Can You Overcome Depression Without Medication? Exploring Alternatives
Is it possible to avoid taking medication? I have been suffering from depression for over ten years and have never seen a doctor. I am quite certain of my condition because I have taken assessment scales, and I have almost all the symptoms listed. During this time, my boyfriend...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, welcome your letter. The treatment for depression can involve either medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, depending on the situation. I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist and discuss your condition in person. If you wish to receive psychothera...[Read More] Can You Overcome Depression Without Medication? Exploring Alternatives
Seeking Help: Can I Visit a Psychiatrist Without Sharing My Reasons?
Consultation I want to see a psychiatrist... I'm really feeling very low... I often think about dying... but I don't want to tell the doctor what caused it... Can I still seek help?
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
What is said in a medical consultation is confidential, but if there is a lack of trust in the physician's treatment, it becomes difficult to proceed, especially when it comes to adjusting medications. Psychological therapy requires a certain level of trust.[Read More] Seeking Help: Can I Visit a Psychiatrist Without Sharing My Reasons?
Understanding Anxiety Medications: Risks, Side Effects, and Usage Tips
I urgently request assistance in consulting about the interactions of these psychiatric medications? Dear TH, Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions amidst your busy schedule. I have been on anxiety medication for a year and have also undergone psychological counse...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: These medications, when taken according to the dosage and frequency prescribed by your physician, are not likely to lead to addiction. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you follow your doctor's instructions; otherwise, not only is there a risk of developing depen...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Medications: Risks, Side Effects, and Usage Tips
Understanding Your Reading and Attention Challenges: A Psychiatric Perspective
Can you tell me? I have noticed that when I read articles, texts, or questions, I tend to skim through them. Even when I genuinely want to read word by word, I find it difficult to do so. During class, I often feel restless and have trouble sitting still. Could you please tell me...
Dr. Chen Zhicai Reply:
Based on your observations of reading articles and classroom situations, if the duration is prolonged and it affects learning and social adaptation functions, it is advisable to seek consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist nearby to address the mentioned issues. Dr....[Read More] Understanding Your Reading and Attention Challenges: A Psychiatric Perspective
Do I Need to See a Doctor for My Anxiety and Mental Health Concerns?
Do I need to see a doctor for this? Sometimes I worry about everything and find it hard to trust what I see, often leading to repetitive checking. When I'm anxious, I tend to become overly tense, and my mood fluctuates greatly. I frequently experience negative thoughts, and ...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic for an in-person consultation with a physician to understand your condition. If you are over 18 years old, you can see a general psychiatrist; if you are under 18, you should see a child psychiatrist.[Read More] Do I Need to See a Doctor for My Anxiety and Mental Health Concerns?
Struggling with Binge Eating Disorder: A Journey to Normalcy
I really want to return to a normal life? The symptoms of bulimia nervosa can persist for several years... I weigh myself every day, and my mood is affected by the numbers on the scale. I can go all day without eating, but as soon as I do eat, I feel guilty, which leads me to pur...
Dr. Chen Jiongxu Reply:
Hello Angel: It seems that you have a clear understanding of your situation and have already searched for relevant information. By asking questions here, you indicate that you are seeking help. Now, the most important thing for you to do is to look for a nearby psychiatric hospit...[Read More] Struggling with Binge Eating Disorder: A Journey to Normalcy
Navigating Therapy: How to Address Concerns with Your Psychologist
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide assistance. Could you please elaborate on your situation or question? I would like to ask for your advice. I am the person who consulted you last time regarding my condition of depersonalization. I have en...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, welcome to your correspondence. Psychotherapy typically involves a course of treatment. During this process, patients have the right to request to terminate therapy or switch therapists. This is a common occurrence for psychiatrists or psychologists. In fact,...[Read More] Navigating Therapy: How to Address Concerns with Your Psychologist
Understanding Mental Health Issues in Aging Parents: A Guide for Caregivers
Inquire about the mother's symptoms? Dear Dr. Liu, My mother is 57 years old and has been in poor health for a long time. She often experiences severe body aches, but tests have come back normal and no underlying cause has been found. Ultimately, doctors have prescribed pai...
Dr. Liu Guangqi Reply:
Regarding your mother's health condition, it is advisable for her to visit a hospital for a consultation. If necessary, the physician will arrange for examinations to rule out potential underlying causes. If all tests come back normal, a referral to a psychiatrist may be ben...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Issues in Aging Parents: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Anxiety in Crowded Places: When to Seek Help
Feeling anxious in crowded places? Hello, doctor: My husband is 33 years old this year. He feels anxious in crowded places, such as supermarkets and the subway. For example, when he is on the subway, he feels like many people are watching him, which makes him uncomfortable. Just ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, I would like to welcome your letter. According to what you mentioned in your letter, your husband may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Patients may experience anxiety due to specific or nonspecific factors. In severe cases, symptoms can affect work or social a...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety in Crowded Places: When to Seek Help
Finding a Mental Health Counselor in Taoyuan City: Recommendations Needed
Emergency Dr. Sun: I would like to find a mental health counselor. Could you please recommend a mental health counselor or a psychological clinic in Taoyuan City? Thank you.
