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:
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
Understanding Chest Tightness and Anxiety: A Guide to Your Symptoms
Chest tightness, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, fatigue, and low mood? Hello, Doctor. About three weeks ago, I developed shingles and recovered after taking medication. However, I soon experienced chest tightness that lasted for about a week, along with persistent fat...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: I have already seen an internist who conducted an examination, and there were no significant findings. It is indeed necessary to consider anxiety, hypochondriasis, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It is recommended to seek medical attention from a psych...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Anxiety: A Guide to Your Symptoms
Can Health Anxiety Improve? Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder
Will hypochondria get better? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy story... Three years ago, when I was eight months pregnant, I suddenly started experiencing severe headaches that lasted until my child was two months old (a total of four months). It's not an exaggerat...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: You have been under so much stress these past few years; it must be tough! I wonder if your psychiatrist has suggested inpatient treatment? Or recommended psychotherapy, relaxation training, or rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy? In ...[Read More] Can Health Anxiety Improve? Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder
Understanding Unusual Behaviors: Are They Symptoms of OCD?
Abnormal behavior Hello, doctor. I am a high school student transitioning from the first to the second year. I have noticed two peculiar symptoms that I have experienced since childhood. The first is that if an object is placed on a table and it gets nudged, I feel extremely unco...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: There is indeed a possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is recommended to seek medical attention at a mental health facility. Dr. Wu En-liang.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Behaviors: Are They Symptoms of OCD?
Understanding Anxiety-Related Sleep Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I have been dealing with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder for many years without the need for medication, and I have managed to coexist with the symptoms without them significantly affecting my daily life. However, in the past few months, due ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: If other physical issues have been ruled out, many patients with anxiety disorders do indeed experience these symptoms. Panic disorder is also a type of anxiety disorder. Occasionally feeling anxious allows me to redirect my emotions, but my sleep is sometim...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety-Related Sleep Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Emotional instability I've been feeling down lately, constantly afraid of losing things. I've lost my appetite and my weight has decreased. I find myself crying easily and my temper has worsened. Sometimes I prefer to be alone and don't want to be around my family,...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Have there been any stressful events recently? These symptoms could possibly indicate depression, and it is advisable to seek medical attention at a mental health facility. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Anxiety and Insomnia in Young Adults
Sleep issues I don't know if it's due to the lack of choices for further education that has led to excessive stress, but my sleep quality has noticeably declined over the past month. I used to be able to sleep from 10 PM to 9 AM, but now I wake up suddenly before 6 AM a...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: The most common cause of short-term insomnia is anxiety due to life stress. It is recommended to avoid napping during the day, engage in regular exercise, and pay attention to sleep hygiene (which can be found online). If necessary, short-term use of sedatives...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Anxiety and Insomnia in Young Adults
Understanding Family Mental Health: Signs of Possible Disorders
Regarding whether family members have mental illnesses? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with mild depression, and my family environment has greatly affected me, being a major factor in my emotional instability. My family has a certain aversion to mental illness and lacks insight in...
Dr. Wang Zhenbang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, here are several points to consider: 1. The diagnostic range for mental disorders is quite broad, and it requires evaluation from multiple perspectives to determine if the diagnostic criteria are met. One important criterion is whether the indi...[Read More] Understanding Family Mental Health: Signs of Possible Disorders
Exploring Sexual Orientation: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Understanding
Sexual orientation issues Hello, doctor. I am a 21-year-old male, and I have been questioning my sexual orientation for some time. When I was younger, I would have physiological reactions when I saw muscular men. The school I attended in high school was quite conservative; they p...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yi: Based on your description, it seems that you have an interest in male bodies and experience physiological responses. If you also experience physiological responses to female bodies, it may indicate that you could be bisexual. Of course, the terms heterosexual, hom...[Read More] Exploring Sexual Orientation: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Understanding
Overcoming Anxiety and Insomnia: Finding Peace After Childhood Stress
Stress, anxiety, and insomnia? Hello, doctor. I experienced significant stress during my childhood due to family issues, and I only moved out last year. However, I still don't understand why I can't relax; my body remains in a state of high tension, which often leads to...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: If you have been unable to relax and are easily tense and anxious for a long time, you should consider whether you have an anxiety disorder. If so, it is not advisable to rely solely on sedative or sleep medications; you should also include antidepressants. In addition to ...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety and Insomnia: Finding Peace After Childhood Stress
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:
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
Struggling with Sleep: A College Student's Battle with Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep for more than six months? Hello, doctor. I am a college student in my second year. Since I entered university, I have been experiencing intermittent difficulties falling asleep, occurring about 3-4 times a week. Recently, I have been struggling to fall a...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Your prolonged insomnia has reached the clinical criteria for insomnia disorder, and it is advisable to seek medical attention for further differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You can seek medical help without needing support from family members. If y...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: A College Student's Battle with Insomnia
Understanding My Father's Mental Health Challenges After Divorce
My father's mental condition? Hello Doctor, Family situation: There are four people in my family. I am the eldest son, and I have a father, a mother, and a younger sister. Both my sister and I work overseas and cannot return to Taiwan frequently due to the pandemic. Desc...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello, it sounds like your father is experiencing a situation that is understandably concerning for the family, and it can be distressing not knowing how to help him. Based on your description, it is difficult to make a complete assessment. However, if the issue with emotional co...[Read More] Understanding My Father's Mental Health Challenges After Divorce
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Is It Related to Anxiety or GERD?
