Understanding Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?
Thank you, Dr. Wang, for your assistance? Could I ask Dr. Wang again if my behavior of repeatedly checking things is due to my overly anxious or perfectionist personality? (This happens only for things I care about.) Moreover, it seems to occur only in certain specific situations...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Executive Yuan Health Department: I apologize if my previous response was misleading. The differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes many conditions (including obsessive-compuls...[Read More] Understanding Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?
Understanding Anxiety: Insights from Dr. Wang on OCD Misdiagnosis
Thank you, Dr. Wang Chong-Ren, for your accurate insights? I am the previous questioner, and I do tend to get anxious and strive for perfection in things I care about. Dr. Wang pointed out a long-standing doubt in my mind; I have been "doubting" that some of my symptoms...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren of the Psychiatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello! It seems that you have found the "key" within yourself, congratulations! The uncertainties of the external world often lead us to self-doubt, making us freq...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Insights from Dr. Wang on OCD Misdiagnosis
Understanding OCD Symptoms: Personal Experiences and Genetic Concerns
Please provide more context or details about the situation you would like to inquire about? The situation began 18 years ago when I was in the second year of high school at Taichung First Senior High School. I remember that afternoon I was studying geography at school, but the cl...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Executive Yuan Health Department: Hello, Based on the symptoms you described, it seems that your issues may be related to a personality that tends to be neurotic or overly perfectionistic. These traits ca...[Read More] Understanding OCD Symptoms: Personal Experiences and Genetic Concerns
Can Magnetic Therapy Cure My Chronic Depression? A Patient's Plea
If you can cure my illness, I will kneel and bow to you from my home to your hospital? Symptoms: I am 38 years old and have suffered from severe depression for 18 years. It took 5 years of treatment to improve (though not completely cured). I experienced relapses 8 years ago and ...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Jeff, From your letter, it is clear that your depression is likely chronic and recurrent, and I understand that it has caused you considerable distress and frustration over time. I believe you and your physicians have worked together to address this issue. However, accordin...[Read More] Can Magnetic Therapy Cure My Chronic Depression? A Patient's Plea
Coping with Longing for Your Child: A Guide for Parents with Mental Health Issues
Missing my child? Dr. Wang, I have a thirteen-year-old son, but he is with my husband’s family. I have a mental health condition, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed with longing for my child and don’t know what to do.
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, We understand that you miss your child but are unable to visit, and we empathize with your feelings of distress. However, if your longing becomes overwhelming, it is impo...[Read More] Coping with Longing for Your Child: A Guide for Parents with Mental Health Issues
Can Panic and Anxiety Disorders Improve Without Medication?
Regarding issues of panic and anxiety disorders? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, if a patient experiences symptoms of panic and anxiety, can they recover on their own without medication, or is medication treatment "absolutely" necessary?
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Sir/Madam, Greetings from the Department of Psychiatry at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Transient feelings of anxiety and panic can be normal emotional responses or temporary maladaptive reactions. Some individuals may find relief through stress managem...[Read More] Can Panic and Anxiety Disorders Improve Without Medication?
Managing Panic Disorder During Pregnancy: Safety of Medications
Issues of Panic Disorder During Pregnancy I previously suffered from panic disorder and have been off medication for a while after treatment. However, I occasionally feel uncomfortable or experience episodes (or take preventive measures before flying or traveling) and may take me...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiaoru, The safety of medication during pregnancy should be discussed and decided between the patient and the physician. It is best for you to inform both your psychiatrist and obstetrician about your condition, so they can weigh the risks of not taking medication versus ta...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder During Pregnancy: Safety of Medications
Understanding Neck Stiffness: Anxiety or Underlying Condition?
Neck stiffness lasting for more than two weeks? In the past month, I have been experiencing frequent neck stiffness. It started about a month ago after a day of severe dizziness. I underwent various tests, including blood tests, CT scans, X-rays, and an electrocardiogram, and the...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Chien-Li, Chronic meningitis is mostly caused by infections and can present with symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, headache, diplopia, and altered consciousness. Patients typically exhibit signs of infection, and neck stiffness is just one of the symptoms; it cannot s...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness: Anxiety or Underlying Condition?
