Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Depression: Symptoms and Solutions
Does depression have any long-term effects? Hello Dr. Li, I switched careers over seven years ago and experienced some adjustment issues, which eventually evolved into symptoms of depression, including insomnia, a sense of hopelessness, and lack of motivation. I visited a psychia...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First, thank you for your letter. Depression can indeed manifest as unexplained pain or discomfort. However, clinically, it is essential to rule out other physiological factors to avoid misdiagnosis. If no cause for the pain can be found, the use of antidepressants may yie...[Read More] Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Depression: Symptoms and Solutions
Managing Blood Pressure Fluctuations Linked to Emotional Instability
Blood pressure often fluctuates due to emotional instability? Dear Doctor, In mid-March of this year, I visited the hospital for a check-up due to feeling unwell. The doctor informed me that my heart is larger than normal, and I also have high blood pressure and elevated cholest...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to your message, it seems that you are currently suffering from psychosomatic disorder. The causes of psychosomatic disorders are not solely psychological; it is a condition characterized by the interaction between physica...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Fluctuations Linked to Emotional Instability
Understanding Mental Illness: Diagnosis, Misconceptions, and Social Stigma
Assessment of Mental Illness 1. How is the assessment of mental illness conducted? How can we determine if a person has a mental disorder? 2. If a female has a name that resembles a male's, could she be perceived as having a mental illness? Some people tend to label others...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Thank you for your question. 1. Mental disorders are diagnosed based on symptomatology, and in Taiwan, the primary diagnostic criteria are derived from the diagnostic manuals published in the United States. Although there may be slight variations in diagnoses among different ph...[Read More] Understanding Mental Illness: Diagnosis, Misconceptions, and Social Stigma
Understanding Mental Health: Addressing Self-Talk, Emotional Imbalance, and Hallucinations
Mental health issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. If a person engages in self-questioning and answering in response to their circumstances, does this indicate schizophrenia? How can this situation be improved? 2. If a person experiences physical injuries and encount...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello, I can sense from your letter that the auditory hallucinations are causing you distress. I am unsure if you are currently receiving treatment. Although a brief letter may not provide you with an immediate and definitive diagnosis, due to your evident distress and correspond...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health: Addressing Self-Talk, Emotional Imbalance, and Hallucinations
Understanding Anxiety: Is Overthinking a Sign of Mental Health Issues?
Excuse me, doctor. I apologize for asking so many times? Doctor, I'm sorry... I've asked three times already... This is the last question. I'm really sorry for forgetting to ask. What I want to know is, for someone like me who tends to overthink and worry about var...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Discussing the diagnosis or exclusion of diseases for individuals whom one has not met in person online is actually inappropriate. There are many reasons for this. Many physicians believe that such practices violate medical ethics and even laws. Therefore, even if you explain you...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Is Overthinking a Sign of Mental Health Issues?
Signs She Needs Psychiatric Help: How to Encourage a Visit to the Doctor
Does she need to see a doctor? How should I take her there? From April 28 to June 7, I worked at a relative's house. I described these past two months as the most painful days of my life. On June 7, I had no issues during the day, but at night, I started sitting alone and cr...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Based on what you described, the patient may be suffering from severe depression. However, a face-to-face consultation with a specialist is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. If the patient exhibits hallucinations or self-harming ...[Read More] Signs She Needs Psychiatric Help: How to Encourage a Visit to the Doctor
Understanding the Link Between Rheumatism and Depression in Teens
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Depression Hello Dr. Su, I am consulting for a friend’s child, a male student in the second year of a private high school. He is 163 cm tall and weighs 48 kg. He wakes up at 6 AM and finishes evening study at 9:30 PM. He works hard to prepare for exams bu...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
The extent of side effects varies depending on the individual patient and their suitability for the medication, and it cannot be generalized. If a patient experiences adverse reactions to a medication, they should return to the clinic to discuss with their physician about adjusti...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Rheumatism and Depression in Teens
Understanding and Addressing Paranoia in Aging Parents: A Family's Struggle
The father is suspected to have a delusional disorder? Hello, Doctor. My father is about 60 years old and has been experiencing delusional mental health issues for the past ten years (possibly even longer). Initially, he believed that someone wanted to kill him, and later he deve...
Dr. Fan Tingwei Reply:
Hello Kila: From your description, it seems that your father may have a mental disorder and needs medical treatment. To confirm the diagnosis, he must be evaluated by a physician in person. However, the challenge you are facing is how to get your father to seek medical care, whic...[Read More] Understanding and Addressing Paranoia in Aging Parents: A Family's Struggle
Understanding Psychosomatic Symptoms: Breathlessness and Anxiety Explained
Psychoneurosis Hello Doctor, I recently woke up in the middle of the night with sudden shortness of breath that lasted until morning. In the following days, I frequently experienced shortness of breath. I consulted both a pulmonologist and a psychiatrist, but they concluded that ...
Dr. Lin Junyuan Reply:
Hello, A-Qiang. Based on your description in the letter, it indeed resembles cases of anxiety disorders (commonly referred to as neurosis or autonomic nervous system dysregulation) that we see in our clinic. In addition to emotional tension, neurosis can manifest various physical...[Read More] Understanding Psychosomatic Symptoms: Breathlessness and Anxiety Explained
Understanding Affective Schizophrenia: Genetics, Heredity, and Environmental Factors
Affective schizophrenia: genetics? Heredity? Hello, Dr. Yu. I would like to ask if affective schizophrenia is related to genetics and whether it can be inherited by children. Also, why have I been diagnosed with different conditions at different times? The first time, at age 21, ...
