Understanding Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide
Schizophrenia / Anxiety Disorder / Dementia Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My mother exhibited symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and illusions earlier this year. After seeking medical attention, the doctor diagnosed her with schizophrenia. After over a mont...
Dr. Tang Jiahong Reply:
After middle age, if hallucinations or delusions occur, it is advisable to check the brain. Visiting a neurologist is a good option to see if any reversible issues can be identified and addressed. Tremors and slow movements can also be discussed with the neurologist to determine ...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide
Can Long-Term Use of Sedatives Lead to Dementia Symptoms?
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, dementia? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you about my husband. He has been taking medication for autonomic nervous system disorder for many years. The side effects of the sedatives can lead to memory decline, and he often finds himself di...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Current research indicates that long-term use of sedatives does not lead to dementia; in fact, for patients with higher levels of anxiety, sedatives can help alleviate anxiety and improve short-term memory. Ideally, for older patients, it is best to use low doses of shorte...[Read More] Can Long-Term Use of Sedatives Lead to Dementia Symptoms?
Managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Concerns and Alternatives
Medications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Klonopin (Clonazepam) Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about my situation. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and have been on medication for two years. Throughout my treatment, I have faced issues with med...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, is the dosage of the sleeping medication I am using considered high? A: Yes, the dosage of the sleeping medication is somewhat high. Will it be difficult to withdraw from it later? A: It varies from person to person. By the way, is there currently any clear evidence linkin...[Read More] Managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Medication Concerns and Alternatives
Understanding Memory Issues: Is It Dementia or Just Aging?
Taking credit for someone else's words as if they were your own? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: On the evening of the 25th of last month, I was on the phone with my mother (64 years old) discussing handmade teacher greeting cards I made during my school days. My mother ...
Dr. Xue Gengming Reply:
Recommendation: Consult with a psychiatrist at a mental health clinic. Thank you. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Memory Issues: Is It Dementia or Just Aging?
Can Quitting Smoking Restore IQ? Insights from Psychiatry
Smoking cessation issues Can intelligence be restored after quitting smoking?
Dr. Zhang Qingying Reply:
Although nicotine in cigarettes can temporarily improve attention, working memory, and executive function (which are components measured in IQ tests), other substances in cigarettes, such as oxidative free radicals, can damage cerebral and cardiovascular systems, ultimately harmi...[Read More] Can Quitting Smoking Restore IQ? Insights from Psychiatry
Understanding the Link Between Schizophrenia and Dementia Symptoms
Schizophrenia and dementia? Hello Doctor, my relative is 50 years old and has had hearing impairment requiring a hearing aid, but it was not severe enough to be classified as hearing loss. Recently, she has been experiencing symptoms similar to auditory hallucinations, often hear...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friends: My relative is 50 years old and has had symptoms of hearing loss requiring a hearing aid, but it hasn't reached the level of deafness. Recently, she has experienced symptoms similar to auditory hallucinations, often hearing a buzzing sound in her ears....[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Schizophrenia and Dementia Symptoms
Is Severe Memory Loss After Starting Work a Sign of Early-Onset Dementia?
Severe memory decline after work, could it be early-onset dementia? Hello, Doctor: I am a recent graduate and have just started working three months ago. During my studies, although my memory was not exceptional, it was sufficient to maintain a certain level of academic performan...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, it's unlikely that you are experiencing early-onset dementia; it is more probable that anxiety is causing lapses in attention and focus. I still recommend discussing this further with your physician and learning relaxation techniques, as this generally leads to improv...[Read More] Is Severe Memory Loss After Starting Work a Sign of Early-Onset Dementia?
Is My Dad's Behavior a Sign of Mental Decline After Retirement?
I would like to inquire if my father is sick? My father is currently 63 years old. In recent years, I've noticed that he has become increasingly difficult to get along with; he has become more stubborn, irritable, and prone to taking out his frustrations on others. Since ret...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: It seems that your father is starting to exhibit personality changes, decreased language expression, impaired comprehension, gambling behavior, stubbornness, worsening short-term memory, and diminished visuospatial skills. This progression is gradual and slow. Clinically, ...[Read More] Is My Dad's Behavior a Sign of Mental Decline After Retirement?
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
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
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
Does Long-Term Use of Sleeping Pills Increase Dementia Risk?
Will long-term use of sleeping pills lead to dementia? Hello Doctor, I previously sought medical attention for my insomnia. After taking Stilnox, my insomnia has improved, but I am very concerned about the long-term use and whether it could lead to dementia. I would like to consu...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Wen: Because you are relatively young, if you are experiencing insomnia at such a young age, it is important to consider whether there are any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If any of these are present, they should be...[Read More] Does Long-Term Use of Sleeping Pills Increase Dementia Risk?
