Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Sleep Quality: Solutions and Insights
Stress Management Techniques Dr. Ding, I would like to ask you about my recent difficulty with light sleep. I often wake up suddenly in the middle of the night, and I personally believe it is due to stress. I would like to know if there could be other factors involved. How can I ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, sleep disturbances such as interrupted sleep are actually common symptoms of many diseases or conditions. It can be said that most psychiatric disorders are associated with sleep issues. High levels of stress are certainly one of the contributing factors. Other common cond...[Read More] Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Sleep Quality: Solutions and Insights
Am I Addicted to My Medication? Understanding Anxiety Treatment Risks
I think I might be addicted to drugs? As the doctor said, the medication controls my panic disorder very well. I take a fixed dosage every month. However, if I miss a dose, my panic symptoms become very severe, and I feel like I'm almost dying. I can't sleep all night, ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the recurrence of symptoms without medication can be attributed to at least two reasons. First, the illness may not have fully resolved and is merely being managed by the medication. This is often seen in chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, where missing ...[Read More] Am I Addicted to My Medication? Understanding Anxiety Treatment Risks
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
What disease is this exactly? Hello doctor, I have several questions I would like to ask you. For a while now, I have been experiencing a series of symptoms. I work in the food service industry, and whenever I am busy with customers, feeling nervous, or in a stuffy environment, I...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, your physical symptoms are more indicative of autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which can have many causes. The related conditions are often categorized under anxiety disorders. You mentioned that you have seen a cardiologist and a gastroenterologist, but the results...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Mental Illness: Diagnosis, Misconceptions, and Social Stigma
Assessment of Mental Illness 1. How is the assessment of mental illness conducted? How can we determine if a person has a mental disorder? 2. If a female has a name that resembles a male's, could she be perceived as having a mental illness? Some people tend to label others...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Thank you for your question. 1. Mental disorders are diagnosed based on symptomatology, and in Taiwan, the primary diagnostic criteria are derived from the diagnostic manuals published in the United States. Although there may be slight variations in diagnoses among different ph...[Read More] Understanding Mental Illness: Diagnosis, Misconceptions, and Social Stigma
Understanding Anxiety: Is Overthinking a Sign of Mental Health Issues?
Excuse me, doctor. I apologize for asking so many times? Doctor, I'm sorry... I've asked three times already... This is the last question. I'm really sorry for forgetting to ask. What I want to know is, for someone like me who tends to overthink and worry about var...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Discussing the diagnosis or exclusion of diseases for individuals whom one has not met in person online is actually inappropriate. There are many reasons for this. Many physicians believe that such practices violate medical ethics and even laws. Therefore, even if you explain you...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Is Overthinking a Sign of Mental Health Issues?
Understanding Short-Term Memory Issues: When to Seek Help
Short-term memory Hello Dr. Ding: I am 23 years old, have no bad habits, and my sleep schedule is normal. However, in the past month, I have noticed that I often cannot briefly remember phone numbers or email addresses provided by others. Even while on the phone, it is difficult ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, memory issues can be simply viewed from two levels. The first is whether overall cognitive function is normal. Conditions such as dementia, intellectual disability, brain injury, and substance abuse can affect our memory capacity and ability. Based on your description, it ...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Memory Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Psychosomatic Symptoms: Breathlessness and Anxiety Explained
Psychoneurosis Hello Doctor, I recently woke up in the middle of the night with sudden shortness of breath that lasted until morning. In the following days, I frequently experienced shortness of breath. I consulted both a pulmonologist and a psychiatrist, but they concluded that ...
Dr. Lin Junyuan Reply:
Hello, A-Qiang. Based on your description in the letter, it indeed resembles cases of anxiety disorders (commonly referred to as neurosis or autonomic nervous system dysregulation) that we see in our clinic. In addition to emotional tension, neurosis can manifest various physical...[Read More] Understanding Psychosomatic Symptoms: Breathlessness and Anxiety Explained
Overcoming Claustrophobia: Seeking Help and Understanding Treatment Options
Claustrophobia Hello, today I visited the municipal hospital primarily due to experiencing symptoms of claustrophobia over the past five years. I feel anxious in situations such as tunnels, crowded subways, elevators, and airplanes. Next month, I need to fly internationally to mu...
Dr. Lin Junyuan Reply:
Hello, agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. While it may not lead to crises or cognitive decline like some severe mental illnesses, chronic cases can still affect work efficiency, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. In our outpatient clinic, we have cases...[Read More] Overcoming Claustrophobia: Seeking Help and Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Insomnia: Navigating Sleep Challenges and Anxiety
About Insomnia Hello Dr. Chen, About four weeks ago, I started experiencing insomnia, and since then, I have been struggling to sleep well. There have been nights where I couldn't sleep for 2 to 3 days in a row, and during the day, I often feel drowsy. My family took me to ...
Dr. Chen Yuying Reply:
Hello: Insomnia is a complex issue that can be primary or secondary (caused by other factors). You mentioned a specific date "four weeks ago" when your insomnia began; was there anything significant that happened on that day? For example, if someone experienced a breaku...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Navigating Sleep Challenges and Anxiety
Understanding Chest Tightness: Is It Anxiety or Something Else?
