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 Sleep Disturbances: Twitches, Nightmares, and Talking in Sleep
Involuntary movements of the limbs and sleep talking during sleep? Hello, doctor. For the past three to four years, I have experienced involuntary movements of my limbs while sleeping (my partner says this usually occurs within the first 15 minutes of falling asleep). During time...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Joanne: The human brain does not fully mature until the mid-20s, and at 27 years old, you are not yet in the stage of neurodegeneration, so there is no need to worry. The symptoms of twitching in the limbs during the initial stages of sleep may be related to hypnic jerks, w...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Twitches, Nightmares, and Talking in Sleep
Understanding Side Effects of Antidepressants: Sleepiness and Focus Issues
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Huang, I previously took Wellbutrin and experienced drowsiness, so I switched to Effexor (currently half a pill) but still feel drowsy. I would like to ask if this side effect will disappear after some time? If so, how long does it usually take...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: I apologize for the delayed response as I did not receive the notification email regarding the system's inquiry. Actually, both Prozac and Effexor are antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Some individuals may be more sensitive to serotonin and ...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Antidepressants: Sleepiness and Focus Issues
Overcoming Fear: Understanding Mental Barriers to Dental Care
The brain and body control us; we are not free? I have many dental issues, but I am afraid to see a dentist; this is a form of psychological avoidance. I have been avoiding it for over two years and still cannot bring myself to go. It feels like a fear, akin to being afraid of sh...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Jeff: Thank you for your hard work! Visiting the dentist can be a frightening experience for many people; however, dental health is crucial for overall health. If you have such a strong aversion to seeing the dentist, you might consider talking to a psychiatrist. Psychologi...[Read More] Overcoming Fear: Understanding Mental Barriers to Dental Care
Morning Nausea and Gut Dysautonomia: Understanding Mental Health Impacts
Daily morning nausea and autonomic nervous system of the intestines? Current Medical History: Abdominal pain, frequent flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome (esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed gastritis and GERD grade A = Dexlansoprazole 1# QD), bowel sounds, occasional abdominal...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that you are experiencing severe gastrointestinal discomfort, anxiety, compulsions, sleep disturbances, and daytime fatigue. Given your diagnosis of PTSD, this condition can lead to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which affects the functioning of variou...[Read More] Morning Nausea and Gut Dysautonomia: Understanding Mental Health Impacts
Overcoming Health Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Worries About Illness
Health anxiety Hello, doctor. Ever since my mother's friend passed away from cardiovascular disease last summer, I've been very worried about my health. Even though I wasn't very close to that person, I've thought about various serious illnesses like heart dis...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Chester: Thank you for your hard work! It seems that you are experiencing hypochondriasis. The course of hypochondriasis is typically episodic, with symptom flare-ups related to psychological stress. The duration of each episode can vary, but many cases show significant imp...[Read More] Overcoming Health Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Worries About Illness
Understanding OCD: Coping with Contamination Fears and Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a focus on cleanliness? Hello, doctor: Four years ago, I had gastroenteritis and experienced diarrhea, which caused some fecal matter to accidentally get on my pants. I washed them in the washing machine along with my clothes, and since th...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your hard work! Being troubled by such symptoms can be very distressing. Your symptoms seem to indicate a high possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but a definitive diagnosis can only be made through an in-person evaluation by a physician. It a...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Coping with Contamination Fears and Anxiety
Concerns About Taking Prozac: Effects on Brain Function and Memory
Medication - Paxil Hello Dr. Wu: I would like to ask about taking Prozac (fluoxetine). 1. Will it harm the brain's nerves? 2. Will it make me less intelligent? 3. Will it cause memory decline? 4. Will it affect my ability to concentrate? I am a repeat exam taker with mild ob...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: There is currently no scientific evidence that Prozac (fluoxetine) causes damage to brain neurons, cognitive impairment, memory decline, or difficulty concentrating. Non-pharmacological treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to consider include psychot...[Read More] Concerns About Taking Prozac: Effects on Brain Function and Memory
Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Strategies for Better Sleep and Focus
Bipolar disorder, depression If I often find myself overthinking and worrying about various things before bed, which prevents me from sleeping, what should I do? Sometimes, I cry for no apparent reason... I want to talk to my family about it, but whenever they ask or I try to spe...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Amy, regarding the situation you mentioned, it is indeed possible that it started due to stress. However, prolonged stress can have a significant impact on the body, such as accelerating the depletion of neurotransmitters related to depression, which can worsen depressive mo...[Read More] Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Strategies for Better Sleep and Focus
Concerns About Prozac: Memory Issues and Cognitive Effects for Students
Medication Issues: Prozac Hello, Doctor: Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I am a repeat examinee with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Today, I visited the hospital, and the doctor prescribed Prozac for me. I have read online that Prozac can cause cognitive dulln...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu: Each individual may have different reactions to medications due to variations in their physiology. Therefore, taking Paxil (Paroxetine) does not necessarily mean you will experience the symptoms that others have reported. Generally speaking, Paxil is less likely to...[Read More] Concerns About Prozac: Memory Issues and Cognitive Effects for Students
Feeling Trapped: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
I'm not sure what to do? Dear Doctor, Thank you for taking the time to read this letter amidst your busy schedule. I am unsure about what to do. I have been experiencing symptoms for several years, and they have recently been worsening. My symptoms include a persistent feel...
