Understanding Anxiety and OCD: Coping with Persistent Worries
Suspected anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello, doctor. I have noticed the following issues that have persisted for several years (5-6 years). I thought they would resolve on their own, but they have not improved and seem to have worsened. I feel tense every day...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. Is my condition obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, and hypochondriasis? I am worried about diseases that currently have no medical cure, and I can't relax every day. A: It is indeed possible that you have the aforementioned conditions. The...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and OCD: Coping with Persistent Worries
Understanding Illness Awareness in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families
Elderly patients' awareness of their illness Hello Doctor: My family member is over seventy years old and usually has clear thinking, but he is unable to recognize his own physical condition. For example, when it comes to visual recognition, he struggles to identify objects ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Elderly individuals may experience a decline in object recognition abilities due to degeneration of the eyes or brain. It is recommended to assist them in seeking medical care through discussion or guidance, rather than questioning their reasons. Pay attention to any other...[Read More] Understanding Illness Awareness in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families
How to Seek Help When Family Resists Mental Health Support?
What should I do if my family is resistant to taking me to see a psychiatrist? What is my condition? Due to family issues and friends, I learned to drink and self-harm in the second year of junior high. Every night, I find myself thinking about many things and feeling that the wo...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: I suggest trying to communicate with your family again. Inform them that the brain is unwell, and that symptoms such as depression and anxiety require medical attention, just like needing to see a doctor for a fever caused by the flu. Additionally, you can seek he...[Read More] How to Seek Help When Family Resists Mental Health Support?
Understanding the Signs: When Family Members Show No Awareness of Mental Illness
Family members have had symptoms for many years but show no awareness of their illness? Hello, Dr. Lin. I apologize for the lengthy message. My family member is a 28-year-old male who has experienced a decline in academic performance since his junior year in college and subsequen...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi, based on your description, it seems that your family member may be suffering from schizophrenia. Symptoms such as negative symptoms (deterioration in hygiene, infrequent bathing), auditory hallucinations (having conversations with multiple voices in their head), and delusions...[Read More] Understanding the Signs: When Family Members Show No Awareness of Mental Illness
Managing Bipolar Disorder: Key Questions and Support Strategies
Bipolar disorder-related issues Hello, Doctor: I have some questions regarding bipolar disorder. Question 1: When a patient with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase and becomes angry and shouts, how can we help them calm down? Question 2: How should a caregiver interact with ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello! Bipolar disorder is a brain condition, similar to chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, that requires long-term medication management. If medication is discontinued, there is a risk of relapse. Preventive measures against relapse include adhering to medication ...[Read More] Managing Bipolar Disorder: Key Questions and Support Strategies
Understanding the Dopamine and Norepinephrine Release in ADHD Medications
Issues related to ADHD medications? Previously, it was inquired whether the adrenal medulla secretes both norepinephrine and dopamine simultaneously. Are both substances secreted in high quantities, or is the secretion of dopamine comparatively lower?
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Hello, the pharmacological action of Sirex is to increase the concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The drug primarily acts by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine receptors, which in turn affects the reuptake of dopamine. This mechanism does not involv...[Read More] Understanding the Dopamine and Norepinephrine Release in ADHD Medications
Managing Side Effects of Antidepressants: Understanding Hypomania Risks
Medication Consultation: Ubiquinone for Mild Mania Hello Dr. Wang, I have obsessive-compulsive disorder and take two tablets of Ubiquinone daily. Recently, I have noticed that after taking the medication, I experience heightened excitement, increased energy, elevated confidence,...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: 1. There are numerous case reports of antidepressants triggering mania or hypomania, but there is still some controversy surrounding this issue. While it may be caused by the medication, it could also be a result of the disease's progression. However, current research...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Antidepressants: Understanding Hypomania Risks
Navigating Sexual Orientation and Anxiety: A High School Student's Journey
Sexual orientation, anxiety I am the high school student who asked you about sexual orientation a few days ago. After reading your response, I reflected on it carefully and felt better. I started to wonder if it’s possible that I have been subconsciously trying to confirm whether...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! The influence of the subconscious that you mentioned is indeed one possible reason, but it could also simply be due to curiosity about sexuality, which can lead to such phenomena. The brain tends to operate in a way where the more you try to suppress a thought, desire, ...[Read More] Navigating Sexual Orientation and Anxiety: A High School Student's Journey
Understanding Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry: When Medication Isn't Enough
Frequent visits to the doctor? Generally, those who seek medical consultation and medication are often diagnosed with neuroses or psychosis. Conditions outside of these, such as autism and personality disorders, are typically not treatable with medication alone. I have undergone ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: In clinical practice, many conditions in the field of psychosomatic medicine require physicians to prescribe medications to assist in treatment. Some more severe mental illnesses, such as autism and schizophrenia, indeed require long-term medication management, as current ...[Read More] Understanding Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry: When Medication Isn't Enough
Understanding the Impact of Schizophrenia on Mental Health
Health issues I have schizophrenia, and sometimes I feel that my thoughts affect my emotions. At times, I experience a sensation of having a foreign object on my forehead, and sometimes sensory stimuli influence my thoughts. Is this a psychiatric issue, or which specialty should ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by an imbalance in brain chemistry, leading to abnormalities in thought processes and sensory experiences. Therefore, it is indeed possible to have some unusual sensory experiences. I recommend that if you experience physical sympt...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Schizophrenia on Mental Health
