Am I Just Overthinking My Mental Health Issues?
I don't know if I'm just complaining without any real illness? Hello, doctor. Since middle school, I have felt that my study efficiency is very poor; it takes me a long time to read an article. However, due to my competitive nature, I am willing to spend a lot of time i...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear lulala, it sounds like your emotional state has a significant impact on you, and I hope you don't feel like you're just complaining without reason. Generally speaking, foundational medications like bupropion can help improve mood fluctuations, so I recommend discus...[Read More] Am I Just Overthinking My Mental Health Issues?
Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Is It Related to Anxiety Disorders?
Feeling dizzy all day... Could this also be due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Anxiety medication: Anban 1 tablet daily (half a tablet before napping at noon), Mirtazapine half a tablet before bed. Duration of medication: Started around November last year, nearly a year...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear ruderchi, thank you for your question. Many of the physical discomfort symptoms you mentioned seem to align with those of anxiety disorders. Anxiety can generally affect the autonomic nervous system and various aspects of the body, which may explain the dizziness, stiffness,...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Dizziness: Is It Related to Anxiety Disorders?
Managing Sleep Issues and Mental Health: Strategies for Stress Relief
Sleep issues, bipolar disorder, stress-related problems? Hello Doctor, I am currently studying at a university in Japan, but I am stuck in Taiwan and unable to return to my studies. I am taking online courses, and the daily stress is overwhelming due to the large number of report...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Sammi, Thank you for your question regarding insomnia. It can indeed be challenging to address when faced with life stressors, and it's common for dreams to increase during such times (dreams are a physiological mechanism by which our brain attempts to process emotion...[Read More] Managing Sleep Issues and Mental Health: Strategies for Stress Relief
Understanding Health Anxiety: Symptoms and Concerns Explored
Is it hypochondriasis? Hello Doctor, I once went singing with a friend who returned from Japan, and while we were in the car, an older man behind me coughed without wearing a mask. Since that incident, I've felt like I might have a fever and experienced some shortness of bre...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Summit, thank you for your question. It sounds like you have been feeling anxious about your body lately, to a degree that seems unreasonable. At times, the brain regions that regulate our anxiety and fear can send strong signals, making it difficult to use rational judgment...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Symptoms and Concerns Explored
Understanding Internet Addiction: Emotional Struggles and Treatment Options
Prolonged internet use Hello, doctor. Here is my situation. I clearly remember during my senior year of high school, due to a poor family atmosphere and the pressure of college entrance exams, I would sneak onto the computer to play games until one or two in the morning while my ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello Tina: Based on your description, it seems you are concerned about the possibility of internet addiction or depression. 1. Research indicates that individuals with internet addiction tend to have higher levels of depression. (1) Some people develop emotional issues after exp...[Read More] Understanding Internet Addiction: Emotional Struggles and Treatment Options
Navigating Mental Health: Is a Low Dose of Medication Enough?
The heart always feels heavy? I would like to ask the doctor if taking half a 10mg Escitalopram daily is considered a low dosage? I still feel conflicted about whether I will have to take medication for life or if I should gradually reduce it to a quarter daily and aim to stop al...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Soul: Your feelings are shared by many patients—wondering if they will have to take medication for a lifetime. Generally speaking, many psychiatric medications can be gradually reduced as one ages. On the other hand, with advancements in medical treatment, it is possible t...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health: Is a Low Dose of Medication Enough?
Understanding the Challenges of Diagnosing Mental Health Issues
The doctor is unable to determine whether there is a genuine mental health issue? Hello doctor, I started experiencing auditory hallucinations and delusions at the age of 23, but at that time, I didn't believe I was ill. My family forced me to seek medical help, and the doct...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello, online user: It sounds like some of your symptoms are indeed troubling you, but it seems that the doctors have not yet been able to resolve your issues. I recommend that you find a physician to regularly follow up with, so that they can truly understand your problems and p...[Read More] Understanding the Challenges of Diagnosing Mental Health Issues
Understanding Schizophrenia: Medication Costs and Social Interaction Challenges
Schizophrenia and Medication Costs Issues Dear Dr. Wu, I was diagnosed with delusional disorder (mild schizophrenia) at the beginning of last year. I experienced auditory hallucinations for about two months, which later resolved on their own. The delusional aspects have stabiliz...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: Q: Will taking medication for schizophrenia lead to brain atrophy in the long term? A: No, in fact, not taking medication and experiencing repeated episodes can lead to brain atrophy. Q: Although delusions and hallucinations have resolved, is there still d...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Medication Costs and Social Interaction Challenges
Is It Just Sadness or Signs of Depression and Anxiety?
Is it depression or major depressive disorder? Hello, I have been feeling inexplicably low and irritable for about four months, possibly due to the upcoming exams. I feel like there is something weighing on my mind. My classmates say I look unhappy and don't smile, which has...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: If you are experiencing persistent depression and a lack of interest in everything, it is indeed possible that you may be suffering from depression. It could be that the pressure from the academic exams is too overwhelming for your brain to handle. I recommend...[Read More] Is It Just Sadness or Signs of Depression and Anxiety?
