Can Antidepressants Reverse Brain Changes in Severe Depression?
Major Depressive Disorder About six years ago, I experienced significant stress and severe autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which led me to consult Dr. Chuo Liang-Chen at Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Professor Lu Ru-Bin at National Cheng Kung University Hospital....
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, thank you for your letter. Patients with major depressive disorder can indeed experience cognitive decline; however, with appropriate treatment using antidepressants, cognitive function can improve and recover. So you can prepare for your exam with confidence, witho...[Read More] Can Antidepressants Reverse Brain Changes in Severe Depression?
Neck Issues and Their Surprising Link to Headaches: What You Need to Know
Cervical spondylosis can also cause headaches! Hello Dr. Chang: Recently, I started treatment with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who specializes in brain disorders for acupuncture therapy. He asked me several questions, including whether my pillow is too high while ...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Cervical spondylosis requires confirmation through cervical CT, while schizophrenia is a brain disorder. The two conditions differ in their nature. Headaches can be addressed through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Non-pharmacological strategies may inclu...[Read More] Neck Issues and Their Surprising Link to Headaches: What You Need to Know
Understanding Mental Health: Common Questions About Psychiatric Disorders
Medical issues 1. If we put it bluntly, are mental patients just considered "crazy"? 2. How can auditory hallucinations be completely cured? If a person hears voices coming from the sky, is it inspiration or a sign of illness? Do individuals with auditory hallucinatio...
Dr. Xie Dicheng Reply:
Hello: Here are the brief answers to your questions: 1. Patients with mental illness should not be referred to as "crazy." 2. It is difficult to clearly explain whether experiencing auditory hallucinations indicates a mental illness. If hearing voices significantly disr...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health: Common Questions About Psychiatric Disorders
Managing Schizophrenia and Its Complications: Insights on Headaches and Vision Issues
Schizophrenia and associated post-headache? Hello Dr. Chang! After undergoing treatment for a period of time, I have discovered that my blood has elevated levels of uric acid, blood sugar, and lipids. I previously experienced vision problems, where colorful objects appeared in bl...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Hello! The aforementioned prescription is already a quite potent combination. It is advisable to enhance it from a non-pharmacological perspective by incorporating moderate aerobic exercise, such as a daily 30-minute walk, and muscle relaxation training, such as yoga, tai chi, or...[Read More] Managing Schizophrenia and Its Complications: Insights on Headaches and Vision Issues
Understanding Elderly Self-Talk: Signs of Mental Health Issues in Seniors
Soliloquy Hello doctor... My grandmother is almost 90 years old. She has forgotten many things, but in the past month, she suddenly started exhibiting unusual behavior. She often talks to herself and seems to be conversing with someone, sometimes to the point of crying. She frequ...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen, Greetings from the Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan. The symptom of talking to oneself is commonly observed in patients with severe detachment from reality, such as those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or certain orga...[Read More] Understanding Elderly Self-Talk: Signs of Mental Health Issues in Seniors
Understanding Mental Fatigue: Is Daydreaming a Sign of a Disorder?
mental fatigue Dear Dr. Ding, is zoning out a mental illness? Sometimes when others are talking to me, I unintentionally zone out, and it feels very rude! Is it because of fatigue or stress that I zone out without realizing it? Also, there are times when I feel very tired and wan...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, I am not sure what the true meaning of "letting go" is! Politicians say that letting go refers to releasing attachment and disputes. Your interpretation of letting go seems to imply a lack of focus on the present tasks at hand. People our age might describe it as...[Read More] Understanding Mental Fatigue: Is Daydreaming a Sign of a Disorder?
Understanding Mental Health and Public Service Eligibility in Taiwan
Psychiatric issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. Does seeing a psychiatrist disqualify someone from being a public servant? The regulations for civil service examinations state that individuals with psychiatric disorders cannot hold public office. I would like to verif...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
1. Does seeing a psychiatrist disqualify someone from holding a public office? Certainly not. In fact, the government conducts special examinations for individuals with disabilities annually. For more information, please refer to the Civil Service Examination website and other re...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health and Public Service Eligibility in Taiwan
The Role of SPECT and PET Scans in Treating Mental Illness
The role of SPECT and PET scans in the treatment of psychiatric disorders? Hello Dr. Chang Che-Hung! I have read several books on mental disorders, and they mention that standard EEG and CT scans are not helpful in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Only PET and SPECT scans ...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
SPECT and PET scans can be used to study the effects of drugs on brain receptor changes, which is helpful for understanding brain function, psychiatric symptoms, and new drug development. However, they are expensive. The concentration of drugs in the blood is currently a commonly...[Read More] The Role of SPECT and PET Scans in Treating Mental Illness
Managing Recurring Schizophrenia and Persistent Headaches: A Patient's Journey
Relapse of schizophrenia? Hello Dr. Chang, I am a patient named Chen Wen-Peng, and I am suffering from schizophrenia, which has recurred for the second time and is becoming increasingly severe. The headaches at the back of my head have caused me to lose my motivation to work. C...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Headaches can be a symptom of physiological and psychological imbalances, such as depression and anxiety. In addition to medication, it is important to reduce sources of stress, including occupational and family pressures. This can be complemented with stress-relief techniques, s...[Read More] Managing Recurring Schizophrenia and Persistent Headaches: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Short-Term Memory Issues: When to Seek Help
Short-term memory Hello Dr. Ding: I am 23 years old, have no bad habits, and my sleep schedule is normal. However, in the past month, I have noticed that I often cannot briefly remember phone numbers or email addresses provided by others. Even while on the phone, it is difficult ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, memory issues can be simply viewed from two levels. The first is whether overall cognitive function is normal. Conditions such as dementia, intellectual disability, brain injury, and substance abuse can affect our memory capacity and ability. Based on your description, it ...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Memory Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Hallucinations After Head Injury: Causes and Concerns
I am experiencing hallucinations? Today at school, I got into a fight with a male classmate, and he hit me on the back of the head. I also bumped my head against a wall, and now my head hurts a bit. I'm feeling somewhat dizzy, and it seems like I'm experiencing hallucin...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Yuan Yuan: The head is the central part of the human body, and when it is injured, abnormal phenomena will certainly occur. Seeking medical attention and undergoing a head examination is essential! Especially visual hallucinations, which are one of the important warning si...[Read More] Understanding Hallucinations After Head Injury: Causes and Concerns
Overcoming Claustrophobia: Seeking Help and Understanding Treatment Options
Claustrophobia Hello, today I visited the municipal hospital primarily due to experiencing symptoms of claustrophobia over the past five years. I feel anxious in situations such as tunnels, crowded subways, elevators, and airplanes. Next month, I need to fly internationally to mu...
