Understanding Memory Issues and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, recently I've been forgetting how to write certain characters and when I talk to others, I sometimes lose track of what to say next. Occasionally, I also forget things here and there. What should I do to address or improve this? Additional...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello Cheng-Wei, moderate anxiety can help with focus, but excessive anxiety often leads to poor concentration, which in turn affects learning. It is advisable to address the underlying issues; for instance, if sleep deprivation is the cause, one should prioritize getting enough ...[Read More] Understanding Memory Issues and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Intrusive Memories: Coping with PTSD and Selective Amnesia
Images unconsciously emerge in the mind..? I previously experienced psychogenic amnesia, and I don't remember how much I forgot or what caused the forgetfulness. Recently, fragmented images have begun to surface, leading me to believe that my amnesia may be related to family...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Your psychologist refers to a "psychiatrist"? It is advisable to ask him or her for a referral to receive individual psychotherapy, which would allow for more time to address and process these internal psychological conflicts. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Intrusive Memories: Coping with PTSD and Selective Amnesia
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: Is It OCD or Something Else?
I wonder if it could be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello Doctor: I often experience disrespectful thoughts or images related to deities or the deceased (usually involving profanity or sexual content), especially when I am writing or pressing a switch. I then feel compel...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, it does seem like you might be experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder. I recommend seeking treatment at a mental health facility. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: Is It OCD or Something Else?
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Seeking Help for Complex Symptoms
What should I do? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy content, but I believe it's difficult to describe my symptoms without starting from the beginning. In the second year of junior high, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder caused by post-traumatic stress d...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
This dissociative condition reflects some subconscious conflicts and typically cannot be treated with medication alone. It is essential to incorporate psychotherapy. It is recommended to arrange for individual therapy with a physician. If financially feasible, seeking services fr...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Seeking Help for Complex Symptoms
Exploring Side Effects of Donepezil and Lexapro in Dementia Patients
Drug side effects Dear Doctor: My mother started taking Donepezil 5mg for dementia a few months ago and began taking Lexapro a month ago. However, she has experienced blurred vision, making it difficult for her to read. She has glaucoma, but her ophthalmologist found no significa...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Zhao, For elderly patients, it is generally recommended to start antidepressants at a low dose to minimize the risk of side effects, such as the blurred vision issue your mother is experiencing. If such side effects occur, it is advisable to reduce the dosage, as they...[Read More] Exploring Side Effects of Donepezil and Lexapro in Dementia Patients
Managing Depression Medications for Patients with Glaucoma
Antidepressant medications for patients with glaucoma? Hello, doctor. I am currently working, and earlier this year, I visited a physician who diagnosed me with depression and prescribed a tetracyclic antidepressant. However, after researching online, I found that it can cause mi...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants are rarely used as first-line medications in clinical practice due to their numerous side effects. Newer generation medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, and NaSSAs have no evidence linking them to glaucoma. Recently, an outstan...[Read More] Managing Depression Medications for Patients with Glaucoma
Is Voyeurism Considered a Compulsive Behavior in Sexual Obsession?
Is voyeurism considered a compulsive behavior within the scope of sexual compulsive disorder? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a friend who has recently been frequently entering women's restrooms to voyeuristically observe women while they are using the facilities. However, after each i...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is considered normal to enjoy viewing the nudity of the opposite sex within legal boundaries. However, in this case, it has caused significant distress and legal issues, which is referred to in psychiatry as Voyeuristic Disorder. Currently, in Taiwan, due to societal sa...[Read More] Is Voyeurism Considered a Compulsive Behavior in Sexual Obsession?
Constant Salivation and Swallowing: Understanding Anxiety's Impact on Oral Health
Constantly feeling the urge to swallow saliva? Hello Doctor, since I started getting my dental bridge in June, I have gone three times, and then again at the beginning of July. Suddenly, I noticed that I have been constantly salivating and feeling the urge to swallow. I have a hi...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
This is a typical psychosomatic disorder, where physical issues affect emotions. For treatment, please ask your psychiatrist to temporarily increase your anti-anxiety medication to help you cope better during this period. However, to fully alleviate the condition, you should have...[Read More] Constant Salivation and Swallowing: Understanding Anxiety's Impact on Oral Health
Understanding Munchausen Syndrome: Treatment Options and Insights
Munchausen syndrome Hello Dr. Wu, it seems that I have had this condition since I was very young, starting around the age of 12, when I began to exhibit symptoms consistent with Munchausen syndrome. I learned about this term from Google. Can you tell me, is this condition treatab...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Munchausen syndrome requires psychological treatment for improvement. If there are accompanying conditions such as depression or anxiety, medication treatment may also be combined. Wishing you safety and health, Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Understanding Munchausen Syndrome: Treatment Options and Insights
Navigating Employment with a Mental Health History: Tips for Disclosure
Please provide more context or specific information so I can assist you better? A doctor once mentioned that when job hunting, one does not need to disclose having a mental illness to employers. However, I still encounter situations where I am required to indicate whether I have ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, a recovered patient should not be considered as having a mental illness, right? Currently, due to insufficient societal acceptance, as you mentioned, there is still a stigma associated with it. It is advisable, when necessary, to refrain from disclosing this information an...[Read More] Navigating Employment with a Mental Health History: Tips for Disclosure
Facing Life with Schizophrenia: Seeking Guidance and Support