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
User: Hello, if you need to come to the hospital, our therapists in Taoyuan can assist you. You can contact the "Xinyuan Psychological Consultation Center" and ask for Wu Guoqing, who is the president of the Taoyuan County Psychologist Association. The address is 241 Hu...[Read More] Finding a Mental Health Counselor in Taoyuan City: Recommendations Needed
Do Psychiatrists Need Internal Medicine Knowledge? A Critical Discussion
Dr. Lee... you lack professional knowledge? Hi, Dr. Li Zhengfeng... You do not have sufficient expertise to be a doctor... In your recent letter, you mentioned that physiological symptoms arising from psychological issues need to be assessed by an internist first to determine if ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but this system is an online consultation platform and cannot conduct in-person examinations of patients, which sometimes prevents us from providing definitive answers. Even if an in-person examination were possible, it is still necessary for psychiatrists to ...[Read More] Do Psychiatrists Need Internal Medicine Knowledge? A Critical Discussion
Understanding Home Treatment for Family Members with Mental Illness
Mental illness in the family? Hello, my mother has been observed to have issues with schizophrenia and delusional disorder for a long time, but she does not perceive herself as ill. Therefore, I am hesitant to take her to see a doctor, fearing that if I bring it up, she might sud...
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
Hello: The "home treatment" covered by health insurance is indeed only applicable to patients who have been definitively diagnosed and issued a "serious illness card." It seems that your mother is currently unable to attend a consultation, and we cannot confir...[Read More] Understanding Home Treatment for Family Members with Mental Illness
Understanding Strong Heartbeats: When to See a Psychiatrist or Cardiologist
Strong heartbeat? Hello Doctor: I was discharged from the military at the end of 2006. I remember that every time I returned to the base after leave, I would feel anxious, and my heart would race. I often felt that my heart was beating very hard, and it would take me about an hou...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you first visit a cardiologist for an examination. Additionally, issues related to the thyroid or adrenal glands may also cause symptoms such as tachycardia or palpitations, which would require an evaluation by an endocrinologist. If all physical exa...[Read More] Understanding Strong Heartbeats: When to See a Psychiatrist or Cardiologist
Struggling with Severe Depression: Seeking Help and Understanding
It has reached a point where words fail to express it? Hello, doctor. I'm here for another consultation. I just saw some online questions from other users, and my situation seems very similar to major depression. Right now, my condition is that last night my emotions got out...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
It is indeed difficult to determine if it is major depressive disorder solely based on recorded descriptions, as it could also be a case of depressive episodes associated with somatic symptom disorder, bipolar disorder, or other mental disorders with depressive episodes, among ot...[Read More] Struggling with Severe Depression: Seeking Help and Understanding
Finding the Right Psychiatrist for ADHD Treatment in Taipei
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Hello, I recently learned about the term "Attention Deficit Disorder" and realized that I have been struggling with this issue for a long time, which has affected my ability to concentrate. Now that I am aware of it, I want to seek treat...
Dr. Chen Meizhu Reply:
Hello: I recommend seeking consultation with a psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, such as Dr. Wu You-You and Dr. Chang Hsueh-Ling at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei; Dr. Chen Ying-Hsueh, Dr. Hsu Ju-Wei, and Dr. Li Ying-Chiao at Taipei Veterans Ge...[Read More] Finding the Right Psychiatrist for ADHD Treatment in Taipei
Understanding Mental Health Issues: How to Help a Friend in Distress
Mental health issues? Hello Doctor, I have a good friend who has been doing very poorly lately, and he is unwilling to seek medical help, so I am consulting you online first. Does he have a mental health issue? How can I help him? He has always been a quiet person who doesn...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, your friend may be experiencing a neurosis, which is caused by the accumulation of long-term stress leading to involuntary anxiety and depressive symptoms. This condition can also be accompanied by discomfort due to autonomic nervous system dysre...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Issues: How to Help a Friend in Distress
Caring for a Parent with Severe Chronic Mental Illness: Guidance and Insights
My father suffers from severe chronic mental illness? Hello Dr. Lin, My surname is Liu. My father is 65 years old and has been suffering from severe chronic mental illness for the past 7 to 8 years. Although his mood and mental state have stabilized and improved, for more than a...
Dr. Lin Yuzhong Reply:
Hello Mr. Liu: 1. First, it is essential to confirm the specific type of chronic mental illness. Different disorders may have varying courses or progressions. 2. Currently, there is no evidence indicating that psychiatric medications cause brain degeneration. On the contrary, se...[Read More] Caring for a Parent with Severe Chronic Mental Illness: Guidance and Insights
Addressing Disturbing Behavior: Is My Sister's Conduct a Sign of Mental Illness?
The continuous aggressive behavior towards neighbors has caused significant distress for both family members and the neighbors? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
Hello, dear user: Based on your letter, it is not yet certain whether your sister may have a mental disorder or if she requires involuntary treatment. The diagnosis of mental illness must be assessed through an in-person consultation. Therefore, I recommend that you encourage you...[Read More] Addressing Disturbing Behavior: Is My Sister's Conduct a Sign of Mental Illness?
Struggles with Mental Health Treatment: A Patient's Frustrating Journey
The helplessness, confusion, and lack of solutions regarding mental health disorders? It has been five years since the onset of my illness. Before I got sick, I always thought that being ill simply meant seeing a doctor and taking medication to get better. I initially believed th...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Bystander: Hello! Your feelings of helplessness and confusion are truly profound. I believe this is the result of five years of accumulated experiences, and it resonates with many friends who are seeing psychiatrists. By asking these questions for yourself, you are also giving a ...[Read More] Struggles with Mental Health Treatment: A Patient's Frustrating Journey
How to Manage Uncontrollable Emotions and Stress in College?
What should I do about uncontrollable emotional distress? For the past month or two, I have been struggling with uncontrollable emotions... I often feel an inexplicable urge to cry, and I end up crying uncontrollably! I frequently feel down and have no motivation to do anything.....
Dr. Ye Yuki Reply:
Hello Rachel, the causes of depression result from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social environmental factors. Your current situation does indeed suggest the possibility of depression, but I always emphasize that I cannot make a diagnosis based solely on infor...[Read More] How to Manage Uncontrollable Emotions and Stress in College?