Managing Anxiety and Insomnia: Navigating Sleep Medications and Mental Health
Anxiety, insomnia? At first, I could only sleep about 2 hours every two days due to possible anxiety. Recently, I've been taking the sleeping pill Lendormin for about 5 days. I feel like I can't sleep at night without the medication, but when I wake up, my mind still fe...
Dr. Wang Pengnian Reply:
If you are experiencing anxiety, insomnia, depression, or lethargy, it is recommended to seek an outpatient evaluation. The use of sleep medications should be discussed with a physician.[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Insomnia: Navigating Sleep Medications and Mental Health
Understanding Insomnia: Managing Sleep Issues and Medication Concerns
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my insomnia issue. My situation is as follows: before taking medication, I had a period where I could only sleep about 2 hours every 2 days, but I still felt quite energetic. Even though my mind felt a bit dull during that tim...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Miss Lin: Difficulty sleeping is indeed a troubling issue. While sleeping pills can help one fall asleep quickly, they are merely a temporary solution. It is essential to identify the underlying causes of insomnia for a more effective treatment. For instance, factors such ...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Managing Sleep Issues and Medication Concerns
Does Taking Rifampin for Sleep Issues Increase Dementia Risk?
Is rifampicin used for depression? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my sleep issues. I take 0.5 mg of Rifampicin at night. I'm concerned about whether taking this medication frequently could lead to dementia. I'm worried about potential damage to my brain in ...
Dr. Yan Congyou Reply:
Hello: Under normal dosage and frequency of use, it should not occur. If you feel that your memory is deteriorating, it may be a sign that your depression is worsening. It is advisable to discuss this with a physician at the hospital.[Read More] Does Taking Rifampin for Sleep Issues Increase Dementia Risk?
Long-Term Use of Rifampin: Risks of Sleep Issues and Cognitive Decline
Is rifampicin used for depression? Doctor, I have trouble sleeping and take 0.5 mg of Risperidone every night. Will long-term use harm my brain or lead to dementia? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: There is currently no significant scientific evidence linking long-term use of sedative-hypnotic medications such as Rifampicin to dementia or brain damage. However, due to the potential for dependence with long-term use, it is recommended that after improvement o...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Rifampin: Risks of Sleep Issues and Cognitive Decline
Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues: Insights on Mirtazapine and Alternatives
Issues with medication for anxiety and insomnia (due to insomnia and being easily affected by minor stressors)? Hello, doctor. I have previously been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (and possibly mild obsessive-compulsive disorder or PTSD) and have been regularly taki...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Current scientific evidence suggests that the use of antidepressants is effective in treating major depressive disorder, and it is particularly effective for insomnia associated with major depression. The recommended duration of use is at least six months. However...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues: Insights on Mirtazapine and Alternatives
Understanding Dementia: Hallucinations and Memory in Elderly Patients
Dementia issues Hello Doctor: My father, who is 72 years old, recently suffered a fall that injured his cervical spine. After surgery, he has been completely paralyzed and has been residing in a rehabilitation center for over three months. Recently, he has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: It sounds less like dementia and more like psychiatric symptoms caused by physical issues, such as delirium. I recommend considering hospitalization to determine the underlying cause of the illness. Does the care facility have contracted physicians available f...[Read More] Understanding Dementia: Hallucinations and Memory in Elderly Patients
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Do Dreams Affect Rest and Aging?
Sleep issues Hello, Doctor: I have sleep disorders, so I need to take half a sleeping pill before bed in order to sleep. I go to bed at 8 PM and wake up at 5 AM the next day, but I usually wake up 2 to 3 times during the night. After waking up, it takes me more than half an hour ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: To briefly answer your questions. 1: Six hours of sleep should be sufficient for your age. 2: We all dream every day, but we still experience sleep that allows the brain to rest. 3: Please do not worry; this is not related to dementia. Worrying about it may actually worsen...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Do Dreams Affect Rest and Aging?
Understanding Neurotic Disorders: What Mental Illnesses Are Included?
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) for mental and behavioral disorders includes various mental illnesses such as: 1. Schizophrenia 2. Bipolar disorder 3. Major depressive disorder 4. Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and s...
Dr. Guo Jialun Reply:
Psychoneurosis is not a specific diagnostic term, and it is currently not included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This term generally refers to mild mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, phobias, ...[Read More] Understanding Neurotic Disorders: What Mental Illnesses Are Included?