Understanding Auditory Hallucinations: A Guide for Mental Health Concerns
Hello Dr. Chiu: Are there any auditory hallucinations? Hello: Background: 1. This job is often looked down upon by others, yet it is still very much needed; it seems that aside from public health scholars and the National Health Insurance Bureau, doctors are the most despised....
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. At first glance, it does not appear to be a symptom of auditory hallucination. If it has caused you distress, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist for consultation to facilitate improvement.[Read More] Understanding Auditory Hallucinations: A Guide for Mental Health Concerns
Do Antidepressants Affect Your Menstrual Cycle? Understanding the Connection
Do antidepressants affect the menstrual cycle? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing anxiety and irritability for the past one to two years, along with intrusive thoughts (I tend to be particularly sensitive and anxious when I hear ominous statements). After the 403 earthquake, ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Medications and emotions can affect the menstrual cycle. You may not need to visit the obstetrics and gynecology department for an examination at this time. Please discuss your situation, including the use of Xinna tablets, with your psychiatrist during your next appointme...[Read More] Do Antidepressants Affect Your Menstrual Cycle? Understanding the Connection
Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues During Exam Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide
Psychological anger, national examinations, masturbation, and related lifestyle issues? Hello, doctor. I used to have very few issues with insomnia, but this year, as I prepare for the national exam, I encountered obstacles at the beginning of the year with family needing my help...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: For insomnia, it is indeed recommended to first use non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical therapy, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy. If medication is absolutely necessary, it is also advised to avoid long-term use of sleep aids to prevent physiological or...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues During Exam Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Schizophrenia: Cognitive Decline and Stress Impact
Schizophrenia leads to impaired brain function, and it raises the question of whether stress contributes to these issues? I would like to ask the doctor two questions. The first question is that I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia for over a year, and I feel that many functi...
Dr. Yu Quanxun Reply:
Hello: Coexisting with schizophrenia is a very challenging journey, and it is truly commendable that you have persevered until now. Regarding the first question: Schizophrenia does indeed affect various brain functions, including the cognitive abilities and expressive skills you ...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Cognitive Decline and Stress Impact
Understanding Schizophrenia: Impact on Brain Function and Stress Factors
Schizophrenia leads to impaired brain function, and it raises the question of whether stress is a contributing factor? I would like to ask the doctor two questions. The first question is that I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia for over a year, and I feel that many functions...
Dr. Yu Quanxun Reply:
Hello: Coexisting with schizophrenia is a very challenging journey, and it is truly commendable that you have persevered this far. Regarding your first question: Schizophrenia indeed affects various brain functions, including the cognitive abilities and expressive skills you ment...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Impact on Brain Function and Stress Factors
Addressing Mental Health Concerns in a Family Member After Illness
There is a suspected mental illness patient in the household? The father at home underwent surgery for cancer last year and is currently resting at home. Over the past two months, due to irregular medication use and abnormal eating and sleeping patterns, he has begun to exhibit u...
Dr. Yu Quanxun Reply:
Caring for cancer patients requires attention to multiple aspects, and your role as a family member is indeed challenging. Based on your description, your father has no prior history of mental illness and has a record of cancer and surgery. Given that the symptoms appeared sudden...[Read More] Addressing Mental Health Concerns in a Family Member After Illness
Understanding Privacy in Psychological Assessments: Key Questions Answered
Issues related to psychological counseling? Hello, doctor: After graduating from high school, I received treatment at the psychiatric department of Hospital A and underwent a psychological evaluation there (the report has been uploaded to the National Health Insurance system). I ...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. Patient privacy is governed by data protection regulations, and you can refer to relevant websites for more information. The recent surge in the pandemic has led the Centers for Di...[Read More] Understanding Privacy in Psychological Assessments: Key Questions Answered
Overcoming Anxiety About STDs: A Guide for Mental Health
I have always been very worried about contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? Hello doctor, I easily get anxious and overthink. I constantly feel that if I touch something casually, or use a shared washing machine or restroom, I will contract a sexually transmitted in...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. Recently, the pandemic has intensified, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined the symptoms resulting from the long-term effects of acute COVID-19 inf...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety About STDs: A Guide for Mental Health
Understanding Emotional Distraction: Is Daydreaming a Coping Mechanism?
When feeling sad, one may unconsciously zone out and quickly forget the things that made them sad? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, I have often found myself daydreaming and unable to concentrate, and my memory has always been poor, with little recollection of most things. Recen...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your situation falls within the normal range of psychological responses. Some people experience similar situations. There's no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Emotional Distraction: Is Daydreaming a Coping Mechanism?
Illusions or Delusions: Understanding Anxiety-Induced Visual Disturbances
Is it a visual hallucination or an illusion? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with health anxiety. I started medication in April of last year because I was experiencing persistent dizziness and was afraid it was a brain tumor. However, after a CT scan, the results were normal. Later ...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing distress due to your concerns about anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis). 1. Facing an uncertain future, anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) is a common condition in modern society. It is a chronic illness that requires long-...[Read More] Illusions or Delusions: Understanding Anxiety-Induced Visual Disturbances
Understanding OCD Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Reality and Perception
Regarding this condition? Hello, doctor. I have a fear of HIV and I have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I experience a situation where my skin feels like it has been pricked by a syringe, even though there is no physical injury. I start to believe that I...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: You mentioned how to distinguish whether something has actually pierced you or if it is an obsessive-compulsive episode. How can one determine if the perceived threat from obsessive thoughts is real? During such times, the best approach is to seek help from a mental health...[Read More] Understanding OCD Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Reality and Perception
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, panic, and recurrence are likely the issues, rather than the side effects of the medication. Your medication should not increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. The problem may lie in the imbalance of brain elements that process stress, r...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Heart Health
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, panic, and recurrence are likely the issues rather than a side effect of the medication. Your medication should not increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. The problem may lie in the imbalance of brain elements that process stress, rathe...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Heart Health
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 ...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Heart Health
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...[Read More] Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Memory Issues in Adolescents
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 ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and VPC: Safe SSRI Options for Patients
Understanding Organic Psychosis: Diagnosis and Thyroid Influence
Inquiry on Organic Mental Disorders Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. I would like to inquire about the diagnosis of organic psychosis. My family member exhibited symptoms of delusional disorder a year and a half ago, ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: 1. Organic mental disorders refer to psychiatric conditions that may be caused by tangible (organic) factors, such as brain injuries, physiological issues, electrolyte imbalances, or drug-induced effects. Since the causes can be identified or inferred, they are collectivel...[Read More] Understanding Organic Psychosis: Diagnosis and Thyroid Influence
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...[Read More] Concerns About Sleep Apnea and Psychiatric Medication Use
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...[Read More] Understanding Daily Dizziness: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding and Managing Severe Sleep Issues: A Psychiatric Perspective
Gradually worsening sleep issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing sleep issues for the past six months, often lying in bed for two hours without being able to fall asleep. Even after I do fall asleep, I sometimes have nightmares or experience sleep paralysis, waking up fee...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Lee: It seems that you are experiencing the following sleep issues: difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, and sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis, often referred to as "ghost pressing," is actually a phenomenon that occurs during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sta...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Severe Sleep Issues: A Psychiatric Perspective