Anxiety, Psychiatry FAQ

Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Heart Health

The long-term effects of medications on the heart? Hello, I have been taking psychiatric medications for about three and a half years, including those for depression, anxiety, panic, and sleep aids, totaling around ten pills a day. When my condition worsens, I often experience di...

Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It seems that your depression, anxiety, and panic may have recurred, rather than being a side effect of the medication. Your medication is unlikely to increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. The issue may lie in the imbalance of brain elements that process stress, rather than ...

Can Peppermint Interfere with Escitalopram? A Guide for Patients

Will the oral liquid formulation of Yifule interfere with peppermint and cause any issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing long-term anxiety and depression issues. I am currently taking "Talopram oral solution" which contains Escitalopram. Due to chronic intestin...

Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
1. Will there be any conflict with mint (fresh mint leaves that I grew myself, with no other additives)? A: No, the contraindications mentioned online are related to which specific issues? Will it worsen the condition, cause the medication to be ineffective, or have other side ef...

Managing Anxiety: Navigating Medication Withdrawal and Treatment Options

Anxiety Disorder Consultation I have anxiety disorder and, due to the lack of side effects from the medication, I gradually reduced my dosage. I changed my intake of Lexapro from two pills a day to one pill a day, but my mental state remained poor. So, I switched to taking one pi...

Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Treatment for anxiety disorders is a long-term process. Symptoms may fluctuate during this time. Adjustments to medication (including increasing or decreasing dosages) should be carefully evaluated. It is recommended that if you wish to reduce medication, you should discus...

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:
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...

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:
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 ...

Managing Anxiety and Tension in Crowded Environments: Tips and Insights

Mental tension Hello, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask about issues related to mental tension in specific situations. I tend to feel fatigued and anxious in crowded places, and sometimes I even experience anger, muscle tension, and involuntary irritation, whi...

Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your concerns mostly relate to anxiety responses. It seems to be an anxious reaction to stress (such as crowded places). I recommend gathering some educational articles on stress management. You can learn various techniques from them (such as muscle relaxation training, et...

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:
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...

Understanding Anxiety-Related Physical Symptoms in College Students

Anxiety-related physical symptoms Hello, doctor. Since I started university last September, I've been feeling uncomfortable with the school environment and the food. I've also been experiencing poor sleep (often having nightmares), chest tightness and pain, difficulty b...

Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your issues mostly fall within the realm of anxiety (panic is also a type of anxiety). Some may not even know the underlying cause. However, I believe it is a reaction to stress, such as what you mentioned: (disliking the school environment and diet) is a form of stress th...

Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?

Do I need to see a psychiatrist? Hello, Doctor: I am a 17-year-old high school senior. I have seen online that there are some restrictions for minors seeking psychiatric care, and I want to avoid wasting medical resources, so I would like to consult online first. My situation is ...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, student: Given your age, your sleep duration is a bit short. Ideally, it would be better to aim for over 8 hours of sleep, unless you feel refreshed and well-rested every morning, in which case you might need less sleep. Regarding your emotional state, it appears that you ...

Choosing the Right SSRI: A Guide for Anxiety and Heart Sensitivity

Medication Consultation Dr. Lin, thank you for your selfless dedication in helping everyone with professional questions. I would like to ask about the four medications: Paxil (Paroxetine), Lexapro (Escitalopram), Zoloft (Sertraline), and Prozac (Fluoxetine). I understand that the...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, little lamb: The likelihood of these medications affecting the heart is very low, and occurrences of palpitations are not common. However, some individuals may experience increased anxiety during the initial phase of taking Prozac, which could lead to a faster heartbeat; t...

Understanding Bowel Noises: Are They Linked to Anxiety?

Borborygmi Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been preparing for the national exam and I go to a tutoring center almost every day. The classes are conducted with each student using their own computer to watch recorded lectures, and the environment is very closed and quiet. Initially...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ting, If you have undergone a gastrointestinal examination and everything is normal, there should be no major concerns. The intestines are constantly in motion, but most people do not pay attention to the sounds of intestinal peristalsis. Unless you experience symptoms su...

Concerns About Sleep Apnea and Psychiatric Medication Use

Issues with the use of psychotropic medications in obstructive sleep apnea? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing generalized anxiety issues, so I started taking Lexapro and Buspirone. However, sometimes I wake up gasping for air while sleeping. I previously went to the hospita...

Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
1. Will these medications suppress sleep breathing or inhibit the brain's alertness to hypoxia? A: No, they will not. 2. I am very afraid of taking these psychotropic medications; I worry that long-term use will harm my body. Can the doctor alleviate my concerns? A: They w...

Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Becomes a Daily Struggle

Psychological issues Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask. 1. I have a personality that is easily worried and fearful, but in the past few months, I have noticed that my anxiety is starting to affect my life. For example, I am very afraid to go out (it's easier for m...

Dr. Tang Jiahong Reply:
Hello: 1. Whenever psychological conditions impact daily life, we may suspect that they have reached a symptomatic level, necessitating adjustment or seeking help. It is not necessarily classified as a disorder, as a comprehensive evaluation of other symptoms is required to deter...

Understanding Daily Dizziness: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Feeling dizzy every day? Hello, doctor! About ten years ago, one night as I was preparing to sleep, I suddenly lay down and my head started spinning, with numbness in my hands and feet. My family quickly took me to the emergency room, where the doctor administered an IV and gave ...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: If you have seen a neurologist and the initial evaluation and tests are normal, there is no need for an MRI or CT scan. Your symptoms appear to be related to anxiety and hyperventilation. It is recommended that you practice diaphragmatic breathing, where your abdom...

Struggling to Focus: Could I Have ADHD as a Student?

I have trouble focusing, and I suspect that I might have ADHD? Hello Doctor: I am currently a student preparing for the university entrance exam. As the exam approaches, I find it very troubling that I cannot calm down and focus on studying. Recently, after finishing the semester...

Dr. Bao Zhijia Reply:
Hello: Regarding issues with attention difficulties and memory decline, aside from ADHD that you mentioned, there are actually many other causes. Common factors include high stress, anxiety, and depression, which can all contribute to these phenomena. If you truly feel that this ...

Struggling to Quit: My 6-Year Journey with Psychiatric Medication

I have been taking psychiatric medication for 6 years and would like to discontinue it? Since 2017, I have been taking psychiatric medication. Initially, I sought help from a psychiatrist due to severe stress and insomnia. After about two years on the medication, I attempted to q...

Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to insomnia and the pressure of medication. 1. Facing an uncertain future, psychosomatic disorders are common in modern society. This is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment for...

Managing Recurring Depression: Medication Adjustments and Treatment Options

Recurrent episodes of depression, medication consultation? Hello, doctor. I have been taking medication for depression for 12 years without any interruptions, but in the past two years, I have experienced four relapses. In April of this year, I had a relapse, and while I recovere...

Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It is advisable to consult your physician directly regarding any adjustments to medication. Additionally, it is recommended to consider non-pharmacological treatments for depression, such as psychotherapy and rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). Dr. Wu En-Liang.

When Is Involuntary Hospitalization Necessary for Mental Health Issues?

What level of severity necessitates mandatory hospitalization? I have been experiencing poor mental health lately and have been diagnosed with autism and schizophrenia. In recent weeks, I have been struggling with insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and increasingly intense feelings...

Dr. Huang Zhijia Reply:
Hello: A mandatory hospitalization under the Mental Health Act requires evaluation by two specialized psychiatrists before it can be implemented.

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:
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...

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:
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...

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