Understanding Long-Term Effects of Brain Injury on Mental Health
Regarding brain injury? My husband has been suffering from hypoxic brain injury due to a myocardial infarction for over eight years. Initially, he experienced significant mood swings and exhibited violent behavior, but there were no signs of paranoia. Recently, after my mother pa...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: After hypoxic brain injury, there may be some deficits in memory, judgment, or cognitive function, and it is also possible to experience emotional disturbances or delusional symptoms. It is recommended to first seek evaluation at a psychiatric outpatient clinic. Typically,...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Brain Injury on Mental Health
Managing Panic Attacks While Riding: Understanding Anxiety and Autonomic Dysfunction
Experiencing tightness in the abdomen while riding a bike? Hello Doctor: Since my fourth episode at the end of December last year, I suddenly felt a shortness of breath while driving, as if I couldn't get enough air no matter how hard I tried to inhale. Then I started to exp...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: I would like to ask if weight training will further stimulate my sympathetic nervous system? A: Weight training will not further stimulate my sympathetic nervous system. In the case that I experience episodes while cycling, what should I do? How can I resolve my c...[Read More] Managing Panic Attacks While Riding: Understanding Anxiety and Autonomic Dysfunction
Understanding Depression, Sleep Issues, and Attention Deficits
Depression, Sleep, Attention Hello, doctor: Last year, I dropped out of school due to emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors. I have depression and bipolar tendencies. I used to self-harm frequently with blades or overdose on medication to aid in self-harm (starting wit...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: Self-harm and drug overdose are indeed harmful to both the mind and body. However, as long as you stop these behaviors from now on, your mental and physical state can gradually recover. Therefore, the most important thing at this stage is to stop harming yourself and patie...[Read More] Understanding Depression, Sleep Issues, and Attention Deficits
Understanding the Effects of Strattera on Dopamine and Norepinephrine
ADHD-related issues and concerns? Does the Siree capsule enhance the effects of both dopamine and norepinephrine, or does it only enhance the action of norepinephrine without affecting dopamine secretion? Please clarify, thank you.
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Hello! Although SNRIs are selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, they also increase dopamine levels in the brain in addition to affecting norepinephrine concentrations. Thank you for your inquiry. Best wishes, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Peng Li-Yun.[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Strattera on Dopamine and Norepinephrine
Is It Sleepwalking? Understanding Memory and NREM Sleep Disorders
Is this sleepwalking? In the past month, I have experienced two similar incidents where I woke up in the morning to find that my clothes were different from what I was wearing when I fell asleep. It seems that I walked to the wardrobe to change. (I wonder if this is related to th...
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your description, it is evident that the issue has caused you considerable concern. The areas of the brain involved in memory formation are quite extensive and complex; it is not solely the hippocampus that is responsible, and this situation has not yet invo...[Read More] Is It Sleepwalking? Understanding Memory and NREM Sleep Disorders
The Role of BDNF in ADHD: Enhancing Brain Function and Understanding
ADHD-related issues Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an active protein found in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). BDNF is the most abundant neurotrophic factor in the brain, where it regulates the growth and survival of neurons, prom...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: This excerpt from the textbook explains the mechanism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in neurons, and it does not mention that it makes the brain smarter or improves comprehension. However, I believe that when this mechanism is dysregulated, cogn...[Read More] The Role of BDNF in ADHD: Enhancing Brain Function and Understanding
Does ADHD Medication Enhance Brain Development? Understanding BDNF Effects
Is there a concern that ADHD stimulant medications may affect brain development? Hello, doctor! I previously read an article stating that taking Seroquel increases the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the brain, stimulating neurotransmission and the growt...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, netizen: I reviewed the link you provided. This article is written by a senior psychiatrist, and the information it contains is accurate. Many parents and patients are concerned about the potential side effects of medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity D...[Read More] Does ADHD Medication Enhance Brain Development? Understanding BDNF Effects
Understanding Depression's Impact on Sexual Desire and Function
Comorbid symptoms of depression (desire, function) disorders? Hello, doctor. I recently visited a mental health specialist but did not discuss certain related issues at that time. I find these problems to be very private and personal, and there is also the concern of "face&q...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I can sense your concern about your health, and you have described your situation clearly. Depression can indeed affect a person's interest in various aspects of life, including libido and sexual function. Therefore, a decrease in interest...[Read More] Understanding Depression's Impact on Sexual Desire and Function
How to Encourage Hypochondriac Patients to Seek Medical Help
How to encourage patients with illness anxiety to seek medical care? Hello, doctor. My brother is 28 years old and has often experienced discomfort in specific areas of his body since childhood. He frequently undergoes examinations and exhibits anxiety, constantly researching onl...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: Seeking medical attention should not be forced. You might try to persuade him by saying, "When certain elements in the brain are imbalanced, the body can become very sensitive. What may start as slight vision problems can escalate to significant difficu...[Read More] How to Encourage Hypochondriac Patients to Seek Medical Help
Managing Anxiety: Medication Concerns and Emotional Recovery Strategies
Liyou, Heart Rhythm Tablets, Yiketon? Three weeks ago, my doctor diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder (with irritability) and prescribed me three medications (one of each). I took Liyou only at bedtime, and by the third day, I experienced bradycardia (heart rate of 55),...
Dr. Cai Qijin Reply:
Hello: 1. According to your description, if a patient with generalized anxiety disorder experiences discomfort after medication and subsequently develops anxiety, depression, low mood, and anhedonia after discontinuing the medication, it is advisable to seek evaluation from a psy...[Read More] Managing Anxiety: Medication Concerns and Emotional Recovery Strategies