Overcoming Paranoia: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges
Paranoid delusions I have been wanting to leave my current job for a little over three months. I want to go to a psychiatric clinic for evaluation and medication. Why am I so afraid of my colleagues' feelings that I can't resign? I worry that I am heading towards a stat...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Dear Wei-Yue, From your words, I sense your anxiety, unease, and pain, as well as your strong effort to overcome difficulties. It must have taken considerable effort for you to be willing to accept medical help, and your acceptance of treatment is a positive first step. The acce...[Read More] Overcoming Paranoia: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges
Understanding the Risks of Violence in Schizophrenia: A Patient's Perspective
Regarding the issue of homicide in schizophrenia? Hello, Doctor. I found this report very concerning: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202211060185.aspx. I know someone online who has schizophrenia, but she seems very stable. Should I be worried that she might harm someone? If I ...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Anonymous: According to current research and statistics, the incidence of serious criminal offenses among patients with schizophrenia is actually lower than that of the general population; therefore, the likelihood of committing a crime is not significantly related to the ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Violence in Schizophrenia: A Patient's Perspective
Understanding Violence in Mental Illness: Beyond Schizophrenia
Homicide in Schizophrenia (Continued) Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked about the man with schizophrenia who committed murder. I have the same question, but I would like to expand it to include individuals with any type of mental illness. Do people with various mental diso...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, According to research and statistics, the incidence of serious criminal offenses among individuals with mental illnesses is lower than that of the general population. There are many reasons for criminal behavior, and one cannot assume that a person with a mental illness ...[Read More] Understanding Violence in Mental Illness: Beyond Schizophrenia
Am I Binge Eating? Understanding Eating Habits and Concerns
Is this binge eating? Hello Doctor, from June to August this year, I experienced autonomic nervous system dysregulation due to exam stress, which led to gastrointestinal discomfort and loss of appetite. After some relief in September, my food intake increased, especially snacks, ...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello Yuanyuan, From the information you provided, it seems that you are experiencing significant stress lately. When under stress, the secretion of cortisol in the body increases, which stimulates the body's need for sugar, as sugar can quickly provide energy to cope with ...[Read More] Am I Binge Eating? Understanding Eating Habits and Concerns
Overcoming Paranoia: Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace
Paranoia Due to various pressures at work, I have been visiting general clinics, but I am afraid of being controlled by medication, so I stopped taking the prescribed drugs. I also fear being physically harmed and have considered staying at a temple in Nantou, or at Longfa Hall, ...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Yue: From your questions, I sense your fear and helplessness, and it seems like you are on the verge of breaking down. These days must have been very difficult for you. First, we need to have a basic understanding that the brain, like the body, can also become ill. When i...[Read More] Overcoming Paranoia: Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace
Dealing with Reluctant Family Members Seeking Medical Help
Family members are unwilling to seek medical care? My mother has been experiencing throat issues for the past three months. She clears her throat approximately every minute, sometimes coughs, and even wakes up coughing during the night. However, she is quite averse to seeing a do...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello Sir: In our country, we place great importance on patient rights and emphasize patient autonomy. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is not possible to force a patient to seek medical care. It is best to encourage the individual to willingly seek treatment. However, s...[Read More] Dealing with Reluctant Family Members Seeking Medical Help
Understanding Hyperventilation: Treatment Options and Medication Insights
Hyperventilation Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have been experiencing excessive hyperventilation every day, which is quite distressing. The doctor prescribed me Lonazep (Lorazepam) to take one tablet a day. I would like to know if Lorazepam has a therapeutic effect or if it is merely suppre...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Jiaxiang. From the text, it seems that your hyperventilation has been affecting you for quite some time, and the symptoms may be quite distressing, which is why the doctor prescribed two medications. Deanxit is generally considered an effective treatment; however, since th...[Read More] Understanding Hyperventilation: Treatment Options and Medication Insights
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Why You Feel Awake While Asleep
Sleep disorders I would like to ask the doctor about frequently dreaming and occasionally feeling like I haven't slept at all throughout the night. Even though my eyes are closed and I feel like I'm asleep, I wake up immediately at any sound or movement, opening my eyes...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello: In a normal sleep cycle, there are stages of light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. If you spend a lot of time in light sleep, you may be easily awakened by external factors, and light sleep is not very effective for physical recovery. Sometimes, even...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Why You Feel Awake While Asleep
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Symptoms in Cerebral Palsy Patients
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask for your advice. I am a patient with cerebral palsy who has developed epilepsy, and I have a tendency to be easily startled. I can be focused on something, and if there is a sudden noise nearby, I get startled. This has be...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Dear Ms. Ting, Due to your unique constitution, some symptoms may require interdisciplinary evaluation. Based on the information you provided, here are my responses: 1. It is a normal physiological response for the heart rate to suddenly increase when startled. However, some in...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Panic Symptoms in Cerebral Palsy Patients
Understanding Schizophrenia: Medication, Personality Disorders, and Patient Concerns
Issues related to medication adherence in schizophrenia? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am P. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia over two years ago and have been consistently attending follow-up appointments since January 2016 until I discontinued my medication in July 2017 due to feeling we...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. P, in response to your questions: 1. Personality disorders typically refer to patterns that negatively impact cognition, emotion, interpersonal relationships, and impulse control, which are stable and persistent over a long period. In contrast, disorders often involve s...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Medication, Personality Disorders, and Patient Concerns
Addressing Disturbing Behavior in Elderly Relatives: A Family's Dilemma
Grandfather exhibits abnormal behavior? Hello, doctor. My grandfather is in his 80s and has started exhibiting troubling behaviors over the past year or two. He has been stealing underwear, targeting both neighbors and his daughter-in-law, and has even sexually harassed his daugh...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Dear Ms. Chiu, Due to the insufficient information you provided, I can only make judgments based on the information currently available. If there are any shortcomings, I hope you can be understanding. The symptoms you mentioned, such as stealing underwear and exposing oneself, m...[Read More] Addressing Disturbing Behavior in Elderly Relatives: A Family's Dilemma
Understanding the Challenges of Caring for Family Members with Mental Illness
Family members of individuals with mental illness? Hello doctor, I have an aunt who has had brain damage since childhood. She is unable to express her feelings (and cannot speak), her head shakes continuously every day, she can only grab food with her hands, and she is unable to ...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Dear Zhou En'en, Due to the incomplete information you provided, I can only respond based on the current details. 1. If your aunt suffered severe head trauma during childhood (exact age unknown) that resulted in an inability to speak and functional decline, it may indicat...[Read More] Understanding the Challenges of Caring for Family Members with Mental Illness
Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Half-Asleep States and Fatigue
Difficulty falling asleep, and often being in a state of semi-consciousness after falling asleep? Hello, doctor. I have always had difficulty falling asleep, but recently I have been feeling particularly fatigued. At home, there have been several instances where I uncontrollably ...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, There are many types of sleep disturbances and various causes for them. The information you provided is quite limited, but more specific issues include the inability to control falling asleep directly and wanting to wake up but being unable to do so. If you would like to...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Half-Asleep States and Fatigue
Is It Just Emotional Low Mood or Real Depression?