Throat issues Hello, Dr. Wu. For the past six months, I have been experiencing a sensation of swelling and tightness in my throat (within a few centimeters below the Adam's apple), which feels somewhat like being lightly struck around the area of the Adam's apple. I do ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Dysautonomia can indeed present with similar symptoms, commonly referred to as "globus sensation." It is advisable to consider seeking medical attention at a mental health facility. Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Is It Related to Anxiety or GERD?
Can Depression Medication Be Prescribed as a Chronic Prescription?
Can I switch to a chronic prescription for medication? Hello, doctor. A family member has been taking medication for depression (anxiety, panic, insomnia) for nearly twenty years (picking up prescriptions every 28 days at a major hospital). Recently, they have also developed epil...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: Theoretically, a chronic prescription should be possible, but the physician may have their clinical judgment, or some hospitals may have internal regulations that restrict the issuance of prescriptions for controlled substances, etc. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Can Depression Medication Be Prescribed as a Chronic Prescription?
Understanding ADHD: Why Do I Fidget While Trying to Focus?
Issues related to focus and leg shaking in ADHD? Hello, Doctor! I have been taking Strattera for over a year and a half. Whenever I need to focus on studying or researching online, I find myself unconsciously shaking my legs. Could you please explain the reason for this and wheth...
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Hello! I understand that you are quite troubled by your leg shaking. The treatment effects of medication will focus on attention and emotional aspects. Leg shaking is likely related to habits or anxiety, and behavioral therapy tends to be more effective. I still recommend that yo...[Read More] Understanding ADHD: Why Do I Fidget While Trying to Focus?
Understanding Sudden Breathing Awareness: Is It OCD?
Suddenly becoming overly aware of breathing (obsessive-compulsive disorder?)? 1. Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you. Since last week, I have suddenly found myself overly focused on my breathing. Although I know that the body naturally breathes without needing to control...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: 1. Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. Since last week, I have suddenly found myself focusing excessively on my breathing. Although I know that the body naturally breathes without needing to control it, I can't help but consciously try to manipulate ea...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breathing Awareness: Is It OCD?
Understanding Anxiety and OCD: Coping with Persistent Worries
Suspected anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello, doctor. I have noticed the following issues that have persisted for several years (5-6 years). I thought they would resolve on their own, but they have not improved and seem to have worsened. I feel tense every day...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. Is my condition obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, and hypochondriasis? I am worried about diseases that currently have no medical cure, and I can't relax every day. A: It is indeed possible that you have the aforementioned conditions. The...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and OCD: Coping with Persistent Worries
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Mood Swings
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction, Bipolar Disorder I was previously diagnosed with ADHD and depression. Recently, I have been experiencing chest tightness, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disturbances, possibly due to academic pressure over the past six months. However, my emo...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, dear netizen: I do not know your age or gender, so I can only guess that you are a young student. From your letter, I can see several health concerns, including symptoms such as chest tightness, insomnia, gastrointestinal dysfunction, emotional stress, significant financia...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Mood Swings
Understanding Illness Awareness in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families
Elderly patients' awareness of their illness Hello Doctor: My family member is over seventy years old and usually has clear thinking, but he is unable to recognize his own physical condition. For example, when it comes to visual recognition, he struggles to identify objects ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Elderly individuals may experience a decline in object recognition abilities due to degeneration of the eyes or brain. It is recommended to assist them in seeking medical care through discussion or guidance, rather than questioning their reasons. Pay attention to any other...[Read More] Understanding Illness Awareness in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families