Dr. Yu Fengyu Reply:
Hello, Ya-Ya (I apologize for making you wait a few days as I've been quite busy lately). Regarding mental illnesses, the most widely accepted theory at present is the "biopsychosocial model." This means that the physiological conditions of the body, including neur...[Read More] Understanding Affective Schizophrenia: Genetics, Heredity, and Environmental Factors
Overcoming Mental Struggles: A Soldier's Journey in the Navy
Hello, Dr. Cheng? Hello Dr. Cheng, I am currently serving in the 146th Fleet at the Penghu Naval Base, and I am feeling very distressed. Every day, I find myself lost in negative thoughts... On the ship, I experience claustrophobia, and I am also afraid of flying due to acrophobi...
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Xiao Wei: Hello, regarding your concerns about "claustrophobia, fear of flying, acrophobia, feeling very anxious, suffering, and nightmares," I suggest you first seek an evaluation from a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether medication or other tr...[Read More] Overcoming Mental Struggles: A Soldier's Journey in the Navy
Impact of Chronic Stress on Cognitive Function in Mood Disorders
Stress issues If someone experiences prolonged high levels of stress and is diagnosed with mild bipolar disorder and depression, it can indeed affect cognitive and memory functions. Long-term use of medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and engaging in regular exercise may help...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, You may want to discuss with your physician whether your diagnosis is bipolar disorder or depression, as the etiology, course, treatment, and prognosis of these two condit...[Read More] Impact of Chronic Stress on Cognitive Function in Mood Disorders
Boosting Serotonin and Norepinephrine: Dietary Tips for Mental Health
What can be eaten to increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels? Hello Doctor: I seem to have social anxiety and depression. I have taken an online test and only visited a clinic once. However, when I took the antidepressants, I couldn't sleep at night (I felt very agitate...
Dr. Wang Zhenbang Reply:
Dear "Cool Noodles" online user: Generally, online tests are merely reminders for the public to be aware of the potential for mental health disorders and are intended for reference only. Self-assessment through online tests can easily lead to incorrect conclusions and s...[Read More] Boosting Serotonin and Norepinephrine: Dietary Tips for Mental Health
Is My Friend's Behavior a Sign of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Consulting the status of a friend? Hello, Doctor Hsieh! I would like to ask if my friend's condition could be classified as a type of obsessive-compulsive behavior. To briefly describe the situation... she sleeps no more than 5 hours a day, and this has been going on for qui...
Dr. Xie Yongfeng Reply:
Your description is insufficient to make a diagnosis.[Read More] Is My Friend's Behavior a Sign of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Understanding Compulsive Behaviors in Elderly Patients: A Family's Struggle
Always requiring others to perform the previous action? Hello Doctor: My father (63 years old, a teacher) has recently started exhibiting strange behaviors. He asks our family members to repeat previous actions (for example, if I walk past him and bend down to pick up a piece of ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jin. Based on your description of your father's situation, there seems to be a possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, due to insufficient information, a definitive conclusion cannot be made. Regardless, if the obsessive thoughts and behavior...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Behaviors in Elderly Patients: A Family's Struggle
Understanding Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?
Thank you, Dr. Wang, for your assistance? Could I ask Dr. Wang again if my behavior of repeatedly checking things is due to my overly anxious or perfectionist personality? (This happens only for things I care about.) Moreover, it seems to occur only in certain specific situations...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Executive Yuan Health Department: I apologize if my previous response was misleading. The differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes many conditions (including obsessive-compuls...[Read More] Understanding Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?
Understanding Anxiety: Insights from Dr. Wang on OCD Misdiagnosis
Thank you, Dr. Wang Chong-Ren, for your accurate insights? I am the previous questioner, and I do tend to get anxious and strive for perfection in things I care about. Dr. Wang pointed out a long-standing doubt in my mind; I have been "doubting" that some of my symptoms...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren of the Psychiatric Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello! It seems that you have found the "key" within yourself, congratulations! The uncertainties of the external world often lead us to self-doubt, making us freq...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Insights from Dr. Wang on OCD Misdiagnosis
Understanding the Side Effects of Risperidone in Schizophrenia Treatment
Side effects of Risperidone? Hello Dr. Chang, I have seen a doctor who diagnosed me with latent schizophrenia. I have been taking Risperidone at a dosage of approximately 1 mg per day for the past two years. Recently, I have been troubled by a situation where it feels like my l...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Please consult your psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate the following drug-induced Parkinsonism symptoms: 1. Resting tremor: Involuntary shaking of one or both arms. Tremors may also occur in the legs, feet, or chin. 2. Rigidity: Persistent central nervous ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Risperidone in Schizophrenia Treatment
Understanding Insomnia: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Sleep Issues
Insomnia issues Hello Doctor: My mother is about 54 years old and has been experiencing insomnia in recent years. Her symptoms include difficulty falling asleep at night, an inability to quiet her mind, and persistent thoughts. She has seen a neurologist and has been taking medic...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. The causes of insomnia can generally be divided into three main categories: 1. Insomnia caused by psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety; 2. Insomnia caused by physiological factors, such as patients with heart diseas...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Sleep Issues
Understanding Anxiety and Isolation: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges
What is wrong with me? I often tell my doctor that I feel down and afraid of many things. I don't dare to go anywhere alone, and I fear social interactions. I frequently have thoughts of wanting to die, but I can't express my feelings. I feel introverted and withdrawn, ...
Dr. Chen Zhicai Reply:
If it's a problem, rather than suffering, should you force yourself to face it? It's better to find a suitable psychologist or physician! As for whether it is Asperger's syndrome, a diagnosis can only be made through evaluation and treatment. Dr. Chien Chih-Tsai.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Isolation: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges