Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Prognosis, and Lifelong Impact
How to know if you have bipolar disorder? How can one know if they have bipolar disorder? Will it get better? Is it a lifelong condition?
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that is typically diagnosed based on medical history and symptoms. The hallmark symptoms include alternating phases of elevated mood (mania) and depressed mood (depression). It is essential to seek a professional diagnosis from a...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Prognosis, and Lifelong Impact
Overcoming Aquaphobia: Seeking Medical Documentation for Swimming Course Exemption
Hydrophobia Hello Dr. Lin! I am currently a senior in college, and swimming is a required course at my school. However, I nearly drowned twice when I was a child, and since then, I have developed a fear of water and a phobia of swimming. I need a doctor's note to apply for a...
Dr. Lin Junyuan Reply:
Hello, it seems that in order to graduate smoothly, you need to address the issues related to the swimming course! I suggest you first inquire with the school's athletics department or the unit handling general education courses about any alternative options available, as th...[Read More] Overcoming Aquaphobia: Seeking Medical Documentation for Swimming Course Exemption
Understanding Social Withdrawal in Schizophrenia: Day Hospital Insights
Social withdrawal For someone like me who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and experiences social withdrawal, feeling uneasy around people due to their appearance, and only speaking with acquaintances, along with not having worked since graduating from school, would it generally ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, thank you for your letter. The purpose of daytime hospitalization focuses on social and vocational skills training, which is indeed suitable for your situation. The goal of hospitalization is to reintegrate into the community; if you can work in a sheltered workshop...[Read More] Understanding Social Withdrawal in Schizophrenia: Day Hospital Insights
Understanding Anxiety and Sleep Issues: Is It Depression?
Depressive Panic Hello Doctor: I've been worried lately about whether I have some health issues. The more I search for related information online, the more scared I become, fearing that I might have a serious illness. Since then, I've been experiencing some sleep proble...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, if your sleep has become shorter than usual, accompanied by vivid dreams or frequent awakenings, and these symptoms persist for a period of time, it is indeed worth noting. However, sleep disturbances are often just the tip of the iceberg and are common manifestations of v...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Sleep Issues: Is It Depression?
Struggling with Insomnia: Why Sleep Aids and Coffee Aren't Working
I'm in so much pain; taking two Barbie sleeping pills at the same time didn't help, and drinking coffee didn't work either? I can't fall asleep even when lying in bed; my mind keeps racing with thoughts, whether it's songs or past events, and I can't...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: Insomnia is quite common in today's society, and its causes are not necessarily simple; they can include physical, psychological, and environmental factors. It is recommended that you practice good sleep hygiene (there are many educational articles available online). ...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia: Why Sleep Aids and Coffee Aren't Working
Managing Schizophrenia: Medication Changes and Sleep Issues Explained
Treat the symptoms with appropriate medication? Symptoms: Schizophrenia, psychotic depression, insomnia. Currently taking medication: Seroquel 200mg, Lamictal 50mg, and Ativan 2mg. What should I do if I still experience insomnia after taking Ativan 2mg? Recently, my doctor mentio...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
To Ching, You have many questions in your letter. Since I have not directly examined your condition, I can only respond based on general situations; I hope you understand. 1. Using benzodiazepines can help with relaxation and facilitate sleep. If you still experience insomnia...[Read More] Managing Schizophrenia: Medication Changes and Sleep Issues Explained
Understanding the Transition from Depression to Schizophrenia: Key Insights
I'm not sure if it was successfully submitted? 1. It has been noted that the negative symptoms of schizophrenia can sometimes be misdiagnosed as depression in the early stages. However, these are distinct types of mental disorders. If a patient has been diagnosed with depres...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, I have the following suggestions: 1. Since the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders requires long-term observation and assessment, it is true that some symptoms of psychiatric disorders can be similar. Therefore, close collaboration between family ...[Read More] Understanding the Transition from Depression to Schizophrenia: Key Insights
Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Communication Patterns and Intelligence Levels
Asperger's syndrome The tendency to only communicate with familiar individuals does not necessarily indicate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on its own. Autism can manifest in various ways, and while some individuals with ASD may have higher intelligence, it is not a requirem...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, being relatively introverted and only speaking with familiar people does not equate to Asperger's syndrome. There are many other situations where individuals may behave this way. In our department, we have a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team with three experts: Dr....[Read More] Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Communication Patterns and Intelligence Levels
Understanding Chronic Migraines: Dizziness, Blurred Vision, and Nausea
Migraine, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time. I have difficulty sleeping well every night and find it hard to fall asleep. It all started about four years ago when I suddenly began to feel headaches that ca...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello, due to the complexity and variety of symptoms you are experiencing, I recommend that you visit a comprehensive hospital that has departments of neurology, otolaryngology, and psychiatry. After evaluations by both the neurology and otolaryngology departments to rule out any...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Migraines: Dizziness, Blurred Vision, and Nausea
Can You Stop Psychiatric Medication on Your Own? Understanding Risks and Alternatives
Can I stop taking the medication on my own? Hello Dr. Chang: I previously experienced insomnia due to stress from illness, so I went to see a psychiatrist. The doctor prescribed me medication for depression and bipolar disorder, which really helped me sleep. However, I'm not...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen Reply:
Hello, I can sense your distress from your message. It's normal for everyone to experience emotional fluctuations; the key is the duration of these fluctuations and their impact on daily life. If your emotional ups and downs have exceeded your ability to cope, I recommend se...[Read More] Can You Stop Psychiatric Medication on Your Own? Understanding Risks and Alternatives
Understanding Anxiety: Can It Cause Frequent Urination?