Overcoming Communication Struggles: Seeking Help for Expressive Challenges
Strange? Hello Dr. Chong-Jen: I have a question that has been bothering me for a long time, which is my verbal communication skills. I always feel that I cannot express my inner thoughts completely, and this feeling is very painful. There are many contradictions within me, and it...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen of the Psychiatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hello. Based on the content of your letter, it seems that you are continuously troubled by not knowing how to express your thoughts or feelings, which has led to a buildup o...[Read More] Overcoming Communication Struggles: Seeking Help for Expressive Challenges
Understanding Mental Health Costs and Medication Options in Taiwan
Could you please clarify what you mean by "精神費用"? In general, for large hospitals such as Miaoli Provincial Hospital or Toufen Weigong Hospital, if you have National Health Insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses for a psychiatric consultation typically range from a few h...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Andy, Regarding the portion of expenses not covered by the National Health Insurance, it is important to first check if you have a catastrophic illness card. If not, the costs may vary depending on the level of the hospital. For example, at Miaoli Hospital, which is a regio...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Costs and Medication Options in Taiwan
Understanding Mood Swings: Coping with Pre-Menstrual Emotional Struggles
Why do I feel so stuffy? Why is it always difficult to interact with others? During the two weeks before my period, I feel extremely moody, prone to overthinking, and tend to get stuck on trivial matters. I hesitate to chat with people, even when there’s nothing significant happe...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiaoting, Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Department of Psychiatry at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, would like to address your concerns. You may first want to determine whether your feelings of sadness (depression?) occur frequently in the two weeks prior to ...[Read More] Understanding Mood Swings: Coping with Pre-Menstrual Emotional Struggles
Understanding Attention Issues: Are They Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Inattention Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask you if being in a prolonged state of deep thought is a symptom of schizophrenia? Additionally, when I participate in classroom activities, I find it very difficult to concentrate when the teacher is lecturing, and I am very afraid o...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Bean Sprout, This is Dr. Wang Chong-Jen from the Psychiatry Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. I am writing in response to your letter regarding your frequent episodes of deep thinking, difficulty concentrating, and fear of making eye contact wit...[Read More] Understanding Attention Issues: Are They Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Is Fear of Ghosts a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Phobias and Anxiety
Is being afraid of ghosts a disorder? Hello Dr. Wang: It seems that I have been very afraid of ghosts since elementary school, which has caused me some distress. I experience the following situations: 1. I am afraid of the dark and dolls with human-like faces (such as porcelain d...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen of the Psychiatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: Regarding your concerns about fear of ghosts and darkness, it is common for many people to have similar experiences during childhood. However, your issue seems to be persi...[Read More] Is Fear of Ghosts a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Phobias and Anxiety
Is Taking 60mg of Prozac Safe for Your Stomach and Kidneys?
Is taking 60mg of Prozac (Fluoxetine) at once harmful? Hello Doctor: I have been taking three 20mg capsules of Prozac and one coated tablet of De-Anxi before bed for several months. I would like to know if this could harm my stomach or kidneys. Sometimes, after taking them, I exp...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear GHL, Dr. Wang Chong-Jen from the Department of Psychiatry at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, would like to inform you that a small number of individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion) on an empty stomach. It ma...[Read More] Is Taking 60mg of Prozac Safe for Your Stomach and Kidneys?
New Approaches to Treating Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
New Treatments for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by palpitations for a long time, but after examination at the hospital, the doctor said it was due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Recently, I found information online about a so-cal...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Olive, Regarding the retrogressive neurotherapy you mentioned, it has not been addressed in current psychiatric textbooks, so I am unable to provide any feedback, and I apologize for that. Indeed, "autonomic nervous system dysregulation" is often caused by many un...[Read More] New Approaches to Treating Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Finding Joy in Solitude: Coping Strategies for Mental Health
I have seen a psychologist? Due to severe social exclusion, I have seen a psychologist, but the issues remain the same. Medication has not helped either. I am considering living a solitary life, and I wonder how to get through days without companionship. Are there activities that...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Psychiatry Department of Tainan Hospital replies: Hello, it is difficult to understand your concerns from your letter. However, it seems that you are somewhat disappointed with your current medication and psychotherapy, which may indicate a treatment p...[Read More] Finding Joy in Solitude: Coping Strategies for Mental Health
Navigating Medication Choices in Mental Health: A Patient's Dilemma
Question Hello Dr. Wang, I have a few situations regarding my condition that I would like to consult with you. I had been taking Xanax for a period of time, but recently I accidentally lost the medication. My previous doctor had helped me a lot, so I didn't return for a foll...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Sun, This is Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Psychiatry Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. Currently, for mental health disorders, psychiatrists primarily assess and treat patients from physiological, psychological, and social-family perspectives, mainly focus...[Read More] Navigating Medication Choices in Mental Health: A Patient's Dilemma
Is It Depression or Just Heartache? Understanding Your Feelings
Have you changed your depression? I recently developed feelings for a classmate. We don't interact much at school, but we chat almost every day through instant messaging. However, whenever he comes online and doesn't message me or replies slowly, I start to feel upset, ...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiaoshang, I feel that your recent correspondence indicates you may be experiencing feelings of depression due to an unrequited love encountered online. Every young person seeks emotional support, but such feelings are often elusive and difficult to grasp, especially in onl...[Read More] Is It Depression or Just Heartache? Understanding Your Feelings
How to Encourage a Mentally Ill Neighbor to Seek Medical Help?
How to compel "her" to seek medical treatment? Hello, there is a female mental health patient living downstairs from my parents' home. During her episodes, she makes "false" accusations against my elderly parents, claiming that there are loud noises comin...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiaoxue, Regarding the issue you raised, you may contact the local health office or health bureau. Please have a public health nurse visit to understand the situation (preferably during working hours). After hours, you can call 119 or your local police department. If there ...[Read More] How to Encourage a Mentally Ill Neighbor to Seek Medical Help?
Signs You Might Be Struggling with Depression: A Personal Journey
Do I have depression? Hello Doctor, I have taken some online assessments, and the results indicate that I should seek medical attention. Since December of last year, I have become reluctant to go out; I avoid going out unless absolutely necessary and have isolated myself in my do...
Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Manager, Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Department of Psychiatry at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, would like to address you: Your mental health condition indeed requires proactive medical attention. You are aware that you are experiencing depression, losing ...[Read More] Signs You Might Be Struggling with Depression: A Personal Journey