Is Cassandra Syndrome Exclusively a Female Condition? Exploring Gender Perspectives
Is Cassandra syndrome exclusive to women? Hello, doctor. I recently started dating a girlfriend with autism (Asperger's syndrome), but she often struggles to provide appropriate emotional responses in our relationship. Although I directly communicate my needs to her, I can&#...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Asperger's disorder is classified under Autism Spectrum Disorder in the latest fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the latest survey by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) in ...[Read More] Is Cassandra Syndrome Exclusively a Female Condition? Exploring Gender Perspectives
Is This Condition Really Tourette Syndrome or Just Stress?
Does this condition not qualify as Tourette syndrome? Since a certain month last year, I officially became a fresh graduate in the workforce. Due to my lack of skills, I often feel that I negatively impact my colleagues, which leads to sharp criticism directed at me. The pressure...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Tourette syndrome symptoms are indeed more likely to manifest under stressful conditions compared to complete relaxation (such as during sleep). For instance, the more a person focuses on their Tourette symptoms (like worrying about how to reduce them or whether they will ...[Read More] Is This Condition Really Tourette Syndrome or Just Stress?
Can a Doctor Diagnose Mental Health Issues You Can't Discuss?
I'm not sure if a doctor's visit can reveal that? Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions last time. Regarding my previous inquiry, I would like to ask again. I don't feel comfortable discussing my issues with my parents because I'm afraid that if I tell...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You mentioned that "hiccups, hand tremors, sweating, dry heaving, facial flushing, and a blank mind" only occur in specific situations, which you previously described as "being on stage, performing, facing a crowd, or speaking with unfamiliar or unknown indi...[Read More] Can a Doctor Diagnose Mental Health Issues You Can't Discuss?
Understanding Anxiety and Physical Symptoms in Adolescents: A Guide
Is there any specific condition? Hello Doctor: I have three questions I would like to ask you, as I am unsure why I am experiencing these issues. 1. I am currently a third-year music student, and I have been experiencing hiccups for over a year. I visited a gastroenterologist w...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Q1. I am currently a student in the third year of junior high school music class. I have been experiencing hiccups for over a year, but after visiting a gastroenterologist, I was told that my stomach is fine. The doctor prescribed medication, but it didn't help. Som...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Physical Symptoms in Adolescents: A Guide
Should I Seek Help for My Emotional Struggles?
I'm not sure whether I should see a psychiatrist? Hello, doctor. I am currently in the second year of high school. In the second year of junior high, I often had intense arguments with my family and didn't know how to express my emotions or communicate, so I resorted to...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, you mentioned that since the second year of junior high, you have often felt frustrated when communicating with your family, leading to feelings of sadness, self-harm behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. This year, you have started experiencing sudden and inexplicable mo...[Read More] Should I Seek Help for My Emotional Struggles?
Understanding Negative Emotions and Motivation in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia negative emotions Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old and have one daughter, with another child on the way this year. To get to the point, I have recently noticed that I am becoming increasingly lazy. I know what I should be doing, but I just can't seem to do it, s...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You mentioned experiencing recent feelings of depression, decreased self-confidence, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed at work, and a lack of desire to interact with others. I recommend that you visit a mental health clinic for evaluation and to discuss appropr...[Read More] Understanding Negative Emotions and Motivation in Schizophrenia
Understanding OCD Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Reality and Perception
Regarding this condition? Hello, doctor. I have a fear of HIV and I have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I experience a situation where my skin feels like it has been pricked by a syringe, even though there is no physical injury. I start to believe that I...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You mentioned how to distinguish whether something has actually pierced you or if it is an obsessive-compulsive episode. How can one determine if the perceived threat from obsessive thoughts is real? During such times, the best approach is to seek help from a mental health...[Read More] Understanding OCD Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Reality and Perception
Understanding Derealization: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Challenges
Derealization refers to a dissociative symptom where an individual experiences a sense of Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my derealization. How can I prevent it from worsening? Additionally, why is derealization not a primary focus of research? There is still no treatmen...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello! Derealization refers to the experience of feeling unreal or detached from one's surroundings and is currently classified as a dissociative symptom. Individuals with Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder experience persistent or recurrent episodes of depersonalizati...[Read More] Understanding Derealization: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Challenges
Can Social Anxiety Disorder Co-Occur with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Can social anxiety disorder co-occur with autism spectrum disorder? Hello, doctor! I am a 23-year-old individual diagnosed with moderate autism (diagnostic code: F84.0) who has verbal communication skills and emotional issues that need to be addressed. I exhibit aggressive behavi...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Q1: Can social anxiety disorder co-occur with autism spectrum disorder? A1: "Social anxiety disorder" has been renamed from "social phobia" in the DSM-5. There are significant differences in essence between "social anxiety disorder" and &qu...[Read More] Can Social Anxiety Disorder Co-Occur with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Memory Issues in Adolescents
Negative thoughts and forgetfulness? Hello, Doctor: Although I am only a first-year junior high school student, I have been troubled by some mental health issues recently, which have caused my mental state to deteriorate. I would like to ask if you could provide me with some advi...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: A1. Sudden forgetfulness about tasks and frequent lapses in memory may stem from an inability to maintain focus, which prevents information from being fully received by the brain, stored temporarily, or converted into short-term memory. There are many factors that can affe...[Read More] Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Memory Issues in Adolescents