Constantly paying attention to the bladder can lead to frequent urination? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent urination recently, but it improves at night. I went to a clinic for blood tests to check for diabetes. My hemoglobin A1c was 5.41, and there was no glucose or pro...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
First of all, I encourage you for taking care of your body and your desire for knowledge; these are signs of a responsible person. Secondly, our bodies are dynamic living organisms that constantly experience changes in sensations and fluctuations in function. As time passes, with...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Can It Cause Frequent Urination?
Understanding Persistent Pain: When to Seek Help Beyond Psychiatry
Chronic pain Hello: I have been seeing a psychiatrist for over eight months. The doctor suspects I have autonomic nervous system dysregulation due to insomnia and other physical symptoms. I have been taking Liyou and other sedatives for about six months, but changing medications ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Autonomic nervous system disorders or anxiety disorders can indeed present with physiological symptoms that cannot be explained by physical examinations or diagnostic tests, such as unexplained pain. However, it is generally necessa...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain: When to Seek Help Beyond Psychiatry
Are Psychiatric Medications Addictive? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Can psychiatric medications be addictive? Hello, Doctor: I have been taking psychiatric medication since 2008 due to a diagnosis of panic disorder. Although I have reduced my dosage over the past year (only taking it at bedtime), I find that if I try to stop the medication for a ...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen Reply:
Hello, I believe you have compared the impact of stable medication adherence versus non-adherence on your quality of life. Under proper psychiatric care, you shouldn't worry too much about the issue of medication addiction. Of course, in addition to stable medication for pan...[Read More] Are Psychiatric Medications Addictive? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Why Was a Head Injury During Military Service Only Treated by Psychiatry?
Why was only a psychiatric evaluation conducted after sustaining a head injury during mandatory military service? Hello Dr. Chang, I have a question to ask you. Over twenty years ago, during my mandatory military service, I suffered a brain injury due to improper discipline. At t...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Hello, you can seek a reliable psychiatrist and neurologist to discuss these thoughts and opinions in person. Additionally, arrange for leisure activities to enhance relaxation techniques and incorporate elements of joy to help forget worries. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Why Was a Head Injury During Military Service Only Treated by Psychiatry?
Overcoming Persistent Low Mood: Strategies for Mental Wellness
Feeling down? The depression scale indicates that I often feel uneasy, uncomfortable, and unwell. I frequently experience a low mood and physical fatigue. These three symptoms are almost always or often present, while others are either absent or very minimal, showing a significan...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello, if you have been experiencing long-term feelings of depression and fatigue without being able to identify a specific cause, and if attempts to relax have not been successful, I suggest you consider visiting a psychiatric or psychosomatic clinic for a more in-depth evaluati...[Read More] Overcoming Persistent Low Mood: Strategies for Mental Wellness
Does Seroquel Cause Insomnia? Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Medication Effects
Can taking Seroquel cause insomnia? 1. The family member's behavior could be indicative of bipolar disorder, especially given the symptoms of grandiosity, paranoia, and erratic behavior. However, a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional is necessary for an ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure if there is a history of mental illness in your family, but based on the symptoms described, it is indeed possible that they may be indicative of bipolar disorder. As for the use of Seroquel causing insomnia, this is relatively uncommon; it may be related...[Read More] Does Seroquel Cause Insomnia? Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Medication Effects
Can Acute Psychosis Be Cured? Understanding Recovery and Support
Can acute psychosis be cured? Doctor, my boyfriend has been unemployed for two months due to a failed business venture this year. A couple of weeks ago, he started experiencing symptoms of waking up shortly after falling asleep and then being unable to sleep for the rest of the n...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ting: This issue is quite complex and may not be easily addressed in a brief response, but please do not worry. You have already taken excellent action by promptly bringing your boyfriend in for evaluation, and there has been improvement with treatment. I want to clar...[Read More] Can Acute Psychosis Be Cured? Understanding Recovery and Support
Can Panic Disorder Cause Hunger Pangs? Understanding the Connection
Can panic disorder cause feelings of hunger? Two to three years ago, I started experiencing the following symptoms: sudden hunger, sweating, trembling hands, shortness of breath, and overall weakness. During severe episodes, I have felt a sensation similar to anemia, where my vis...
Dr. Wang Zhenbang Reply:
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense feelings of tension, anxiety, or fear, particularly the fear of death. This condition can present with various symptoms; however, a sense of hunger is not included in the diagnostic criteria. A definitive diagn...[Read More] Can Panic Disorder Cause Hunger Pangs? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Personality Disorders and Schizophrenia: A Family's Struggle
Could you please clarify the difference between dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenia? Hello Dr. Huang, I have a sister who was involuntarily treated for mental illness at your hospital for over five years (court ruling, Zhang Shuhua). After being discharged before the...
Dr. Huang Yanying Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang, I am Dr. Chang. Since Dr. Huang has left our hospital, I will respond to your questions. It is common for patients with mental illness to be unwilling to seek medical treatment or hospitalization. You can encourage their close relatives to persuade them using lan...[Read More] Understanding Personality Disorders and Schizophrenia: A Family's Struggle
Understanding the Psychological Roots of Stealing Behavior in Family Dynamics
The act of stealing money? Hello Dr. Cheng: I have a small stall in the market. A few years ago, my father asked his sister to help out, but this aunt has been stealing money for a long time, and the amount keeps increasing. She doesn't care about how the neighbors see her a...
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Many mental disorders (such as neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, etc.) may require clarification of various issues, and it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding the Psychological Roots of Stealing Behavior in Family Dynamics