Understanding the Differences Between OCD and Anxiety Disorders
Is obsessive-compulsive disorder the same as anxiety disorder? I was previously diagnosed with anxiety disorder by a doctor. However, when I consulted another doctor and explained my issues, he said it was obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Could you please explain the differen...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chiu: In a broad sense, anxiety disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however, in more recent classifications, OCD is no longer categorized under anxiety disorders due to its uniqueness. Nevertheless, patients with OCD often also have comorbid anxiety d...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between OCD and Anxiety Disorders
Understanding Cancer Fears in CNC Work Environments: A Mental Health Perspective
Can the work environment be carcinogenic? Doctor, I am a patient undergoing treatment for anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. One of my symptoms is a severe fear of "cancer." Due to this fear, whenever I start a new job, I tend to catastrophize and magni...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello James: Formaldehyde and nitrites are indeed carcinogens (formaldehyde is classified as Group 1, and nitrites as Group 2A). However, many substances in our daily lives are also carcinogenic, such as sunlight, air pollution, cigarettes, secondhand smoke, alcohol, and processe...[Read More] Understanding Cancer Fears in CNC Work Environments: A Mental Health Perspective
Does Faith in God Guarantee Recovery from Mental Illness?
I have some concerns and would like to ask questions? A psychiatrist said, "Everything can be treated; accepting God's love is the only path to recovery." Does this imply that only by living according to Christian doctrine can one recover from mental illnesses? Hea...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It's unclear which psychiatrist this is referring to. Of course, it doesn't mean that one must believe in religion to recover. Dr. Wu En-Liang.[Read More] Does Faith in God Guarantee Recovery from Mental Illness?
Understanding Anxiety: Why Stress Makes You Easily Startled and Tense
Sudden increased sensitivity to startle and persistent tension? Recently, due to family issues, I have been experiencing significant stress and have been struggling with thoughts of self-harm. I’ve noticed that I am more easily startled than before; now, even loud noises or sudde...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It is indeed true that the individual is experiencing issues with their mental and physical health. They should seek treatment at a mental health facility as soon as possible! - Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Why Stress Makes You Easily Startled and Tense
Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Does this qualify as an anxiety disorder? Hello, Doctor. A few months ago, for unknown reasons, my relationship with my classmates deteriorated. When confronted face-to-face with the teacher, they always claimed to have no issues with me, but in reality, they openly mocked me, wh...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! I can sense that you are really anxious, as you've asked the same question multiple times. You might be experiencing symptoms of anxiety disorder. I recommend that you seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible, as it could help improve your an...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
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:
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 Panic Disorder: When Physical Symptoms Signal Mental Health Issues
I have a lot of health issues and feel like I'm dying! Doctor: I have pain in both sides of my ribs, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and palpitations. I have undergone a 24-hour Holter monitor and have seen two different cardiologists and two different neurologists. T...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Hsin-Yi: Your various physical symptoms are very consistent with the manifestations of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. If you have seen many specialists and all tests have come back normal, I recommend that you seek treatment from a psychosomatic medicine specialist...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: When Physical Symptoms Signal Mental Health Issues
Understanding Anxiety: Distinguishing Between Normal Worry and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorder issues? Hello, doctor. Previously, I was very afraid of heavy metal poisoning (because I read online that it could cause involuntary anxiety symptoms), which made me fearful of batteries. I once visited a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Afte...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, everyone: The main difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder lies in whether it causes distress and affects daily functioning. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Distinguishing Between Normal Worry and Anxiety Disorders
Understanding Anxiety: Differentiating Between Everyday Worry and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorder issues Hello, doctor. Previously, I was afraid of heavy metal poisoning (because I read online that it can cause involuntary anxiety symptoms), so I was very scared of batteries. I had seen a psychiatrist once and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. After contin...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello everyone: The main difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder lies in whether it causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Differentiating Between Everyday Worry and Anxiety Disorders
Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Does this qualify as an anxiety disorder? Hello, doctor. A few months ago, for unknown reasons, my relationship with my classmates deteriorated. When I confronted them face-to-face with the teacher, they always claimed they had no issues with me, but in reality, they openly mocke...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! I can sense your anxiety and concerns. Although I have previously addressed your questions, if you are still feeling worried, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Anxiety disorder is just a diagnosis; even if you have it, it's e...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Does this qualify as an anxiety disorder? Hello, Doctor. A few months ago, for unknown reasons, my relationship with my classmates deteriorated significantly. When I confronted them face-to-face with the teacher, they always claimed they had no issues with me, but in reality, the...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! I can sense your anxiety and concern. Although I've previously addressed your questions, if you're still feeling worried, I recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Anxiety disorder is just a diagnosis; even if you have it, it's essential ...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Does this qualify as an anxiety disorder? Hello, doctor. A few months ago, for unknown reasons, my relationship with my classmates deteriorated. When I confronted them face-to-face with the teacher, they always claimed they had no issues with me, but in reality, they openly mocke...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that the changes in your relationships with classmates have affected not only your emotions but also led to physical symptoms such as insomnia and nausea. While anxiety appears to be the primary symptom, it is important to assess whether you may also be experie...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Anxiety-Induced Nausea: When to Seek Help
Easily anxious and feeling nauseous? I am currently a senior in college. During high school, I often experienced anxiety and a poor appetite, but I was still able to eat. Recently, however, when I go out with others, I find myself feeling increasingly anxious (with tense nerves a...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The situation described in the text likely falls under anxiety (autonomic nervous system dysregulation and anxiety disorders are similar; it's just a different way of saying it). I recommend searching for information on stress management techniques to learn some relax...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety-Induced Nausea: When to Seek Help
Struggling to Sleep After Waking at 3 AM: Is It Autonomic Dysfunction?