Managing Anxiety and VPC: Safe SSRI Options for Patients
Medication Consultation Hello, doctor. I apologize for taking up your valuable time. I would like to ask you a question. Three years ago, I experienced some ventricular premature contractions (VPC) that led to anxiety and subsequently a panic disorder. I used sertraline (Zoloft) ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Traditional tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, increased heart rate, and cardiac conduction disturbances. In the elderly, central anticholinergic ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and VPC: Safe SSRI Options for Patients
Understanding Medication Effects on Sexual Desire in Psychiatric Treatment
Medication Consultation Hello, Doctor: I would like to briefly introduce my background. I started receiving psychiatric treatment in Nagasaki during the 8th and 9th grades. My current diagnoses are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depersonalization/Derealization (DP/DR) sympt...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Antidepressants can indeed have side effects related to sexual function, but abruptly discontinuing the medication may lead to instability in mental symptoms, dizziness, headaches, nausea, anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is not advisable to adju...[Read More] Understanding Medication Effects on Sexual Desire in Psychiatric Treatment
Reevaluating Major Mental Health Diagnoses: Autism and Trauma Insights
Schizophrenia / Autism / Borderline Personality Disorder / Major Disabilities / Physical Disabilities 1. Should the diagnosis for the Major Disability Card and Disability Handbook be corrected? What are the advantages and disadvantages? 2. What are the similar manifestations ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, (1) Major Illness Card: The Major Illness Card is issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Insurance Administration, which exempts holders from certain out-of-pocket medical expenses under the National Health Insurance. The diagnosis must meet ...[Read More] Reevaluating Major Mental Health Diagnoses: Autism and Trauma Insights
Improving Attention Deficits: Medication and Strategies for Teachers
Inquiries regarding attention and medications? Hello, Doctor. I have a few things I would like to consult with you. Thank you! In high school, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Currently, I work as a special education teacher. I have two questions that are botherin...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Special education teachers have a very challenging vocation, bearing the expectations and pressures from parents and society. It is indeed difficult to attend to each student's educational needs, behavioral management, and daily care simultaneously. The issues you des...[Read More] Improving Attention Deficits: Medication and Strategies for Teachers
Understanding Reading Disabilities: Diagnosis and Testing for Adults
Diagnosis-related issues concerning dyslexia? Hello, I would like to inquire about issues related to reading disabilities. Since childhood, I have often seen letters in reverse, experienced difficulty in reading fluently, required repeated viewing for text comprehension, and enco...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Dyslexia, also known as reading disorder, is classified under Specific Learning Disorder in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Individuals with dyslexia experience difficulties in literacy, reading comprehension...[Read More] Understanding Reading Disabilities: Diagnosis and Testing for Adults
Why Is There a Three-Month Wait for Disability Assessment After a Suicide Attempt?
I have been seeking medical help for over three years, yet I still attempted suicide. Why do I have to wait another three months to get my disability certificate? Hello, Doctor. I would like to consult you about a case. The individual was reported for a suicide attempt at the age...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Individuals who need to apply for a disability assessment are those who have experienced trauma or suffer from chronic mental, neurological, or internal/external medical conditions that result in structural and functional impairments. Even with aggressive treatment, they s...[Read More] Why Is There a Three-Month Wait for Disability Assessment After a Suicide Attempt?
Struggles with Mental Health: My Brother's Reluctance for Counseling
My brother is unwilling to seek psychological counseling? The situation is as follows: In September 2021, my younger brother (the youngest) just started high school. After a few weeks, he suddenly changed his demeanor, expressing to my parents that he didn't want to go to sc...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: The situation described for the younger brother includes a combination of social withdrawal, school refusal, excessive internet use, and gaming addiction. External influences may include academic pressure from school, family issues, and interpersonal relationship problems....[Read More] Struggles with Mental Health: My Brother's Reluctance for Counseling
Is It Social Anxiety or Just My Personality?
Social anxiety or a personality trait? Since entering the workforce, I have mostly worked alone in a retail environment. Due to long working hours, I have few friends aside from my family, but I have no issues interacting with customers. Recently, I have noticed a strong aversion...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Everyone has a different personality; some people are naturally extroverted, enjoy meeting new friends, and thrive on social interactions, while others are more introverted and prefer solitude. "Anxiety" is a common experience for everyone. When we face uncertain...[Read More] Is It Social Anxiety or Just My Personality?
Overcoming Anxiety: Managing Hyperventilation and Breathing Issues
Respiratory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) I have fainted twice for no apparent reason, which scared everyone around me. Since then, I have experienced psychological stress related to fainting. I went to the hospital for various tests, and all the reports came back normal. ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You mentioned that you have fainted twice in the past, and both hospital examinations were normal, which has caused you psychological stress. You also noticed that when interacting with unfamiliar people, you tend to pay attention to your breathing, which can lead to hyper...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: Managing Hyperventilation and Breathing Issues
Do I Have Depression? Understanding My Emotional Struggles
Do I have depression? Hello, doctor. I would like to know if I might have depression. I had a decent social life in kindergarten, but I was slightly bullied by classmates, and I wonder if that’s why I gradually became less inclined to initiate play with others starting from eleme...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: If depressive emotions and negative thoughts persist and cannot be shifted, it is indeed important to consider the possibility of depression. It is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment from a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist. Thank you.[Read More] Do I Have Depression? Understanding My Emotional Struggles