How to Encourage Hypochondriac Patients to Seek Medical Help
How to encourage patients with illness anxiety to seek medical care? Hello, doctor. My brother is 28 years old and has often experienced discomfort in specific areas of his body since childhood. He frequently undergoes examinations and exhibits anxiety, constantly researching onl...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: Seeking medical attention should not be forced. You might try to persuade him by saying, "When certain elements in the brain are imbalanced, the body can become very sensitive. What may start as slight vision problems can escalate to significant difficu...[Read More] How to Encourage Hypochondriac Patients to Seek Medical Help
Managing Emotional Turmoil: Overcoming Medication Misuse in Mental Health
In moments of emotional distress, individuals may find it difficult to control themselves and may end up taking an excessive amount of medication? Hello, doctor. I am currently receiving treatment at a mental health clinic, with regular follow-ups once a month. I initially sought...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hei: You've been working hard! Are you currently living alone? If not, can your family or friends who live with you help you store your medications? If someone can help you with that, it will better ensure your safety and prevent you from overdosing. If you are l...[Read More] Managing Emotional Turmoil: Overcoming Medication Misuse in Mental Health
Understanding Self-Injury: Coping with the Urge to Harm Yourself
I have been wanting to see my injury lately? I don't feel like I'm under any pressure. However, recently I've been frequently using a utility knife to cut my arms, enjoying making large red marks. The cuts aren't too deep, but they do bleed. When I shower, I d...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Cutting the body with a knife can involve many complex psychological motivations, such as: 1. Regaining a sense of control (some individuals may feel that everything in their life is out of control, and the only thing they can control is creating wounds on their own body) ...[Read More] Understanding Self-Injury: Coping with the Urge to Harm Yourself
Feeling Dirty: Understanding OCD and Anxiety in Mental Health
Feeling very dirty? Dr. Lin: Thank you for your patient response to my questions; I really appreciate it. Additionally, I would like to ask if feeling excessively dirty all the time indicates a mental health issue. Is this meaningless cleaning a sign of obsessive-compulsive disor...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, little fish: If you find yourself washing for an extended period of time despite knowing it’s unnecessary, and you experience a reduction in anxiety afterward, it is very likely that you may be dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, a definitive diagnos...[Read More] Feeling Dirty: Understanding OCD and Anxiety in Mental Health
Managing Anxiety After Medication: Understanding Your Feelings and Next Steps
Nervous anxiety I have been off medication for three months and haven't returned for a follow-up appointment because I didn't know what to discuss with the doctor. Initially, I had weekly visits, then biweekly, then every three weeks, and finally monthly, totaling about...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: I would like to know what circumstances led you to start medication initially? Was it due to depression, anxiety, or panic? Are the discomforts you are experiencing recently similar to those you had before starting the medication? If so, this may indicate a relapse of your...[Read More] Managing Anxiety After Medication: Understanding Your Feelings and Next Steps
Left Chest Numbness and Pressure: Understanding Sleep-Related Symptoms
Left chest numbness with a feeling of pressure? Hello, doctor! For the past four weeks, my sleep has been inconsistent at night. Sometimes, when I try to fall asleep, I experience a tingling and pressure sensation in my left chest, and I can occasionally feel my heart beating. Af...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chuang: Since your discomfort is primarily in the chest area, especially occurring during colder weather, it is important to prioritize the consideration of heart-related diseases. I recommend that you first visit a cardiologist for an evaluation to determine if your sy...[Read More] Left Chest Numbness and Pressure: Understanding Sleep-Related Symptoms
Understanding Breathlessness: Anxiety and Its Impact on Your Health
Shortness of breath? Hello, I would like to seek professional advice. I am very worried as a mother of two children. On December 12, I accidentally fell and fractured my coccyx. Could this pain trigger autonomic nervous system dysfunction? I have sought medical attention and have...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Lami: I would like to know when, where, and under what circumstances you fell and injured your coccyx. Besides the fracture of the coccyx, do you have any other bodily injuries? Since your discomfort symptoms clearly began after this incident, it is possible that the exper...[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness: Anxiety and Its Impact on Your Health
Struggling to Focus During Exams: Tips for Students with Anxiety
Inability to concentrate during exams? I am a student preparing for the university entrance exam, but I have been facing some issues that are affecting my performance, which is quite frustrating. I tend to be impatient by nature, and often feel anxious when I have only completed ...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, online friend: The university entrance exam is a significant event in everyone's life. You must have put a lot of effort into preparing for it. Have you noticed that your attention span seems to struggle to last more than an hour? Eventually, you may want to wrap thin...[Read More] Struggling to Focus During Exams: Tips for Students with Anxiety
Understanding Compulsive Questioning: A Guide for Families
Family members often keep asking the same questions or bringing up the same issues repeatedly? Hello, doctor. My sister has some obsessive symptoms. In addition to washing her hands multiple times a day, she often repeatedly asks the same questions, regardless of whether she has ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Her condition may not necessarily be obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is recommended to seek early medical attention at a mental health facility for a proper differential diagnosis, and then receive appropriate treatment. Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Questioning: A Guide for Families
Navigating a Partner's Emotional Instability: Seeking Help or Moving On?
