Understanding the Struggles of Mental Health: Why Does My Brain Feel Stuck?
Why is the human brain so difficult to use? I have quite a few questions, and I don't know why when I sit at my desk, I either feel annoyed or sleepy. Whenever I try to study, I have thoughts like "What is all this effort for?" or "I’m so frustrated, I don’t w...
Dr. Liu Junxian Reply:
Mr. Zeng: Hello, based on the information you provided, here is a summary response: 1. You are currently experiencing a depressive episode, characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, reduced interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness or fee...[Read More] Understanding the Struggles of Mental Health: Why Does My Brain Feel Stuck?
Is Depression Predestined? Exploring the Impact of Antidepressants on Emotions
Is this something that was destined to happen? After taking antidepressants, my emotions have become very stable—so stable that I feel numb to my surroundings. I can watch a thrilling and exciting movie without feeling anything. If I don't take them, a host of issues arise; ...
Dr. Chen Mingzhe Reply:
Dear X: It is normal for emotions to be influenced by external factors, which is one of the differences between humans and animals. Depression is not necessarily predetermined to occur. Regarding this issue, I recommend reading some popular books related to the topic, such as &qu...[Read More] Is Depression Predestined? Exploring the Impact of Antidepressants on Emotions
Understanding Brain Fatigue: Why Do We Struggle with Focus and Motivation?
Why is the human brain so difficult to use effectively? I have quite a few questions, and I don't know why, but when I sit at my desk, I either feel annoyed or sleepy. Whenever I try to study, I have thoughts like, "What is all this effort for?" or "It's ...
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
Hello Mr. Zeng: You have many questions, and I suggest discussing them one by one with your physician during your outpatient visit. I believe the doctor will provide you with appropriate answers. Symptoms that may be experienced by patients with depression include persistent low ...[Read More] Understanding Brain Fatigue: Why Do We Struggle with Focus and Motivation?
Understanding Thoughts of Hurting a Partner: A Psychiatric Perspective
Re: I have thoughts of harming my husband? Hello Dr. Chen! It seems that your last response was incomplete (the text was cut off). Could you please send it again? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, Xiao Qi: Regarding your concerns, it sounds quite alarming. I believe you love your husband very much. From your description, it seems that your state of awareness at the time was clear, and you were also aware of your thoughts. Therefore, it may be reasonable to first rul...[Read More] Understanding Thoughts of Hurting a Partner: A Psychiatric Perspective
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: Why Am I Having Harmful Thoughts About My Husband?
I have thoughts of harming my husband? I have been married to my husband for over three years, and our relationship has always been good. However, in the past six months, whenever it is late at night and my husband is asleep while I am still awake, I sometimes have thoughts of ha...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, Xiao Qi: Regarding your concerns, it sounds quite alarming. I believe you love your husband very much. From your description, it seems that your state of consciousness was clear at the time, and you were aware of your thoughts. Therefore, it may be prudent to rule out any ...[Read More] Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: Why Am I Having Harmful Thoughts About My Husband?
Understanding OCD: When to Seek Help and How to Cope
Please provide the content you would like me to translate regarding obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello Dr. Tang: Since my university days, I have had some annoying habits, such as washing my hands multiple times, checking doors repeatedly to ensure they are closed, and co...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear friend: It seems that you are feeling helpless and troubled by your repetitive actions. The more you try to restrain yourself, the more anxious and even fearful you become. Are you feeling conflicted and uneasy about seeking medical help? Are you worried about potential side...[Read More] Understanding OCD: When to Seek Help and How to Cope
Overcoming Intrusive Melodies: Coping Strategies for OCD Symptoms
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello Dr. Chen, I am currently a student and have been troubled by a particular issue for a long time: whenever I hear a melody or song that I find pleasant, my brain continuously replays those melodies or music, and I cannot interrupt this beh...
Dr. Chen Mingzhe Reply:
Nopia, I believe that this mental distress has been ongoing for some time, do you know that? According to the definitions and diagnostic criteria of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in psychology, there are some key components. OCD is divided into obsessive thoughts and compul...[Read More] Overcoming Intrusive Melodies: Coping Strategies for OCD Symptoms
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Steroids on Depression
Effects of Steroids Hello Dr. Chen, I have some questions I would like to ask you. I am currently experiencing depression, and I believe that my mood instability began while I was taking steroids (for 8 months) and even now while I am still on them. I find myself tearing up over ...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, the answer is affirmative. Many medications, such as antihypertensives or corticosteroids, can often lead to depressive symptoms. Typically, these symptoms improve after discontinuing the medication for a period of time, so there is no need to worr...[Read More] Understanding the Emotional Impact of Steroids on Depression
Understanding Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Disability Benefits in Taiwan
Diagnosis of Mental Disorders My doctor said I am prone to schizophrenia and that I should apply for a disability certificate. He also indicated schizophrenia on my records. I am currently receiving treatment at a city clinic and taking Fluanxol 1mg. A doctor from Mackay Memorial...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Lily: The diagnosis of schizophrenia primarily revolves around the "dopamine hypothesis," which suggests that there is an issue with the dopamine system in the brain. In terms of symptomatic diagnosis, it includes disturbances in thought processes (such as delusio...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Disability Benefits in Taiwan
Understanding Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Concerns
What is schizophrenia? My sister (21 years old) has been staying at home without work for a long time. A year ago, she started feeling like there were hidden cameras in our house, became afraid to watch TV, would sit in the corner and laugh inappropriately, and felt like someone ...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Hello, your sister is exhibiting typical symptoms of schizophrenia, which is a brain disorder. After the onset, patients experience abnormalities in judgment, thinking, emotions, and behavior. Most patients firmly believe they are not ill (because their judgment of reality is imp...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Concerns
Understanding Risperdal: Managing OCD Symptoms and Side Effects
Medication Hello, I previously asked you about the use of Risperdal. During my medical visit, the doctor explained that my previous abstract thinking, such as understanding that movies and novels are fictional, was difficult for me to grasp. I couldn't comprehend concepts li...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
1. If you experience any discomfort after taking the medication as described, you should return for a follow-up appointment as soon as possible to have your doctor adjust the medication, and you do not need to wait until your next scheduled appointment. 2. The side effects of R...[Read More] Understanding Risperdal: Managing OCD Symptoms and Side Effects
Understanding Risperdal: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety After Concussion
Please feel free to ask again? Pisperdal 2mg, known as Risperidone, is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder. Common side effects may include drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, and potential movement ...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Hello, the medication you may be inquiring about is Risperdal. This is an antipsychotic medication commonly used for patients experiencing hallucinations or delusions, or for those whose functionality has deteriorated due to mental illness. The side effects of this medication are...[Read More] Understanding Risperdal: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety After Concussion
Can Methamphetamine Use Lead to Paranoia and Psychosis?
