Understanding Paranoia: Nightmares and Medication Effects Explained
Paranoid delusions Hello, Doctor: 1. I have nightmares almost every night (earthquakes, tsunamis, plane crashes, being chased, being pursued by ghosts, brake failure... and I usually remember most of them upon waking). I recall feeling fear since elementary school, such as feel...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: Experiencing nightmares consistently is not necessarily a sign of paranoia; it may be related to concerns or worries you have during the day that manifest in your dreams at night. Dreaming about having weak legs is not related to medication. Wishing you a speedy r...[Read More] Understanding Paranoia: Nightmares and Medication Effects Explained
Understanding the Strong Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications
Side effects of medications? Hello Doctor: Recently, every time I eat, my stomach becomes very bloated, and I feel tightness in my chest and heart, especially severe before bedtime. I have seen many gastroenterologists and taken numerous medications prescribed by them, but there ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Escitalopram, known by its brand name, may cause gastrointestinal side effects in a small number of individuals when they first start taking it. However, if one begins with a low dose, such as half a 5 mg tablet taken after meals, side effects are less likely to occur. Typically,...[Read More] Understanding the Strong Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications
Legal Rights of Patients in Psychiatric Hospitals: Understanding Decision-Making Authority
Hello, I would like to inquire about legal issues regarding hospitalization regulations? I would like to inquire whether it is permissible for a psychiatric hospital to stipulate that only the person who admitted a patient can make all decisions regarding the patient, such as vis...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
My understanding is that mental health institutions operate in accordance with the Mental Health Act. However, since I am not a legal expert, I recommend consulting with a legal professional and the relevant authorities in your area (such as the Department of Health).[Read More] Legal Rights of Patients in Psychiatric Hospitals: Understanding Decision-Making Authority
Understanding Self-Harm: Seeking Help for Emotional Pain and Coping
Behavioral abnormalities I have had many negative childhood experiences, and when I am under stress or feeling pain, I tend to resort to masturbation. However, I intentionally cause my body to cramp, believing that the pain can help me let go of things I shouldn't have done ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, everyone: Everyone experiences sexual desire, especially young people. Masturbation or sexual activity is a normal behavior and can indeed have a certain stress-relieving effect. As long as it does not excessively interfere with daily life (for example, multiple times a da...[Read More] Understanding Self-Harm: Seeking Help for Emotional Pain and Coping
Understanding Emotional Instability: Insights on Depression and Coping Strategies
Emotional instability Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I am a patient with depression and I am currently seeing a doctor for mild depression. The earliest uncomfortable symptoms I experienced (stomach pain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain) appeared when I was in the...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, user: I understand that you are feeling unwell, and I hope you can discuss these questions with your doctor, as they are more familiar with your situation. I will do my best to answer your questions one by one. Q: I want to ask the doctor if this is definitely depression...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Insights on Depression and Coping Strategies
Navigating Anxiety Disorders: Medication Options and Expert Advice
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Hello, doctor. During my first visit to a mental health clinic, the physician diagnosed me with mild panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and insomnia (as I often find myself overthinking and feel...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: Anxiety disorders can generally be treated with psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. The first-line pharmacological treatments are SSRIs (commonly used antidepressants) and Venlafaxine (another type of antidepressant). Benzodiazepines are used as a short-term sol...[Read More] Navigating Anxiety Disorders: Medication Options and Expert Advice
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Duration and Management
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) When visiting a family medicine clinic, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is often discussed as a broad condition. It is commonly understood that if medication is prescribed for GAD, the typical treatment duration is around three months, with a...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
For generalized anxiety disorder, it is recommended that medication treatment lasts at least six months. If the medication is discontinued, there is a significant risk of relapse. It is advised to taper off the medication gradually rather than stopping abruptly. Additionally, the...[Read More] Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Duration and Management
Understanding Sleep Issues: Caffeine's Impact and Sleep Disorders
Sleep issues 1. I used to be able to sleep at any time after drinking tea, but this semester, drinking tea (black tea, green tea, milk tea) makes it difficult for me to sleep at night. Could this be due to a slower metabolism? 2. This week (from January 5 to January 9), I often ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
1. In the past, I could drink tea at any time and still sleep well, but this semester, drinking tea (black tea, green tea, milk tea) keeps me awake at night. Is this due to a slower metabolism? Answer: There are many reasons for insomnia. Since drinking tea affects your sleep, it...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: Caffeine's Impact and Sleep Disorders
Understanding Schizophrenia: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Comprehensive questions about schizophrenia? Dear Dr. Wu, Thank you for taking the time to read this. I will first provide a brief overview of my medical history, followed by a list of questions regarding my condition. In March of the year before last, while living alone, I exp...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend: These questions should actually be discussed with your current physician, as their answers will likely be more precise than mine due to my limited understanding of your situation. However, I will attempt to respond. Question 1: The doctor mentioned that sc...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Can a General Hospital's Psychiatry Department Diagnose Depression?
Diagnosis of depression I recently visited a general mental health clinic and shared my current situation with the doctor. I asked him if I had any disorders, but he kept telling me that it wasn't important and that it was just for others to read. I have high levels of anxie...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: Both psychiatric clinics and hospital psychiatry departments should be able to diagnose depression. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Can a General Hospital's Psychiatry Department Diagnose Depression?