My girlfriend is experiencing significant emotional instability? Recently, my girlfriend often breaks down emotionally over minor issues. There was a period when she was doing better, but now it's not the case. We argue over trivial matters, and then she starts hyperventilat...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your hard work! I’m not sure if your girlfriend is a student or already working. If she is a student, I recommend that she seek help from the counseling center at her school. If she is already working, you can ask a nurse at a nearby health clinic to assist h...[Read More] Navigating a Partner's Emotional Instability: Seeking Help or Moving On?
Do I Need to See a Dermatologist for Contact Infection Concerns?
Contact transmission follow-up? Hello, doctor. I have a follow-up question regarding the contact transmission issue with case 163778. Since you mentioned that contact could potentially lead to a contagious skin disease, but it has been over six months since my last exposure and I...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious abnormalities in the skin, then there is no need to seek medical attention. However, if you still feel anxious or worried, it is advisable to seek assistance from a psychiatrist. Wishing you peace and joy.[Read More] Do I Need to See a Dermatologist for Contact Infection Concerns?
Managing Anxiety About Testing for Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Anxiety issues? Hello Doctor, previously due to a suspected needle stick injury, the infectious disease specialist recommended retesting for Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and HIV three months after the suspected exposure. I researched the window periods for these diseases, and it gene...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, 1. You can get tested after three months. 2. If the test is negative after the window period, there is no need for further testing. 3. It's understandable to have these concerns, especially since diseases like HIV seem to be untreatable. However, this is an outdat...[Read More] Managing Anxiety About Testing for Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Managing OCD: Concerns About Medication and Treatment Options
Medication for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Doctor, I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and I want to see a doctor because it has started to affect my daily life. However, I'm afraid that if the doctor prescribes medication that is not suitable for me or prescr...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chen: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common condition. If you are seeing a psychiatrist, there should be no issues with incorrect medication prescriptions. The first-line treatment for OCD is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and there are many...[Read More] Managing OCD: Concerns About Medication and Treatment Options
Understanding Side Effects of Ubiquitous Antidepressants: Focus and Anxiety
You will feel better: Medication consultation? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if Ubiqutous has side effects of inattention and restlessness? How long does it take for the side effects to improve after starting the medication? Or will they persist? Thank you for your response ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It's possible that Ubiquinone may cause increased agitation and affect attention as side effects. These side effects typically improve once the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of Ubiquinone take effect, which usually takes about two weeks. However, if these u...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Ubiquitous Antidepressants: Focus and Anxiety
Understanding and Managing Voices: A Guide to Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Hello, I would like to describe my symptoms. Since I was in fifth grade, I have been hearing a voice of a girl about my age calling me in my head. I initially thought it was a classmate, but I realized everyone was busy and it was impossible f...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: If it bothers your daily life and makes it difficult to focus on school, it is advisable to seek medical attention! Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Understanding and Managing Voices: A Guide to Dissociative Identity Disorder
Understanding Dissociation: Voices in Your Head After Loss
I suspect that I am experiencing dissociation? Hello, Doctor. Ever since a very important person passed away a year ago, I have been sad for a long time. About six months ago, I started hearing voices in my head. The voices are different in tone and style; some want to help me, w...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: It seems that your mind may be unwell. I suggest seeking medical attention at a mental health facility as soon as possible. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Understanding Dissociation: Voices in Your Head After Loss
Understanding Your Spouse's Bipolar Disorder: Seeking Help Without Consent
My husband has bipolar disorder and doesn't want me to accompany him to medical appointments? My husband sought medical attention on his own, and based on his self-description, the doctor diagnosed him with depression. However, as time has passed, he has started to exhibit m...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: According to medical regulations, a patient's condition is considered a physician's professional confidentiality, and even a spouse does not have the right to know unless the patient consents. It is advisable to first try to communicate with your husband; otherwi...[Read More] Understanding Your Spouse's Bipolar Disorder: Seeking Help Without Consent
Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Mental Illness in the Family
Intermittent illness? I would like to hear the doctor's advice, thank you! A family member has been diagnosed with a mental illness but has never sought medical attention personally; an elder consulted privately. His condition fluctuates between normalcy and sudden episodes....
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The focus for family members with mental health issues is primarily on encouraging medical care, and for now, it is best to let the elders make the judgment. Regarding the difficulties you mentioned in your interactions with family and the part where you stated, "I al...[Read More] Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Mental Illness in the Family
Understanding Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Anxiety Panic Disorder Hello, doctor. I am a third-year junior high school student, and I am feeling quite stressed as I prepare for the upcoming entrance exams. In the past, I occasionally experienced sudden feelings of unease, often accompanied by a sense of foreboding that mad...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Wang: Preparing for exams can be tough! Your situation is very similar to panic attacks, which may be related to the stress of exam preparation. However, there are other factors that can cause symptoms similar to panic attacks that need to be carefully differentiated, such ...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Managing Medication for OCD: Concerns About Side Effects and Study Performance
Medication Consultation for Buprenorphine Hello Dr. Wang: I have been taking Prozac for over three weeks (for obsessive-compulsive disorder). I am currently a student retaking exams and taking one and a half pills (the doctor said to increase to two pills, but I feel it's no...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: The effects of antidepressants on mood improvement typically become more noticeable after 2-3 weeks, but side effects often appear earlier than the benefits. However, these side effects generally diminish with continued use of the medication. If one does not understand thi...[Read More] Managing Medication for OCD: Concerns About Side Effects and Study Performance