Dr. Lin Junyuan Reply:
Hello, agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. While it may not lead to crises or cognitive decline like some severe mental illnesses, chronic cases can still affect work efficiency, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. In our outpatient clinic, we have cases...[Read More] Overcoming Claustrophobia: Seeking Help and Understanding Treatment Options
Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues After Brain AVM Treatment
excuse me? Hello, Dr. Ding! At the end of December last year, I experienced a hemorrhage due to an arteriovenous malformation, and I underwent Gamma Knife treatment in March of this year. However, since I need to be monitored for one to two years, I worry about my condition every...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, insomnia is a symptom caused by many different factors, and stress and worry are among them. Your psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your mental and physical condition to prescribe appropriate medication for you. Currently, psychiatric medications are ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues After Brain AVM Treatment
Understanding the Connection Between Depression and Persistent Headaches
Head tightness and dizziness..? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness and headaches for over three months without much interruption! Brain scans have all come back normal. After thinking it over, I decided to get a physical examination and went to see a family medicine...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren, Greetings. Dizziness and headaches are indeed physical symptoms with many possible causes. It is reasonable to first consult a family physician; however, it would be best to also have a neurological evaluation. If no neurological issues are found, these...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Depression and Persistent Headaches
Understanding the Bizarre Sensation of Bouncing While Walking
Feeling a jolt or bump while walking? Hello doctor, I previously experienced a sensation while walking where it felt like my feet were momentarily sinking down even though they were firmly on the ground, and then bouncing back to their original position. This sensation sometimes ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned in your correspondence, your issue may be related to the nervous system. I recommend that you consult a neurologist. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Bizarre Sensation of Bouncing While Walking
Managing Head Pressure and Neck Tension: Tips for Relief
Feeling heavy-headed with tightness behind the ears and neck? I constantly feel like my head is about to explode, with a heavy sensation in the neck area behind my ears, which feels very tight, and my ears seem to be swollen. A while ago, I was completely focused on my studies un...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, The headaches you mentioned are likely related to your academic stress, late nights, and excessive thinking. In particular, the "excessive thinking" you describe...[Read More] Managing Head Pressure and Neck Tension: Tips for Relief
Impact of Chronic Stress on Cognitive Function in Mood Disorders
Stress issues If someone experiences prolonged high levels of stress and is diagnosed with mild bipolar disorder and depression, it can indeed affect cognitive and memory functions. Long-term use of medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and engaging in regular exercise may help...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, You may want to discuss with your physician whether your diagnosis is bipolar disorder or depression, as the etiology, course, treatment, and prognosis of these two condit...[Read More] Impact of Chronic Stress on Cognitive Function in Mood Disorders
Boosting Serotonin and Norepinephrine: Dietary Tips for Mental Health
What can be eaten to increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels? Hello Doctor: I seem to have social anxiety and depression. I have taken an online test and only visited a clinic once. However, when I took the antidepressants, I couldn't sleep at night (I felt very agitate...
Dr. Wang Zhenbang Reply:
Dear "Cool Noodles" online user: Generally, online tests are merely reminders for the public to be aware of the potential for mental health disorders and are intended for reference only. Self-assessment through online tests can easily lead to incorrect conclusions and s...[Read More] Boosting Serotonin and Norepinephrine: Dietary Tips for Mental Health
Impact of Stress and Mood Disorders on Cognitive Function and Memory
Brain function If someone experiences prolonged high levels of stress and is diagnosed with mild bipolar disorder and depression, it can indeed affect cognitive and memory functions. Long-term use of medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and engaging in regular exercise may hel...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Having mild bipolar disorder and depression can indeed affect cognitive and memory functions. However, after the condition stabilizes, it can gradually improve. It is important to follow medical advice regarding treatment, including...[Read More] Impact of Stress and Mood Disorders on Cognitive Function and Memory
Understanding the Physiological Mechanisms of Emotions and Relaxation Techniques
Mechanisms of Emotion Could you please explain the physiological mechanisms of emotions and ways to relax in a simple yet detailed manner? Thank you and best wishes!
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, Modern psychosomatic medicine posits that emotions result from the interplay of physiological, psychological, and social factors. Consequently, various theoretical models ...[Read More] Understanding the Physiological Mechanisms of Emotions and Relaxation Techniques