Understanding Long-Term Negative Emotions and Thoughts of Death
Prolonged negative emotions and thoughts of death? Hello, Doctor: As the title suggests, I actually don't know how to explain my situation. I feel that many aspects of my past, including my family, have contributed to my current state, but I often struggle to articulate it. ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, Ziyin: After reading your difficult life story, I can see that you are truly exhausted. I am also concerned that long-term stress may have led to physical and mental fatigue, possibly resulting in depression. Mental health issues require appropriate treatment, so I suggest...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Negative Emotions and Thoughts of Death
Understanding OCD: Signs, Symptoms, and Coping Strategies
Is it obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello Doctor, five years ago I worked as a street cleaner, and I was often reported for not cleaning the streets properly. My supervisor would constantly ask me to go back and clean again for inspection, which caused me a lot of stress. ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: Based on your situation, it has not yet reached the level of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it does exhibit symptoms similar to OCD. Therefore, you can apply treatment methods used for OCD to address it. For obsessive symptoms, a non-pharmacological treat...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Signs, Symptoms, and Coping Strategies
Understanding Reduced Tactile Sensitivity: Causes and Implications
Decreased tactile sensitivity? I would like to ask, these past few days I have felt that my body doesn't feel like my own. I often scratch or touch myself but don't feel much sensation, and my skin's sensitivity has significantly decreased. What could this conditio...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a "decrease in somatosensory perception." This typically indicates a reduced responsiveness of the nervous system, leading to decreased sensitivity of the skin to temperature, pain, and touch. There co...[Read More] Understanding Reduced Tactile Sensitivity: Causes and Implications
Understanding Drug Interactions: Concerns with Antidepressants and Cold Medications
Medication consultation Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been taking Vistacap (venlafaxine) capsules, one each night. This morning, I felt some discomfort in my throat and drank Panadol (paracetamol) Fever and Cold drink, only to realize that it is not advisable to take cold medic...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Wisenke capsules are the generic version of fluoxetine. The mechanism of action of this class of antidepressants is to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at nerve endings, leading to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin syndrome is more likely to occur wh...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Concerns with Antidepressants and Cold Medications
Understanding Anxiety: Coping with Fear and Uncertainty After Loss
What is wrong with me? Hello, Doctor. I've recently been experiencing some issues and I'm not sure what's wrong with me. I used to be a person who worried a lot about various things, such as going crazy, dying, or getting sick. I often felt overwhelmed by anxiety. ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Anxiety disorders can indeed make individuals aware that there is nothing wrong, yet their brains continue to ruminate. The issue lies in the amygdala, which causes excessive vigilance. If it interferes with daily life, it is advisable to seek assistance from professionals such a...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Coping with Fear and Uncertainty After Loss
Understanding Neurological Medications: Are They Right for Your Symptoms?
Neuropharmaceuticals I visited a psychiatrist who did not provide me with a specific diagnosis. I reported various symptoms that are similar to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, but the doctor advised me to go home and take Escitalopram to repair my brain's neurotransm...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and anxiety. Based on your description, it is difficult to definitively diagnose your condition, but it is likely related to anxiety combined with depression. Currently, the use of medication can ...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Medications: Are They Right for Your Symptoms?
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Headaches and Medication Concerns
Bipolar disorder-related issues? I used to be a patient with bipolar disorder but have not taken medication for two years (due to pregnancy). During this time off medication, I have not experienced any signs of relapse. However, today I suddenly had a severe headache that lasted ...
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to your medication and headache issues. I recommend that you discuss these concerns directly with your physician. Additionally, regular outpatient follow-ups are very important....[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Headaches and Medication Concerns
Understanding Speech Disorders and Emotional Issues in Aging Mothers
Maternal speech disorders and emotional issues? Two years ago, my mother was perfectly fine in terms of verbal expression and emotional responses. She was a strong woman in her workplace, articulate and confident. However, after a major client of her company went bankrupt, she se...
Dr. Cai Yunlin Reply:
Hello, it seems that your mother has experienced significant stress, and there have been noticeable changes in her personality and verbal expression. It may be helpful to discuss this with her neurologist to see if a referral to a psychosomatic specialist or other assistance is a...[Read More] Understanding Speech Disorders and Emotional Issues in Aging Mothers
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Do Dreams Affect Rest and Aging?
Sleep issues Hello, Doctor: I have sleep disorders, so I need to take half a sleeping pill before bed in order to sleep. I go to bed at 8 PM and wake up at 5 AM the next day, but I usually wake up 2 to 3 times during the night. After waking up, it takes me more than half an hour ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: To briefly answer your questions. 1: Six hours of sleep should be sufficient for your age. 2: We all dream every day, but we still experience sleep that allows the brain to rest. 3: Please do not worry; this is not related to dementia. Worrying about it may actually worsen...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Do Dreams Affect Rest and Aging?
Managing Anxiety After Childbirth: Overcoming Symmetry Obsessions
Anxiety conditions Hello, doctor. After having a child, I became very anxious, focusing on the symmetry of my body. For example, when I eat and feel a small mark on the inside of my left cheek, I feel compelled to check the right side. If the right side is clear, I become anxious...
Dr. Tian Xinqiao Reply:
Hello, dear user: Thank you for your message. Your symptoms appear to be related to anxiety manifestations, such as the need for repeated reassurance and concerns about physical illnesses. However, to determine the specific condition you are experiencing, a thorough evaluation by...[Read More] Managing Anxiety After Childbirth: Overcoming Symmetry Obsessions
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Duration and Management
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) When visiting a family medicine clinic, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is often discussed as a broad condition. It is commonly understood that if medication is prescribed for GAD, the typical treatment duration is around three months, with a...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
For generalized anxiety disorder, it is recommended that medication treatment lasts at least six months. If the medication is discontinued, there is a significant risk of relapse. It is advised to taper off the medication gradually rather than stopping abruptly. Additionally, the...[Read More] Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Duration and Management