Overcoming OCD: Finding Relief from Intrusive Thoughts and Suicidal Ideation
What should I do if I want to find relief? I would like to share my experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with the doctor: During the Mid-Autumn Festival barbecue in my first year of junior high, I saw a suicide prevention advertisement on the charcoal. At that mome...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Q1. Will obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) get better? A1: For some individuals, OCD symptoms are mild, while for others they can be more severe. It usually requires a period of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is advisable to discuss this with your ph...[Read More] Overcoming OCD: Finding Relief from Intrusive Thoughts and Suicidal Ideation
Managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication and Treatment Concerns
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication and Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I recently visited a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Currently, I am experiencing symptoms such as nausea (I have vomited a few times), a tight throat, some fatigue, and ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is true that some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when taking Sertraline, especially during the first 1-2 weeks of treatment. Most people will gradually improve after that period, but if you continue to exp...[Read More] Managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Patient's Concern
Side effects of psychotropic medications? I have been seeing a psychiatrist for about a month now, and my diagnosis is "mixed anxiety and depressive disorder." Currently, I have follow-up appointments every two weeks, and almost every visit, my medication is adjusted du...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: The symptoms you mentioned, such as shortness of breath accompanied by hand spasms, do not seem to be related to medication. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Emotional Struggles in High School: A Student's Perspective
What exactly is going on? Hello, doctor. I am a high school freshman, and I don't understand why I feel uncomfortable during class when I can't comprehend the material or solve problems. I'm not sure if it's sadness or frustration, but it often leads me to cry...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: The academic workload in high school is significantly more challenging than in junior high, and it's common to struggle to understand the material in class; I believe many students share your feelings. However, you mentioned that this sense of frustration leads to dis...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Struggles in High School: A Student's Perspective
Can Minors Seek Mental Health Care Without Parental Consent?
Can I go to see a psychiatrist or psychologist on my own? I'm a minor and I've looked up online that I need a parent to accompany me, so I can't go see a doctor by myself. My family once took me to see a doctor, but when we got home, instead of concern, I was met w...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: The feeling of not being understood by family is truly very lonely. Although the Civil Code stipulates that minors over the age of seven have limited capacity for civil conduct, which means that medical treatment requires the consent of a legal representative; however, you...[Read More] Can Minors Seek Mental Health Care Without Parental Consent?
Understanding Medication Effects and Concerns in ADHD Treatment
Medication Consultation Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you. Q1: About a month ago, I sought treatment for attention deficit issues, and the doctor prescribed me Adderall (10mg). Initially, I felt a significant effect from the medication, but after a few...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. There are many causes of attention problems, and it is important to clarify a wide range of possible differential diagnoses and comorbidities, as well as consider psychological, social, or environmental factors that may affect attention. Since I am not fully aware of yo...[Read More] Understanding Medication Effects and Concerns in ADHD Treatment
Understanding Gender Identity: Seeking Guidance for Personal Struggles
I would like to ask a question about gender identity? Hello, doctor. I started having thoughts about wanting to be a girl from around the fourth to sixth grade. Every time these thoughts arise, I try to suppress them, but since entering middle school, these thoughts have become m...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, has redefined "Gender Identity Disorder" as "Gender Dysphoria," which refers to the discomfort and distress experienced regarding one's biological sex, along wi...[Read More] Understanding Gender Identity: Seeking Guidance for Personal Struggles
Understanding Depression: A Teen's Struggle with School Transitions
My mood is getting worse and worse? Hello, doctor. I am currently 14 years old. When I was in the transition from seventh grade to eighth grade, I had a conflict with my family about not wanting to attend summer tutoring, which ultimately led me to transfer schools. I have since ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You mentioned that you have been feeling increasingly fatigued, having difficulty falling asleep, and even after sleeping for over ten hours, you still feel very lethargic. You also expressed regrets about past choices. It is recommended that you visit a pediatric and adol...[Read More] Understanding Depression: A Teen's Struggle with School Transitions
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: A Student's Struggle and Solutions
Social Anxiety Disorder Hello, doctor. I am currently a high school sophomore. I have a naturally introverted personality and tend to be quiet around strangers, but I didn't experience panic until three years ago when a close friend, whom I relied on, transferred schools. Si...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is recommended to visit a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic to discuss with a physician, including differential diagnosis, types of medications being taken, their effects, and side effects; additionally, you can also discuss with the physician about refe...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: A Student's Struggle and Solutions
Understanding ADHD: Insights on Medication Effects and Emotional Well-being
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Type 2 Hello Doctor: I have some questions I would like to ask you, and I will try to be brief to minimize wasting your valuable time. These questions may seem trivial to you, but they would be extremely helpful to me. Please make sure to...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Q1. Medication Consultation: I would like to ask if it is normal to feel a bit better and more motivated after taking my medication (Concerta 54mg) today, and that things seem to go more smoothly? A1: Concerta contains Methylphenidate, which is used to treat Attention D...[Read More] Understanding ADHD: Insights on Medication Effects and Emotional Well-being
Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs of Depression and Coping Strategies
Emotional instability Recently, I find myself getting angry over small things and crying easily. I have difficulty controlling my emotions, and when they arise, I feel like hitting the wall, throwing my phone, and engaging in similar behaviors. Sometimes I cry so hard that I can&...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You mentioned that you have recently noticed your emotions being more unstable, becoming easily irritable, and crying frequently. There could be many possible reasons for this, and depression is one of the conditions that needs to be evaluated. It is recommended that you v...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs of Depression and Coping Strategies
Understanding Your Child's Emotional Outbursts: When to Seek Help
The child's emotions only occur at home? Hello doctor, my child is currently 4 years and 10 months old, a boy. His performance at school is reported to be very good by his teachers, but if he makes a mistake, he worries about the teacher being angry and does not want to go t...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that the child is very sensitive to the emotional fluctuations of others and is quite worried and fearful of being reprimanded by teachers or family members for not performing well. When emotions arise, they tend to last for a longer per...[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Emotional Outbursts: When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Child's Sexual Orientation: Guidance for Parents
Children's sexual orientation My son is currently in the sixth grade, and I accidentally discovered a conversation he had with a female classmate where he mentioned that he likes a male internet celebrity. When she asked him if he likes boys, he replied, "I guess so!&qu...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Current medical understanding suggests that sexual orientation is innate, and no type of sexual orientation is considered a disorder or requires treatment. Individuals typically become aware of their sexual orientation during adolescence, and some may recognize it even earlier. I...[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Sexual Orientation: Guidance for Parents
Understanding Teen Rebellion: Is It Depression or Just Growing Pains?
