Hearing Voices While Lying Down: Understanding Auditory Hallucinations in Seniors
Auditory hallucinations occur when lying flat? Hello, doctor. My mother just turned 80 years old. Since she was young, she often mentioned that a devil has been following her, whether she is outside or at home. Occasionally, she complains that the devil appears intentionally for ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Auditory hallucinations occur when there are no obvious external sounds, yet the individual's cerebral cortex is firing, leading them to perceive sounds. Auditory hallucinations can indeed manifest in certain mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and dementia, but t...[Read More] Hearing Voices While Lying Down: Understanding Auditory Hallucinations in Seniors
Managing Anxiety and Panic: Medication Options and Symptoms Explained
I haven't had an episode recently, but I feel very anxious? Hello Dr. Liao, I am experiencing anxiety and panic due to heart palpitations. I have been taking 20 mg of Cymbalta (duloxetine) twice daily, along with Xanax (alprazolam) as needed, 1-2 tablets per year. Despite ta...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, online friend: You now understand that "panic" and "worrying about panic leading to anxiety" are two different things. In fact, "panic" is not very common and primarily requires prevention. "Anxiety," on the other hand, is a persiste...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Panic: Medication Options and Symptoms Explained
Can Health Anxiety Improve? Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder
Will hypochondria get better? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy story... Three years ago, when I was eight months pregnant, I suddenly started experiencing severe headaches that lasted until my child was two months old (a total of four months). It's not an exaggerat...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: You have been under so much stress these past few years; it must be tough! I wonder if your psychiatrist has suggested inpatient treatment? Or recommended psychotherapy, relaxation training, or rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy? In ...[Read More] Can Health Anxiety Improve? Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder
Understanding Anxiety-Related Sleep Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I have been dealing with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder for many years without the need for medication, and I have managed to coexist with the symptoms without them significantly affecting my daily life. However, in the past few months, due ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: If other physical issues have been ruled out, many patients with anxiety disorders do indeed experience these symptoms. Panic disorder is also a type of anxiety disorder. Occasionally feeling anxious allows me to redirect my emotions, but my sleep is sometim...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety-Related Sleep Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Cognitive Decline: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Cognitive decline Hello Doctor: I feel like something is off with me lately... A customer purchased items totaling 850 NT dollars, and when they gave me 1000 NT dollars, I should have returned 150 NT dollars. However, at that moment, I couldn't remember how much money I was ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Have you been experiencing anxiety, worry, and lack of sleep that is affecting your ability to concentrate lately? If these issues persist, it is advisable to seek consultation at a mental health facility. Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Cognitive Decline: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Can Your Partner's Past Shape His Present?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) My boyfriend says he doesn't remember much about his life before the age of 11. Friends describe him as having a bad temper, being dangerous, disobedient, manipulative, and violent. After turning 11, he had a teacher who cared for him and...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: Dissociative Identity Disorder is a more complex issue that requires a professional and detailed assessment. Sometimes, what we commonly refer to as having a "split personality" may not necessarily align with the psychiatric diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Dis...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Can Your Partner's Past Shape His Present?
Struggling with Sexual Orientation: Coping with Family Pressure and Secrets
The concealment of sexual orientation issues is becoming increasingly overwhelming? Hello, doctor. Due to my sexual orientation as a homosexual, I have never had a girlfriend. However, as I have reached the age for marriage, my family and relatives frequently urge me to get marri...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: You should live your own life rather than letting it be controlled by your parents or others. It's advisable to gradually help them understand your sexual orientation. If communication proves difficult, you still need to live your own life. Same-sex marriage ...[Read More] Struggling with Sexual Orientation: Coping with Family Pressure and Secrets
Navigating Care for Schizophrenia: A Caregiver's Dilemma
Confusion Among Caregivers of Individuals with Schizophrenia Hello Dr. Lin, thank you for your previous response. I would like to continue discussing the care of patients with schizophrenia. After discussing with my family, we have reached a consensus to "maintain the status...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! 1. This condition may potentially be maintained for a lifetime; however, it is also possible that your family member's functioning may gradually decline, eventually requiring assistance with basic activities such as bathing and using the restroom. This is one rea...[Read More] Navigating Care for Schizophrenia: A Caregiver's Dilemma
Managing GERD: The Impact of Antidepressants and Treatment Options
Medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, Doctor: Since February of this year, I have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux. My symptoms include a sensation of excessive stomach acid, resulting in a burning feeling in my sto...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: 1. Two medications can be taken together, and it is recommended to pair them with a gastric medication. 2. These medications belong to the benzodiazepine class (abbreviated as BZD), which can be used clinically to treat anxiety and insomnia. They can be taken with PPIs wit...[Read More] Managing GERD: The Impact of Antidepressants and Treatment Options
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
Navigating Social Isolation: Insights from Mental Health Experiences
Thoughts on Friends I consider myself to have a rather introverted personality and lack the concept of friendship. I often call my therapist, Dr. Zhang, or visit the hospital for consultations or psychological counseling. However, I believe that the most suitable social distance ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello! It seems that you are feeling distressed about not having friends. This situation may not simply be explained by being reclusive, as typically, reclusive individuals do not have a strong desire to interact with others. I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist to discuss...[Read More] Navigating Social Isolation: Insights from Mental Health Experiences