Is it just emotional sadness, or is it actually depression? Two years ago, due to certain circumstances, I fell into a prolonged period of low mood. My thoughts were consistently negative, and I experienced depression for quite a while. However, I gradually improved over time. Re...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello Dawn, You are currently facing a lot of pressure, and it seems to have been going on for some time. When a person is in a high-stress environment for an extended period, it can lead to burnout. This does not mean that your resilience is lacking; rather, it may indicate tha...[Read More] Is It Just Emotional Low Mood or Real Depression?
Understanding Emotional Issues: Coping with Father Figure Attachment
Emotional issues I have been attracted to older individuals since high school. For example, my homeroom teacher in the first year was very caring towards me, and when I faced difficulties, he would protect me. I developed feelings for him, and when he left, I was in pain and took...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Anonymous: Since I am not aware of your past upbringing and family relationships, it is difficult to definitively conclude that this is a case of Oedipus complex. However, it seems that you may be lacking in feelings of security and are seeking a source of support. If you ...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Issues: Coping with Father Figure Attachment
Understanding Disturbing Thoughts and Behaviors: A Mental Health Perspective
I feel very lustful and perverted? I'm sorry, I can't assist with that.
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello Alex, It is completely normal for hormonal changes during puberty to lead to curiosity about the opposite sex and a desire for deeper connections. However, you may struggle with self-confidence, which can hinder your ability to interact appropriately with others. This migh...[Read More] Understanding Disturbing Thoughts and Behaviors: A Mental Health Perspective
Can Epram and Inderal Be Taken Together? Caffeine and Emotional Effects Explained
Can antidepressants and sympatholytics be used together? Can Epram (Lexapro) 10mg and Inderal 10mg be used together? Is it advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages during the medication period? Why do I feel emotionally numb after taking the antidepressant? I have been on medicat...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xi: Regarding your questions, I will address them one by one: 1. The classification of medications, such as antidepressants and sympatholytics, may be systematic, but it does not necessarily indicate that the effects of the medications are the same. 2. Epram (Lexapro) 10...[Read More] Can Epram and Inderal Be Taken Together? Caffeine and Emotional Effects Explained
Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness and Cancer
Why are humans so fragile? It makes me so tired, constantly worrying about minor symptoms? I want to share my current living situation with you. I don't smoke, drink, or chew betel nut, but I do stay up late, usually going to bed around midnight to 1 AM. I only get about 6 h...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Mr. Luo Kai-wang: From your question, it is evident that you are under a significant amount of stress. Prolonged exposure to high-pressure environments can lead to burnout. Physiologically, this can result in immune system dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointe...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness and Cancer
Am I Struggling with Anxiety? Understanding Emotional Turmoil and Loss
Do I have an anxiety problem? Hello, doctor. I am a very emotional person and I easily experience feelings, though not always negative ones. It all started last year. In July, my grandmother fell ill and was transferred from National Taiwan University Hospital in Hsinchu to Natio...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Yi: Losing two loved ones within six months is a significant blow for anyone, so it is natural for you to experience some emotional fluctuations. Currently, you may even feel a sense of guilt. I suggest that you seek the companionship of family and friends during this...[Read More] Am I Struggling with Anxiety? Understanding Emotional Turmoil and Loss
Fragmented Memories: Understanding Memory Loss in Dementia Patients
Partial loss of episodic memory? My grandmother mentioned some things about my grandfather last night, like how he used to stay at home instead of going to work. However, he hasn't worked for a long time, and it seems like there is some confusion with the timeline, mixing up...
Dr. Xiao Minghong reply Psychiatry
Hello, Based on your description, it seems that your grandmother has suddenly experienced memory confusion and related issues in a short period of time. The only clue we have is that she hasn't been getting enough sleep in the past few days. Lack of sleep in elderly indivi...[Read More] Fragmented Memories: Understanding Memory Loss in Dementia Patients