Caring for a Family Member with Mental Health Challenges: Tips and Guidance
How to care for individuals with mental health conditions? Hello, I would like to inquire about my mother's condition. She has become somewhat superstitious after being involved with "Falun Gong" (she promotes its benefits, encourages others to join, and insists on...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Based on your description, it is difficult to determine whether your relative has a mental illness. I recommend that you take her to a psychiatric outpatient clinic for an in-person evaluation by a physician, which is necessary to identify the issue and provide you with the best ...[Read More] Caring for a Family Member with Mental Health Challenges: Tips and Guidance
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Treat Anxiety Disorders?
Can anxiety disorders be treated with traditional Chinese medicine? I would like to ask the doctor if there are traditional Chinese medicine treatments for psychological disorders in addition to Western medicine. I have undergone psychological counseling for about six months and ...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
I apologize, but I am not familiar with traditional Chinese medicine, so I cannot answer your question. However, both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine have potential side effects. It is important to consult with a physician and not to delay treatment due to conce...[Read More] Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Treat Anxiety Disorders?
Is My Dad Struggling with Mental Health Issues?
Is Dad sick? My father is 55 years old and has a stable job in the technology industry. He grew up in a difficult family environment, as his grandfather was not very responsible, so he strives to be a good father, which he has succeeded in, maintaining a close relationship with m...
Dr. Cai Yunlin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chou, The situation you described seems to be causing significant distress for both you and your family. It is understandably difficult for family members to accept behaviors from a close relative that lead to such turmoil. Often, the individual involved experiences c...[Read More] Is My Dad Struggling with Mental Health Issues?
Understanding Hyperventilation Syndrome: Risks and Treatment Options
Hyperventilation syndrome I have experienced hyperventilation syndrome. Can this condition be fatal? Is there a way to completely cure it?
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Hello. Hyperventilation syndrome is a physiological and psychological response triggered by acute anxiety symptoms. During an episode, patients may experience palpitations, sweating, muscle stiffness in the limbs, numbness around the mouth and in the fingers and toes, dizziness, ...[Read More] Understanding Hyperventilation Syndrome: Risks and Treatment Options
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
Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Help for Long-Term Insomnia and Memory Issues
Seeking assistance? Hello, doctor. I have been struggling with insomnia for about 7 years. When I close my eyes to sleep, my mind is still racing with thoughts. Sometimes, it takes me 2 to 3 hours to fall asleep, and even when I do, I can still feel my mind wandering. Occasionall...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
1. Sinusitis is treated by an otolaryngologist, and it is covered by health insurance. 2. As for the insomnia issue and other related symptoms you mentioned, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder; however, a definitive diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation at a clinic,...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Help for Long-Term Insomnia and Memory Issues
Overcoming Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Visiting a Partner's Home
Do I still have symptoms of anxiety and fear of a specific place? Hello Doctor: At the end of last year, I was diagnosed with anxiety at both Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital. At that time, I was experiencing long-term insomnia, which made me ...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: From your description, it seems that you may have formed a compulsive connection between your fear of insomnia and your girlfriend's place, which leads to feelings of worry and fear when you are there. You might consider trying relaxing music or muscle relaxation exer...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Visiting a Partner's Home
Understanding Neuroasthenia: Is Menopause the Cause of My Mother's Symptoms?
Neurasthenia! Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my mother's condition. She is 55 years old, and I'm not sure if her poor sleep quality is related to menopause. Additionally, she has a sensitive personality, which leads to increased worries, especially since she ha...
Dr. Lin Yuzhong Reply:
Hello Fangfang: Women in menopause are indeed more prone to anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders. Based on your description, your mother's discomfort includes insomnia, worries, heightened startle response, low mood, and feelings of hopelessness, along with phy...[Read More] Understanding Neuroasthenia: Is Menopause the Cause of My Mother's Symptoms?
