Effective Strategies for Addressing Alcoholism in Family Members
Alcoholism Hello Dr. Chen, my mother has a serious problem with alcohol abuse, and she often drinks secretly. She has a history of long-term alcohol consumption that has led to a gastric ulcer. Especially in the past few days, after arguing with my father, she has been drinking e...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Alcohol consumption can lead to habitual and behavioral issues, including long-term excessive drinking, which is well-known to cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and femur (avascular necrosis). However, the ultimate target of alcohol is our nervou...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Addressing Alcoholism in Family Members
Understanding the Impact of Misdiagnosis in Mental Health Treatment
Please clarify your question? Director Tang: Hello, my brother has been experiencing some mental health issues due to work-related stress for the past 3-4 months. A friend suggested that I take him to see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist at Zhongxing Hospital in Taipei prescribed...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Xiao Wen, It is truly touching to see your concern for your brother's illness. Since I am not familiar with his condition and have not examined him, I cannot determine whether there is a possibility of misdiagnosis. However, I prefer to trust the judgment and prescript...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Misdiagnosis in Mental Health Treatment
Understanding the Differences Between Organic, Affective, and Functional Psychoses
Unresolved? Hello Dr. Tang, Could you please explain the differences between organic mental disorders, affective disorders, and functional disorders? Thank you in advance for your response!
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiang: In response to your inquiry about the three categories of diseases, here are the brief explanations: 1. Organic Mental Disorders: These refer to mental health conditions caused by identifiable physiological factors or medical illnesses. For example, patients wi...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Organic, Affective, and Functional Psychoses
Effective Strategies Beyond Medication for Mental Health Recovery
Some doubts? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about mental illnesses such as panic disorder and depression. Besides medication, what other methods can help accelerate recovery? What should I pay attention to in daily life? Should my diet be controlled? What types of fruits sho...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Andy: The question you asked is quite broad and not easy to answer! Mental illnesses result from the interplay of various internal and external factors, leading to an individual's loss of balance and adaptation. Currently, it is more clearly understood that alcoholics m...[Read More] Effective Strategies Beyond Medication for Mental Health Recovery
Building Trust with a Dementia Patient: Strategies for Caregivers
Moderate Alzheimer's disease? Hello Dr. Chiu: My mother-in-law is 81 years old and suffers from moderate dementia. She often experiences severe delusions and distrusts people, especially her daughter-in-law. She refuses to eat her meals, fearing that we might poison her. Des...
Dr. Qiu Ruixiang Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: The symptoms your mother-in-law is currently experiencing are quite typical in patients with dementia. Statistics show that approximately 1/2 to 2/3 of dementia patients will exhibit what are known as "behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia" (...[Read More] Building Trust with a Dementia Patient: Strategies for Caregivers
Understanding and Managing Auditory Hallucinations in Elderly Patients
Vasculitis Dear Dr. Chiu, Hello. My aunt, who is 85 years old, fell at home two years ago and fractured the area where her thigh connects to her hip. She underwent surgery and had steel pins inserted. During the medical evaluation, she was also diagnosed with mitral valve insuff...
Dr. Qiu Ruixiang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ying. Based on the information provided, it is likely that your aunt is experiencing dementia with accompanying psychiatric symptoms. The primary symptom of dementia is a significant decline in memory, which can sometimes be difficult for family members to notice, esp...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Auditory Hallucinations in Elderly Patients
Understanding Dopamine: Its Role and Function in the Brain
What is dopamine? Could you please explain how dopamine functions in the brain?
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear friend: I apologize for the issues with the previously sent information (which included images), which caused a delay in my response! Regarding your question about dopamine (abbreviated as DA), it is a very important monoamine neurotransmitter in the brain, widely but uneven...[Read More] Understanding Dopamine: Its Role and Function in the Brain
Understanding Dementia: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
About dementia? My grandmother is 80 years old. She usually exercises regularly, but today she didn't go and keeps saying that she feels confused. When I asked her why she didn't go, she said she didn't know if she had gone or not. When I asked her many questions, ...
Dr. Chen Qixiang Reply:
Ms. Huiming: Please report to the psychiatric outpatient clinic for an examination with Dr. Zhou Sunyuan.[Read More] Understanding Dementia: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Can Family Members Obtain Medication for Reluctant Patients?
If the patient refuses to seek medical treatment, can a family member pick up the medication on their behalf? Subject: Concern for My Mother's Mental Health Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to express my concerns regarding my mother's recent mental health ch...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
I received your letter regarding the concerns you have, which are actually common issues many people encounter. I will outline my response in points: 1. First, regarding your mother's symptoms: From your description of her restlessness, staring blankly, noticeable lack of c...[Read More] Can Family Members Obtain Medication for Reluctant Patients?
Understanding Sudden Behavioral Changes in Aging Parents
Father's issues Hello Doctor, I am from Malaysia and I would like to ask you some questions. My father is 58 years old and was originally a talkative and active person in social groups. However, about a month and a half ago, he suddenly became withdrawn and lethargic, as if ...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: Your father's condition seems quite unusual. Has a full body examination, including a CT scan of the brain, been conducted? I recommend seeing a neurologist at a major hospital first. If no issues are found, then consider consulting Dr. Lin in psychiatry.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Behavioral Changes in Aging Parents