Comparing Amisulpride and Olanzapine: Risks and Benefits for Schizophrenia Treatment
Silymarin and Silybin I have been suffering from schizophrenia for over 20 years. After seeking medical treatment in 2001, I started taking Risperidone. In 2006, I switched to Solian (Amisulpride), taking one tablet a day. After recovering in 2017, I reduced my dosage to one and ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: It is recommended not to change your medication, as the original medication seems to have a good effect in preventing relapse. The new medication, Olanzapine, has uncertain effects for you and comes with side effects, such as a higher risk of metabolic syndrom...[Read More] Comparing Amisulpride and Olanzapine: Risks and Benefits for Schizophrenia Treatment
Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Emotional instability Hello doctor, I have recently noticed that my personality is polarized. Sometimes I feel optimistic and cheerful, other times calm, and at times I feel sad, irritable, depressed, and anxious. When I am anxious, I have thoughts of suicide and self-harm, engag...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, internet user: I have been struggling with emotional instability and poor sleep for a while, and of course, I am worried about whether I am experiencing depression. I recommend seeking medical attention at a mental health facility as soon as possible. Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding the Inner Conflict of Not Attending Class Reunions
Junior high school classmates I graduated from middle school 23 years ago. I remember that I never participated in reunions. However, I have a blind spot where I like to inquire about my classmates' current situations and whether any reunions are being organized, even though...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: It's possible that you want to participate as well, but you haven't been in touch with your classmates and are afraid of encountering them and not knowing what to talk about! Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding the Inner Conflict of Not Attending Class Reunions
Can Schizophrenia Patients Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Disability Handbook Is it possible for patients with schizophrenia to be denied a disability certificate due to the absence of functional impairment, meaning they do not qualify?
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: Of course there are many recovered patients who do not have a handbook! If there is no functional impairment, then it certainly does not meet the criteria for disability. For example, John Nash was a patient with schizophrenia, but his functioning was so good that...[Read More] Can Schizophrenia Patients Qualify for Disability Benefits?
How to Cope with Intrusive Thoughts and Mental Health Issues
There are many questions? I often find myself talking to myself about psychiatric issues. What should I do if I can't stop dwelling on past events? It seems like this might be a condition. What can I do about my racing thoughts?
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, internet user: Talking to oneself can have many causes, ranging from minor to significant. It could be a normal condition, a precursor to schizophrenia, or related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other possibilities. It is advisable to seek an evaluation from a psy...[Read More] How to Cope with Intrusive Thoughts and Mental Health Issues
Managing Persistent Depression: Medication Dosage and Concerns
Psychiatric medications Hello Doctor: I am a patient with persistent depressive disorder. Currently, I am taking Purtraline 75 mg per day and Easyfor 150 mg per day. The latter medication was added after my diagnosis of "other depressive episodes" in the fall, but I hav...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: Some individuals may have their medication dosage adjusted due to improvements in their condition, taking into account the past severity and the patient's tolerance. It is advisable to discuss this with your physician. Dr. Wu En-liang.[Read More] Managing Persistent Depression: Medication Dosage and Concerns
Is My Sister's Medication Use a Serious Concern?
Is my sister's condition serious? My sister is a nursing student, and I previously discovered that she has been taking medication. When I asked her what was wrong, she didn't say anything. I secretly saw the medication bag, which contained three types of drugs: Fludiaze...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: This medication is not considered heavy, but it cannot be used to infer the current condition. It is recommended to discuss this with her doctor. Dr. Wu En-Liang.[Read More] Is My Sister's Medication Use a Serious Concern?
Understanding Anxiety: Coping with Overwhelming Emotions and Self-Doubt
What is wrong with me? Sometimes I suddenly feel very suffocated, irritable, and experience shortness of breath, even struggling to breathe. Hearing certain sounds, like passing cars or barking dogs, can make me feel even more agitated and angry. I often feel very sad, depressed,...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Chang, I would like to know if these symptoms are persistent or if they occur most of the time. If so, we should consider the possibility of depression, and it would be necessary to seek treatment from a psychiatrist or a mental health professional for medication or psy...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Coping with Overwhelming Emotions and Self-Doubt
Understanding My Mental Struggles: Seeking Relief and Clarity
What is wrong with me? Sometimes I suddenly feel very suffocated, irritable, and experience shortness of breath, even struggling to breathe deeply. Sometimes, hearing certain sounds, like passing cars or barking dogs, makes me feel even more agitated and angry. I often feel sad, ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Chang, I would like to know if these symptoms are persistent or if they occur most of the time? If so, we should consider the possibility of depression, and it would be necessary to seek treatment from a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist for medication or psych...[Read More] Understanding My Mental Struggles: Seeking Relief and Clarity
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Steps to Independent Living at 40
Unable to go out? I feel very dependent on my parents, and I feel more comfortable being with them. When I have to interact or work with others outside, I feel very uncomfortable. Just the thought of socializing makes me want to escape because I fear being hurt or getting into ar...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend: It seems that you have a good relationship with your parents, and it may not be necessary for you to live independently. Living with your parents is a valid lifestyle choice. As for feeling uncomfortable interacting or working with others, and wanting to avo...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Steps to Independent Living at 40