Dr. Guo Jialun Reply:
Based on your description, these symptoms have already impacted your work and daily life. It is advisable to seek evaluation and treatment from a psychiatrist. If your parents still oppose seeking treatment, you could ask them to accompany you to the appointment to hear the medic...[Read More] Feeling Trapped: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Does Taking Rifampin for Sleep Issues Increase Dementia Risk?
Is rifampicin used for depression? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my sleep issues. I take 0.5 mg of Rifampicin at night. I'm concerned about whether taking this medication frequently could lead to dementia. I'm worried about potential damage to my brain in ...
Dr. Yan Congyou Reply:
Hello: Under normal dosage and frequency of use, it should not occur. If you feel that your memory is deteriorating, it may be a sign that your depression is worsening. It is advisable to discuss this with a physician at the hospital.[Read More] Does Taking Rifampin for Sleep Issues Increase Dementia Risk?
Long-Term Use of Rifampin: Risks of Sleep Issues and Cognitive Decline
Is rifampicin used for depression? Doctor, I have trouble sleeping and take 0.5 mg of Risperidone every night. Will long-term use harm my brain or lead to dementia? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: There is currently no significant scientific evidence linking long-term use of sedative-hypnotic medications such as Rifampicin to dementia or brain damage. However, due to the potential for dependence with long-term use, it is recommended that after improvement o...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Rifampin: Risks of Sleep Issues and Cognitive Decline
Understanding the Anxiety Surrounding Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Concerns about multiple sclerosis? Doctor, a few months ago, I was worried about having Sjögren's syndrome due to dry mouth and dry throat, and I became increasingly anxious when I experienced pain in my fingers and toes. This led me to consult a rheumatologist, who assured ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello, the incidence of this disease is actually quite low, and your symptoms are not very typical, so there is no need to worry excessively. However, the symptoms of anxiety disorders involve uncontrollable worry, which makes it difficult to change your thoughts through willpowe...[Read More] Understanding the Anxiety Surrounding Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Body Pain: The Link Between Mental Health and Medication
Generalized bone pain? Psychiatry before bed: Leeyo (Escitalopram) 10mg * 2 tablets, Meishuyu (Mirtazapine) 50mg * 2 tablets, Silvacon (Sertraline) 50mg * 1 tablet, Lyrica (Pregabalin) 75mg * 2 tablets, Zolpidem 10mg * 2 tablets, Flunitrazepam 2mg * 2 tablets, Alprazolam 0.5mg * ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you are still experiencing anxiety regarding your condition and medication, and excessive anxiety may also be contributing to your physical discomfort. Anxiety is a prospective emotional response to perceived threats in the future, a fear imagine...[Read More] Understanding Body Pain: The Link Between Mental Health and Medication
Can Anxiety and OCD Cause Focus Issues? Exploring Brain Recovery
Inability to focus the eyes, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Recently, I have been preparing for a retake and have been experiencing a symptom that I want to ask about. The symptom is difficulty concentrating, inability to focus my eyes, and a lack of concentration (my field...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The symptoms described in the text may also be a response to stress (such as from retaking exams). Prolonged excessive stress can indeed cause harm. What you mentioned about the brain being unable to handle it, leading to these symptoms, generally refers to issues related ...[Read More] Can Anxiety and OCD Cause Focus Issues? Exploring Brain Recovery
Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness
Health anxiety is very severe? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure when it started, but it seems that during my time waiting to enter university, I became more anxious than usual, especially since I tend to overthink. 1. Sometimes, when I see news reports about certain cancers, I ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear cc, I can sense that you are feeling quite troubled by the situation described above. You find yourself constantly thinking about the possibility of cancer. Although rationally you know it may not happen, emotionally you fear that "what if" it does occur to you. Re...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness
Am I Sick? Understanding Anxiety and Social Struggles in Adolescents
Are you feeling unwell? I feel so exhausted. I can't understand why others don't feel this way, but I do. I hate socializing; it drains so much of my energy. I'm afraid that others won't like or accept me, but it's impossible to avoid social interactions ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Sandy, It sounds like these situations are quite distressing for you. The rational part of you and your family may think that it’s not a big deal and that you are overthinking it, but the emotional part of you struggles to ignore it. Often, this is due to the areas of the ...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Anxiety and Social Struggles in Adolescents
Understanding the Need for Regulation of Antidepressants: A Patient's Dilemma
Why are antidepressants regulated? I am afraid to go to the hospital, but I still want to continue taking my medication. It's not good to hide in the counseling room all day, and my teacher wants me to see a doctor. I agreed, but I haven't followed through each time. Th...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Many studies indicate that depression and anxiety are caused by multiple factors, but they are related to physiological imbalances in brain neurotransmitters. Antidepressants can help improve the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, so a combination of medication a...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Regulation of Antidepressants: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Sleep-Related Auditory Hallucinations: Causes and Insights
Hypnagogic hallucinations? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling tense during the day, and for the past three months, I occasionally hear ringing sounds upon waking from a nap (though I am aware that these are internally generated sounds). I wanted to consult because last n...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello Yuanping, it is actually possible for an average person to experience physiological hallucinations or illusions, especially in tense situations, such as hearing a phone ring while on duty or thinking someone is calling their name while walking down the street. It would be a...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Auditory Hallucinations: Causes and Insights