Please provide more context or specific information so I can assist you better? I am troubled by schizophrenia and I don't know how to face my life. Although I function normally, I am unsure how to find a job or what kind of job to look for. I also don't know how to let...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend. Many of our patients at the hospital who have already recovered have been able to find jobs and are doing well in their workplaces. In fact, there are techniques for job searching, and I recommend discussing this with your physician. When looking for a job, ...[Read More] Facing Life with Schizophrenia: Seeking Guidance and Support
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Career Uncertainty: A Journey to Self-Discovery
Social anxiety and unemployment with no clear future? I have been very introverted since childhood and have never dared to initiate conversations with others. Throughout my school years, my teachers consistently commented that I was not good at expressing myself. More than one te...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Nobody. Thank you for taking the time to write. You have truly faced many hardships over the years, and your situation is indeed very challenging. I will address your questions one by one: (1) Due to previous unpleasant experiences seeking help, I am actually very afraid ...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety and Career Uncertainty: A Journey to Self-Discovery
Overcoming Internship Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Medical Trainees
Internship stress Hello Doctor: I am currently in an internship. I have had a weak adaptability since childhood and am afraid of facing crowds. Now that I am approaching the third week of my internship, I find that I am not adapting better; instead, I am experiencing a sense of r...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Have you talked to your supervisor about the difficulties you're facing during your internship and how to adjust? I remember when I was interning in certain departments, I also found it quite challenging. If it's really unmanageable, you could consider returning to scho...[Read More] Overcoming Internship Anxiety: Coping Strategies for Medical Trainees
Helping a Loved One with Memory Loss: Understanding Stress-Induced Amnesia
Stress issues Hello, doctor. My question is about my girlfriend, who has been emotionally affected by issues concerning her daughter. It seems that her memory has regressed; a couple of days ago, she couldn't remember anyone except her daughter. When I met her yesterday, she...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, A-Min. For sudden episodes of amnesia, it is advisable to first consult a neurologist to rule out the possibility of encephalitis, meningitis, or other bodily abnormalities. Only after excluding these medical issues should you consider seeing a psychiatrist. Dr. Wu En-Lian...[Read More] Helping a Loved One with Memory Loss: Understanding Stress-Induced Amnesia
Understanding Depression: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Support
Could you please provide more details or specify what you would like to know about depression? Hello Doctor: My father suddenly lost control of his emotions one day a year ago and had an argument with my mother. The argument was about unpleasant experiences from the past. My fath...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
1. Does my father have depression? To determine if he has depression, it is best to consult his psychiatrist, as a diagnosis requires a detailed interview, physical examination, and psychological testing. I have attached an educational article about depression for your reference....[Read More] Understanding Depression: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Support
Understanding OCD: A Student's Struggle and the Path to Healing
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) distress? I am a ninth-grade student who has been struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since elementary school (I am afraid of swallowing pen tips, so I constantly rinse my mouth). When I entered junior high, I began to worry abo...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It does sound like it could be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which has caused significant disruptions in daily life. Some psychological treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication, can be effective for OCD. It is advisable to seek an appointment with a c...[Read More] Understanding OCD: A Student's Struggle and the Path to Healing
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders in Mothers: Seeking Help
Anxiety Panic Disorder Hello Dr. Wu: I have two sons who are both adults and have stable jobs, but I find the role of "mother" to be overwhelming. I am constantly worried about them, and recently it has become very severe. I have thought countless times about using deat...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, life is very precious. There are many people in Taiwanese society (including myself) who are willing to help you through difficult times. I wonder if you might be suffering from depression? Depression is not a sign of weakness; it is a condition caused by a decrease in bra...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders in Mothers: Seeking Help
Understanding Your Mental Health: Am I Diagnosed with Depression?
I want to know if I am actually diagnosed? Hello Doctor, I started visiting the psychiatric outpatient clinic on December 13th of last year. In the past, I was bullied in middle school, which led to the habit of cutting my arms with a utility knife. In high school, due to my emot...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello: It must be very difficult for you to deal with long-term emotional distress. I recommend that before your appointment, you take notes and write down the questions you want to ask so you can discuss them with your doctor during the visit. You should also share your concerns...[Read More] Understanding Your Mental Health: Am I Diagnosed with Depression?
Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation and Its Systemic Symptoms
Systemic symptoms following the sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Hello Doctor: Since the beginning of last year, I have had a sensation of a foreign body in my throat after choking while swallowing and speaking. My throat muscles always feel tight, my jaw feels retracte...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It seems that your life is indeed troubled by these physical sensations, and it can be very frustrating to have seen many doctors and undergone various treatments without resolution. Our brain's response to stress can lead to increased sensitivity in the body. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation and Its Systemic Symptoms
Should I Stop or Continue My Antidepressant Medication?
Change of medication or discontinuation of medication? Hello, I have recently been taking antidepressants and have developed suicidal thoughts. I have heard that one of the side effects of these medications may be an increase in suicidal ideation. Should I stop taking the medicat...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello: There have indeed been sporadic case reports of some children and young adults (such as yourself at 21 years old) experiencing suicidal thoughts prior to starting antidepressants. However, the numbers are too small to have statistical significance, making it difficult to d...[Read More] Should I Stop or Continue My Antidepressant Medication?