Rebellion phase, depression, or major depressive disorder? Hello, doctor: (I'm not sure how to express this, so it might come across as a bit disorganized.) From grades 1 to 6, I experienced verbal and social bullying, and for various reasons, I developed a strong aversion t...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Stressful events experienced in early life can have significant impacts later on. Your description indicates that you have been feeling inexplicably low since the third grade, with a diminished sense of self-worth. In middle school, your feelings of sadness and depression ...[Read More] Understanding Teen Rebellion: Is It Depression or Just Growing Pains?
Managing Medication Side Effects in Anxiety and Autonomic Dysregulation Treatment
Drug side effects Hello, doctor. Last year, I took medication for autonomic nervous system dysfunction. A few weeks ago, I visited a psychiatrist due to anxiety and symptoms related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The doctor prescribed Ebilong (Escitalopram), 5 mg twice ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, 1. Taking Buspirone may cause side effects such as dizziness and nausea; however, drowsiness is generally less common. 2. Escitalopram and Buspirone are different medications with distinct mechanisms of action and potential side effects. It is recommended that you discuss ...[Read More] Managing Medication Side Effects in Anxiety and Autonomic Dysregulation Treatment
Understanding and Addressing Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts in Children
The child expresses thoughts of wanting to commit suicide and is experiencing anxiety issues? Dear Doctor, My child (an only daughter, 6 years old) has just started elementary school two weeks ago. During the summer vacation before starting school, I noticed she had involuntary ...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
1. "Tic disorder" refers to the presence of either motor or vocal tics, while Tourette's disorder involves both motor and vocal tics. Tic disorders or Tourette's disorder typically emerge during the early to middle elementary school years. Common motor tics in...[Read More] Understanding and Addressing Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts in Children
Navigating Schizophrenia: Coping Strategies and Support Beyond Family
Relying solely on parents? I have schizophrenia, and I often have racing thoughts, especially when I wake up in the morning. I've tried various medications, but I can only learn to coexist with it. Another issue is that I help out at a public lottery store at home, but it&#x...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. You mentioned having many thoughts and struggling with the issue of changing medications without improvement, which is a common concern among many cases. It is recommended to maintain a regular daily routine and engage in various activities (such as exercising, listenin...[Read More] Navigating Schizophrenia: Coping Strategies and Support Beyond Family
Managing Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges
Emotional dysregulation Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about emotional management issues. I used to be a very cheerful person and was happy every day. However, in the past few months, I've noticed that I easily get angry over small things and can stay upset for sever...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
You mentioned that you have been experiencing stress related to preparing for exams, but due to the pandemic, you have no other place to study and can only stay at home. Over the past few months, you have been easily angered, crying for no reason, hitting walls, throwing things, ...[Read More] Managing Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges
Helping a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Addiction: Options and Strategies
Chronic alcoholism Hello, doctor. My younger brother has been hospitalized multiple times due to alcohol abuse, and recently we found out that he is drinking again. He claims he wants to quit on his own, but our family has noticed that he secretly buys alcohol and stays locked in...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Substance addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder; the process of recovery is very lengthy and can generally be divided into several stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse. In the early stages of recovery, such as when ...[Read More] Helping a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Addiction: Options and Strategies
Struggling with Daily Negativity: Finding Hope Amidst Emotional Turmoil
Often? Every day? Filled with negative emotions? Doctor, I'm currently in my office, crying and feeling very weak, unable to control my emotions. This is the second time this year. I initially wanted to return to Taiwan to seek medical help, but the pandemic and work have pr...
Dr. Wu Menghuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Due to the impact of the global pandemic, people's anxiety about death has intensified more than ever. Many individuals engage in irrational behaviors to combat their anxiety; it's no wonder that Camus said in "The Plague," "The only way to fight t...[Read More] Struggling with Daily Negativity: Finding Hope Amidst Emotional Turmoil