Difficulty falling back asleep after waking up at 3 AM? Hello Doctor: A few years ago, I experienced symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (not officially diagnosed), including panic, palpitations, a heavy heartbeat, and dizziness with a sensation of swaying. I consult...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Hong: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a general term and not a specific medical diagnosis. It can encompass a variety of conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, insomnia, arrhythmias, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others, or even n...[Read More] Struggling to Sleep After Waking at 3 AM: Is It Autonomic Dysfunction?
Understanding Palpitations and Anxiety: A Guide for Young Adults
Palpitations autonomic nervous system dysfunction Hello, doctor. I am 18 years old and currently not attending school while waiting for enrollment next year. Recently, I have been experiencing intercostal neuralgia, sharp pain near the sternum, palpitations, tightness and discomf...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to both palpitations and the stress of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. 1. Facing an uncertain future, autonomic nervous system dysregulation is a common condition in mod...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations and Anxiety: A Guide for Young Adults
Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues: A Guide to Medications Like Xanax and Zoloft
The medications Dexamethasone and Zantac? About the end of last year, I experienced an increase in heart rate before sleep and would automatically wake up shortly after falling asleep. I was later diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and the doctor prescribed me Doxepin. ...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to suspected bipolar disorder and physical ailments. 1. Facing an uncertain future, psychosomatic disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), are common in modern s...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues: A Guide to Medications Like Xanax and Zoloft
Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Overcoming Anxiety and Negative Thoughts
Adjustment Disorder I am currently studying in graduate school, and my teacher initially planned to let me take my oral exam early. However, when I discovered errors in my research data, I fell into a state of negative emotions and anxiety, even contemplating death. I didn't...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: Some individuals with anxiety-related adjustment disorders can indeed recover in a short period of time. However, sometimes due to excessive stress, it may develop into depression or anxiety disorders. It is advisable to collaborate and discuss with your psy...[Read More] Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Overcoming Anxiety and Negative Thoughts
Understanding Medication Consultation and Diagnosis in Psychiatry
Medication consultation and diagnostic issues? Two questions: First, the doctor mentioned that Depakote can enhance the effects of Lexapro, so could it be that patients with pure major depressive disorder or those who need Lexapro, who may also have anxiety disorders, might be pr...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: First: The doctor said that Depakote can enhance the effects of Lexapro, so is it possible that patients with simple depression or those who need Lexapro, who may also have anxiety disorders, could be prescribed Depakote, which is primarily a mood stabilizer? A:...[Read More] Understanding Medication Consultation and Diagnosis in Psychiatry
Medication Consultation for Attention and Anxiety Disorders
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the medications I am currently taking: 1. Strattera (Atomoxetine) - one capsule after breakfast; 2. Mindset (Lisdexamfetamine); 3. Lyrica (Pregabalin). The main purposes are: 1. To address attention deficit; 2. To tr...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Chuang: Strattera is primarily used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The other two medications have effects on treating depression and anxiety. Taking them together at the current dosage is generally safe. Whether to continue the medication is a...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Attention and Anxiety Disorders
Managing Anxiety and Focus Issues: Medication Effects and Treatment Duration
Anxiety, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and inability to concentrate? Hello, I have been taking medication for 6 months, including Clonazepam, Sertraline, Duloxetine, and the sleep aid Zolpidem. I would like to ask how long the treatment for anxiety disorder typically ta...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The duration of treatment for anxiety disorders (or autonomic nervous system dysregulation) varies from person to person. However, with appropriate treatment, significant improvement can be achieved. If you find it difficult to concentrate, it may sometimes be related to m...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Focus Issues: Medication Effects and Treatment Duration