Navigating Medication Choices in Mental Health: A Patient's Dilemma
Question Hello Dr. Wang, I have a few situations regarding my condition that I would like to consult with you. I had been taking Xanax for a period of time, but recently I accidentally lost the medication. My previous doctor had helped me a lot, so I didn't return for a foll...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Sun, This is Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Psychiatry Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. Currently, for mental health disorders, psychiatrists primarily assess and treat patients from physiological, psychological, and social-family perspectives, mainly focus...[Read More] Navigating Medication Choices in Mental Health: A Patient's Dilemma
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
Understanding Involuntary Self-Harm Behaviors: Seeking Help for Compulsive Habits
Frequent involuntary self-harming behavior? I often have an involuntary habit of using the pad of my right thumb to pick at the inner side of the distal interphalangeal joint of my middle finger, especially when I am anxious, upset, or deep in thought. This behavior has worsened,...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: In this situation, please make time to visit the psychiatric outpatient clinic as soon as possible to inform the doctor about the issues mentioned above. The doctor will provide treatment based on the diagnosis and findings, which should be very helpful. Wishing you a spee...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Self-Harm Behaviors: Seeking Help for Compulsive Habits
Understanding Major Depression: Coping with Sleep Disruptions and Anger
Feeling extremely down..? Doctor: I would like to ask what major depressive disorder is. Recently, I have been trying hard to reset my biological clock, so I set a rule for myself to go to bed around midnight to 12:30 AM every night. However, for the past few days, one of my room...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Major depressive disorder, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, includes symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite affecting weight, loss of energy, impaired motivation, cognitive disturbances, and suicidal thoughts. A diagnosis mus...[Read More] Understanding Major Depression: Coping with Sleep Disruptions and Anger
How to Support a Partner Facing Mental Health Challenges?
How can I assist her? Dear Dr. Duan, Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. My girlfriend usually behaves normally, but under certain stress, she exhibits the following symptoms: 1. She shuts herself off emotionally and avoids confronting the current situation, yet...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello! There is a psychiatric disorder known as "dissociative disorder," where patients may experience temporary amnesia. However, if the amnesia occurs under stress, it is likely to be an acute stress reaction or related to past traumatic experiences leading to post-tr...[Read More] How to Support a Partner Facing Mental Health Challenges?
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
Am I Experiencing Depression? Understanding My Emotional Struggles
Am I experiencing depression? I would like to ask... First, when I encounter situations where I don't perform well or when I am criticized, my mood inexplicably drops for a whole day. This feeling is very uncomfortable for me, and I often find it hard to let go of what other...
Dr. Zhou Sunyuan Reply:
For psychiatrists, we cannot understand a person's inner world through instruments. Therefore, the clearer one can describe their internal experiences, the better. However, many people lack observation and awareness of their inner experiences, making it difficult to express ...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Depression? Understanding My Emotional Struggles
How to Differentiate Between Depression and Bipolar Disorder?
Is it depression or bipolar disorder? Hello, I have been troubled by this issue for a while because I have been unsure about how to see a doctor. I used to have no problems with sleep, but in the past year or two, due to some family issues and some matters concerning friendships ...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hui: Hello! Based on your description, it is not easy to determine whether you are experiencing depression or bipolar disorder, and it is also possible that neither applies. However, regardless of the diagnosis, your sleep disturbances and emotional instability leading to self-ha...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Depression and Bipolar Disorder?
Supporting a Loved One with Depression: A Nurse's Perspective
Depression, please stay away? Hello, Doctor: I have been troubled by a question for a long time regarding my father. Due to the economic downturn, many companies are facing layoffs. Although my father has been an employee for over twenty years, he is still very worried about bein...
Dr. Liu Guangqi Reply:
Your father's current situation may be a result of accumulated psychological stress leading to depressive symptoms. There are many potential causes; facing layoffs might be just the visible reason, while other factors such as physical constitution, personality traits, interp...[Read More] Supporting a Loved One with Depression: A Nurse's Perspective
Am I Sick? Understanding Mental Health Concerns at 21
Do I have an illness? I'm 21 years old and haven't served in the military yet. I've been taking psychiatric medication intermittently for a year and a half. Honestly, I don't have any major issues; I just feel like something is off with my mental state. For in...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, When a person is confused, they may occasionally talk to themselves or engage in self-dialogue to seek answers. However, if someone frequently talks to themselves, hears sounds that others do not, or perceives voices speaking from within their body, this could in...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Mental Health Concerns at 21