Chest tightness? Hello Doctor: Since I started experiencing insomnia in early January, I have been feeling very anxious and fearful about not being able to sleep at night. My chest has also been feeling increasingly tight. After seeing a doctor, my insomnia issue was resolved, bu...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your message. Anxiety disorders can indeed cause symptoms such as chest tightness and feelings of unease. However, it is essential to rule out other potential causes of chest discomfort. I recommend that you consult a specialist in internal medi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Is It Anxiety or Something Else?
Lexapro and Anesthesia: What Anxiety Patients Need to Know
Lipid-lowering agent Dear Doctor, I am a patient with anxiety disorder and I take 2 tablets of Lexapro (escitalopram) every morning and evening. I am scheduled for surgery with general anesthesia soon. Will this medication have any adverse effects on general anesthesia?
Dr. Zhan Hongyu Reply:
Hello: As far as current medical information indicates, there are no significant adverse reaction reports regarding Lexapro (escitalopram) and anesthetic agents. However, before undergoing surgery with general anesthesia, please inform your surgeon that you are taking Lexapro and...[Read More] Lexapro and Anesthesia: What Anxiety Patients Need to Know
Understanding the Use of Jing An Ning in Depression Treatment
Jing Anning Is the medication <Jing An Ning> used for "depression" or is it for patients who are already taking medication for "depression"? Is a dosage of 0.25 considered serious in this situation?
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, thank you for your letter. Jing An Ning is a central nervous system depressant primarily used for the treatment of anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It can also serve as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety and panic disorders associated...[Read More] Understanding the Use of Jing An Ning in Depression Treatment
Understanding Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Triggers
Depression or bipolar disorder? Excessive sweating of the hands or feet, along with an inability to remain calm, may indicate symptoms related to anxiety disorders rather than bipolar disorder or depression. If a patient suddenly exhibits behavior that is markedly different from ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Excessive sweating of the hands or feet is not a necessary symptom of bipolar disorder or depression. Restlessness may occur in patients with bipolar disorder or depression. A sudden change in behavior compared to previous patterns ...[Read More] Understanding Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Triggers
Understanding the Link Between Lupus and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello: I recently read a report where a physician specializing in allergy, immunology, and rheumatology mentioned that one of his patients had depression and schizophrenia, which was later diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus affecting bra...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello Xiao Li, In response to your question, here are my replies: 1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) typically leads to cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric symptoms, depression, and mood disturbances, which are different from the psychoneuroses such as obsessive-compulsive di...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Lupus and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Can Panic and Anxiety Disorders Improve Without Medication?
Regarding issues of panic and anxiety disorders? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, if a patient experiences symptoms of panic and anxiety, can they recover on their own without medication, or is medication treatment "absolutely" necessary?
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Greetings from the Department of Psychiatry at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Transient feelings of anxiety and panic can be normal emotional responses or temporary maladaptive reactions. Some individuals may find relief through stress managem...[Read More] Can Panic and Anxiety Disorders Improve Without Medication?
Managing Anxiety and Nightmares During Pregnancy: Seeking Help
Recurring nightmares Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from anxiety for many years and have undergone psychological counseling and taken medication for a long time. However, I stopped taking my medication 15 weeks ago after discovering that I am 17 weeks pregnant. I was afraid...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, welcome to your correspondence. Patients with depression or anxiety disorders are prone to relapse under stress. Pregnancy is a stressful event, so many pregnant women experience emotional issues. Since medications can affect fetal development, doctors often ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Nightmares During Pregnancy: Seeking Help
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders: When to Seek Help
Anxiety and panic? Hello, Doctor: I am a patient suffering from anxiety disorder, hypochondria, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I often worry and doubt that I have cancer or a serious illness. Whenever I feel a lump on my body, I fear that I have cancer. I freq...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello, In your letter, you clearly described your anxiety situation. I recommend that you seek medical attention from a psychiatrist or a psychosomatic specialist as soon as possible. Medication and some psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help al...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders: When to Seek Help
Finding Motivation: Overcoming Social Anxiety and Relationship Dependency
No motivation..? Hello Doctor: I think I have social anxiety disorder. I read the book "Never Be Nervous Again," and I relate to more than half of the symptoms. I don’t want to go out with anyone; I just want to be with my boyfriend because I feel more relaxed and happy...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Many cases of social anxiety disorder are not solely psychological; there are often physiological components involved as well. Therefore, it is advisable not to isolate oneself in a personal bubble. Seeking consultation at a psychiatric clinic can be beneficial. In many instances...[Read More] Finding Motivation: Overcoming Social Anxiety and Relationship Dependency
Understanding Anxiety: Is Your Autonomic Nervous System Out of Balance?
Is it autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, I was recently diagnosed with anxiety disorder. A few months ago, I watched a health-related program that may have triggered my tendency to think negatively, especially regarding health. Whenever I feel even a slight pain, I beco...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, welcome to your letter. According to what you mentioned in your letter, you indeed have symptoms of anxiety disorder. Patients with anxiety disorder often experience some physiological symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, headaches, and tremors. In...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Is Your Autonomic Nervous System Out of Balance?
Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Tremors, Palpitations, and Sleep Issues
Anxiety disorder issues Hello, Doctor: Recently, I suspect that I have developed an anxiety disorder. A few months ago, I watched a program about health issues, which may have triggered me to start thinking negatively about everything, especially regarding my health. Whenever I f...
Dr. Xie Yongfeng Reply:
It is recommended to visit the clinic for a consultation or to undergo a comprehensive health check-up.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Tremors, Palpitations, and Sleep Issues