Amphetamine-induced psychosis? Dr. Cheng: A friend of mine, a middle-aged male, has been using amphetamines intermittently for several years. In recent months, he has become paranoid, feeling that many ghosts are trying to harm him. Could this be caused by the amphetamines?
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Hello, it is highly likely that your friend has been diagnosed with amphetamine psychosis. It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist for differential diagnosis, addiction treatment, and therapy. Below is a brief overview of the relationship between amphetamines and psychosis, a...[Read More] Can Methamphetamine Use Lead to Paranoia and Psychosis?
Understanding Zoloft: Timing, Ingredients, and Differences from Other Antidepressants
Depression Zoloft (sertraline) 50 mg should typically be taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. The active ingredient, sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a new generation antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is indicated for conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, among others. Typically, treatment begins with a daily dose ...[Read More] Understanding Zoloft: Timing, Ingredients, and Differences from Other Antidepressants
Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Issues
Shortness of breath? Thank you, Dr. Liu. However, I often wake up at night due to extreme hypoxia because I am not breathing on my own. Sometimes I wake up twenty to thirty times a night, as if I have lost my respiratory reflex. What should I do? I have been hyperventilating, and...
Dr. Liu Weimin Reply:
Mr. He, I would like to first apologize to you. Our hospital has recently changed its computer system, which led to the misplacement of your correspondence. We only discovered this after a considerable delay, and I sincerely ask for your understanding. Regarding your concerns abo...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Issues
Struggling with Mental Health: Seeking Answers for Anxiety and Depression
I'm not sure what to do? Hello, Doctor: I have some questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can respond. I have been suffering from psychosomatic disorders for such a long time; why does it seem like there is no end to my illness? Yesterday, I went to the dentist, ...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: From your letter, it seems that your symptoms are quite severe. Have you seen a physician? What was the diagnosis? Some psychoneurotic disorders can indeed be difficult to treat, but ongoing treatment (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) should help maintain a ce...[Read More] Struggling with Mental Health: Seeking Answers for Anxiety and Depression
Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Effects on Mental and Physical Health
Sleep disorders Doctor, hello. This week I have experienced two episodes where I felt completely unable to move while sleeping, accompanied by a sense of pressure, although I was fully aware. In fact, I had similar experiences over the past two years, totaling no less than 30 tim...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Human sleep occurs in cycles of approximately ninety minutes, typically comprising four to six cycles each night. Each sleep cycle can be divided into Non-Rapid Eye Movement (Non-REM) sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Dreams occur during REM sleep, while the brain inhibit...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Effects on Mental and Physical Health
Understanding Breathing Difficulties Linked to OCD and Mental Health
Shortness of breath? Doctor, I may have developed mild obsessive-compulsive disorder, as since last month I have been unable to control my breathing, taking deep breaths every moment. As a result, I have been experiencing dizziness and headaches throughout the day. This week, it ...
Dr. Liu Weimin Reply:
Mr. He, breathing is a natural reflex that does not require conscious control to achieve appropriate regulation. Hyperventilation or breath-holding can cause dizziness and discomfort, but it is unlikely to cause damage to the brain. Therefore, "forgetting about breathing&quo...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties Linked to OCD and Mental Health
Understanding Mental Health Struggles: A Patient's Journey with Medication
Please provide the content you would like Dear Dr. Tang, I apologize for the delay in my response due to overtime work and not having access to a computer at home. I hope you can understand. The psychiatrist at St. Mary’s prescribed the following medications for me: Xanax 50 mg ...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Xiao Jie, I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. I've been quite busy with work recently, and my personal computer system encountered some issues. After reading your letter, I can sense that you are experiencing significant emotional and physical disc...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Struggles: A Patient's Journey with Medication
Understanding My Mental Health Struggles: A Personal Journey
My illness? I have a very serious problem. First, let me explain my family situation. My parents have a very impatient personality, and I am their only child, so their expectations for me are very high. I feel the same way. However, both my father and I are quite stubborn, which ...
Dr. Liu Weimin Reply:
Dear Mr. P, Thank you for your letter. We understand that being an only child can be challenging, as the excessive attention received from a young age can lead to significant burdens and stress. Naturally, it can also be more difficult for parents of an only child to navigate th...[Read More] Understanding My Mental Health Struggles: A Personal Journey