduled an appointment for December 25th. However, I received my military enlistment notice and will need to serve starting December 19th. I would like to know if I s...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Mr. Lin: I checked the outpatient schedule, and I suggest you come for your appointment on Monday, December 16th, in the morning. Wishing you all the best![Read More] Rescheduling Mental Health Appointment Due to Military Service
Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Please feel free to ask me any questions? Hello, Doctor: I sent an email yesterday and received your reply today. I am truly grateful. Let me explain my situation. Recently, I have been excessively preoccupied with both significant and trivial matters, unable to stop thinking abo...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: It is still difficult to conclude whether the issues you mentioned in your letter are related to "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder." However, your concerns include anxiety, repetitive checking, frequent mood disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating...[Read More] Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Choosing the Right Mental Health Facility: Hospitals vs. Clinics
Where is the most appropriate place to seek medical attention? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if there are psychiatric services available in small hospitals and clinics, in addition to large hospitals? If so, will the quality of the physicians and the facilities be inferior? ...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend, The treatment of mental illness, like other diseases (especially chronic conditions), requires establishing a trusting and ongoing therapeutic relationship with a physician. This is because the same physician can have a more comprehensive understanding of an individ...[Read More] Choosing the Right Mental Health Facility: Hospitals vs. Clinics
Overcoming Loneliness as an Immigrant: A Journey to Mental Wellness
The loneliness of being in a foreign land? Hello, doctor. I am a Taiwanese bride who moved to the United States and have been living here for six months. I am not working and am taking computer courses in the evenings. My English is not very good, and I am the only Asian person i...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Tian Tian: "Alone in a foreign land as a stranger" may indeed reflect your current state of mind. Life progresses through the many connections and disconnections in our relationships. Different relationships signify various role changes; for instance, the birth of ...[Read More] Overcoming Loneliness as an Immigrant: A Journey to Mental Wellness
Coping with Mental Health Challenges in a Stressful Work Environment
Environmental adaptation Hello, Dr. Tang: Recently, I started working in Keelung, but since I am not dealing with business materials, I resigned after just two days. After interacting with many people in business, I realized that my thoughts are completely different from those of...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, Life is inherently filled with disappointments, as the saying goes, "In life, eight or nine out of ten things do not go as we wish." You may not have been fully prepared when you left Yilan to work in Keelung, or perhaps the job you took on exceeded your...[Read More] Coping with Mental Health Challenges in a Stressful Work Environment
Coping with Grief and Anger: Finding Purpose After Loss
Please provide the content you Since my grandmother passed away, I feel completely lost and aimless. Then there's the ongoing dispute over the inheritance among my uncles, which has become a huge mess. None of the sons or daughters-in-law showed any filial piety before my gr...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie, It seems that your troubles stem from multiple aspects: health issues, personality traits, family interactions, workplace adjustments, and familial relationships. It appears that you had a close relationship with your grandmother, and her passing has had a signifi...[Read More] Coping with Grief and Anger: Finding Purpose After Loss
Understanding Adjustment Disorders: Symptoms and Connections to IBS
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate "Adjustment disorder" is a psychological condition that occurs when an individual has difficulty coping with a significant life change or stressor. It can manifest as a variety of emotional or behaviora...
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Little One: It seems that your body reacts to stress with symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. The "adjustment disorder" you mentioned is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual as a psychological res...[Read More] Understanding Adjustment Disorders: Symptoms and Connections to IBS