Overcoming Concerns About Mental Health Diagnoses and Disability Status
Concerned about being diagnosed as a person with a disability? I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and my doctor asked me if I have a disability handbook or a major illness card, etc. I seem to be quite concerned about having these documents. Since my appointment this past Monday...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, netizen: Many people consider their disease diagnosis and health status, along with their age, weight, and even annual income, to be personal privacy and do not appreciate inquiries about them. Whether one has a major illness card or a disability handbook can also be consi...[Read More] Overcoming Concerns About Mental Health Diagnoses and Disability Status
Navigating Mental Health Challenges: Coping with OCD, PTSD, and Medication Concerns
Anticipatory anxiety, insomnia, and years of seeking medical attention? OCD (first year, Fluoxetine - insomnia, constipation) PTSD (exempted from military service, previously hospitalized in an acute care unit) mild Asperger's (as noted by the military examination physician)...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Excessive anxiety can often make your life difficult and complicate many situations. Try to simplify things and don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by your anxiety. OCD typically requires high doses of SSRI medication for treatment, and it is advisable to take them if you can toler...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health Challenges: Coping with OCD, PTSD, and Medication Concerns
Navigating Job Stress: Seeking Help for Depression Symptoms
Depressive tendencies Hello, Doctor. I recently changed jobs. I used to work at the front desk, where I interacted with clients and received professional feedback, which gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence, aligning with my career plan. However, a little over a month...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Many people experience difficulties when transitioning to a new job. Your current situation sounds like an adjustment disorder combined with symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. However, if the symptoms persist for more than three months, it may indicate a p...[Read More] Navigating Job Stress: Seeking Help for Depression Symptoms
Impact of Antidepressants on Pregnancy and Mental Health Challenges
Medications during pregnancy, antidepressants, and psychological counseling? I would like to ask if the following medications will affect my ability to conceive: (Meisu tablet one tablet), (Otsuka Anri recovery tablet one tablet), (Furmin two tablets), (Sitinus two tablets), (Fan...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, I would like to ask if the following medications will affect my fertility: (Meisu tablet one tablet) (Otsuka Amway Recovery tablet one tablet) (Furmelin two tablets) (Sitinose two tablets) (Fanduo Shan two tablets). A: Meisu is a pregnancy category B medication, which has ...[Read More] Impact of Antidepressants on Pregnancy and Mental Health Challenges
Facing Mental Health Challenges: Seeking Help and Understanding Your Journey
Inquire about mental health disorders? Hello, Doctor: Since I became ill at the age of 20, I have been on medication until now. To be honest, being sick has made me realize certain things, while also leaving me confused about others. There is a doctor online who says that treatin...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, dear reader: From your letter, I can sense the immense pressure you are feeling. You are facing a situation where almost all your relatives and friends are not on your side, and your interactions with others are either filled with conflicts or completely disconnected. Inde...[Read More] Facing Mental Health Challenges: Seeking Help and Understanding Your Journey
Overcoming Loneliness: Seeking Help for Long-Standing Mental Health Issues
A long-standing issue? Since middle school, I have been a lone wolf, heavily reliant on my parents. Aside from them, I have maintained a long-standing habit of not speaking with my sister. Most of the time, I find myself daydreaming alone and talking to myself. This habit has acc...
Dr. Hong Jiajun Reply:
Being a lone wolf can also be a lifestyle, and many people live comfortably on their own. What specific concerns do you have? Do you want to interact with others but don't know how to start? Are you unsure how to engage with others in a group setting? Do you actually not wan...[Read More] Overcoming Loneliness: Seeking Help for Long-Standing Mental Health Issues
Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Depression: A Teen's Struggle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Anxiety? Depression? Hello, doctor. Although this issue has only been troubling me for about six months, I sincerely feel distressed and hope you can offer some guidance. I used to consider myself quite brave—someone who, despite being introve...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! After hearing about all the uncomfortable experiences you've been through, I truly empathize with you. It must be really tough to endure so much discomfort while also preparing for this year's major exams. I believe the doctor diagnosed you with obsessive-comp...[Read More] Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Depression: A Teen's Struggle
Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Persistent Worries About Illness
I am very worried that I might be sick? Hello, Doctor. I know that I am a very pessimistic person. Since I discovered breast lactation last September, I have been very anxious about whether I have cancer. However, after blood tests and an ultrasound, the doctor said I was normal ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: It seems that you are very anxious about your physical condition, and this period must have been quite uncomfortable for you. Generally speaking, being concerned about bodily ailments is essential for maintaining health. However, if you are excessively worried about your h...[Read More] Overcoming Health Anxiety: Coping with Persistent Worries About Illness
Understanding Sleep Medication: Managing Insomnia and Weight Loss
Regarding the use of sleep medications? Hello Doctor, six months ago I had issues with gastrointestinal ulcers combined with irritable bowel syndrome, so I took one "Sublingual" before bed every night for three months. Before taking Sublingual, I did not have severe ins...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: Weight loss due to insomnia is caused by the insomnia itself, not by the side effects of taking Subitram. There are many types of sleep aids available, and you can discuss with your physician to find the most suitable medication. To wean off the reliance on sleep medicatio...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Medication: Managing Insomnia and Weight Loss