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
Struggling with Sleep: A College Student's Battle with Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep for more than six months? Hello, doctor. I am a college student in my second year. Since I entered university, I have been experiencing intermittent difficulties falling asleep, occurring about 3-4 times a week. Recently, I have been struggling to fall a...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Your prolonged insomnia has reached the clinical criteria for insomnia disorder, and it is advisable to seek medical attention for further differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You can seek medical help without needing support from family members. If y...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: A College Student's Battle with Insomnia
Understanding Misophonia: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of Phonophobia Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing misophonia since I was about 20 years old, and it has become increasingly severe over the years. Currently, I cannot tolerate sounds such as chewing, teeth cleaning, clicking a pen, throat clearing, footsteps, and d...
Dr. Hong Jiajun Reply:
Hello, phonophobia is not a very common condition, and the medical understanding of it is quite limited. It is generally believed that phonophobia may be related to abnormal connections in the central nervous system, but the mechanisms behind it remain unclear. It seems that your...[Read More] Understanding Misophonia: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Transitioning from Sleep Meds to Herbal Remedies: A Guide
Sleep issues It is recommended to gradually reduce the dosage of the 7.5 mg sleep aid tablet. Thank you. Can the 7.5 mg sleep aid tablet be discontinued in favor of traditional Chinese medicine?
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. It is possible to improve sleep with traditional Chinese medicine after discontinuing the health sleep film-coated tablets. However, it is still necessary to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for a proper diagnosis and prescription. Please follow the phys...[Read More] Transitioning from Sleep Meds to Herbal Remedies: A Guide
Navigating Emotional Trauma: Living with Chronic Illness and Misunderstanding
Traumatic emotions I was diagnosed at the age of 23 with atypical Crohn's disease. Within a month, I lost over thirty kilograms. I visited numerous hospitals and was only diagnosed with gastric and duodenal ulcers. My condition worsened, and one day I woke up unable to walk....
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: As a fellow patient with chronic autoimmune diseases, I completely understand the pain of living with a chronic illness, and the added suffering of being misunderstood or accused of faking it. I recommend that such traumatic experiences be addressed through ...[Read More] Navigating Emotional Trauma: Living with Chronic Illness and Misunderstanding
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Can Your Partner's Past Shape His Present?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) My boyfriend says he doesn't remember much about his life before the age of 11. Friends describe him as having a bad temper, being dangerous, disobedient, manipulative, and violent. After turning 11, he had a teacher who cared for him and...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: Dissociative Identity Disorder is a more complex issue that requires a professional and detailed assessment. Sometimes, what we commonly refer to as having a "split personality" may not necessarily align with the psychiatric diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Dis...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Can Your Partner's Past Shape His Present?
Coping with Grief: Navigating Emotions After a Loved One's Death
Emotional adjustment issues following the death of a loved one? Hello Dr. Lin: My mother passed away from colon cancer about a year ago. Although the sadness has eased significantly, I feel very lost about the future... This was my first experience facing the death of a loved one...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! Losing a loved one is a deeply painful experience, and it's normal to feel depressed in the face of such a loss. However, feelings of sadness do not equate to clinical depression. Most people can return to their normal lives after a period of adjustment. If, one ye...[Read More] Coping with Grief: Navigating Emotions After a Loved One's Death
Is It OCD? Understanding Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors
Is this obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello, doctor! I have a relative (20 years old) who repeatedly questions whether she is her parents' biological child and frequently checks with them about certain physical traits to see if they align with dominant and recessive i...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: It seems that she has been troubled by this uncomfortable feeling in her head for some time. It is indeed possible that it could be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but a face-to-face evaluation is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. The technique of cog...[Read More] Is It OCD? Understanding Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms and Their Impact on Mental Health
Various discomforts experienced by the body after drug withdrawal? Hello Doctor: I do not have a history of anxiety or depression, have never taken such medications, and do not experience insomnia, headaches, or stiffness in my shoulders and neck. About a year ago, I felt a sensa...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, user: 1. Could my symptoms be caused by autonomic nervous system imbalance after stopping these medications? The symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysregulation are quite complex and variable, including dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, difficulty inhaling, mus...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms and Their Impact on Mental Health
Overcoming Body Anxiety: Navigating Health Fears and Mental Well-Being
Concerns about the body? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, I have often worried about having a serious illness. Now, because my muscles keep twitching (possibly due to pressure, overuse, or random spasms), I recorded a video to show to a neurologist. He scheduled an electromyogra...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, if you are still very concerned, I recommend consulting another neurologist for a diagnosis. If both specialists conclude that there are no significant issues, it may be a case of "health anxiety," which is a type of psychosomatic disorder. In that case, you shou...[Read More] Overcoming Body Anxiety: Navigating Health Fears and Mental Well-Being
Understanding the Habit of Talking to Oneself: Insights from Psychiatry
The habit of talking to oneself? Since elementary school, I have been talking to myself. When I turned 21, I felt emotionally unstable and sought medical help. At that time, I asked the doctor about my condition, but I did not mention that I was experiencing a mental illness. Now...
Dr. Huang Zhijia Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of mental disorders requires a multifaceted approach and even long-term observation; it cannot be determined by a single complaint.[Read More] Understanding the Habit of Talking to Oneself: Insights from Psychiatry
Understanding Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry: When Medication Isn't Enough
Frequent visits to the doctor? Generally, those who seek medical consultation and medication are often diagnosed with neuroses or psychosis. Conditions outside of these, such as autism and personality disorders, are typically not treatable with medication alone. I have undergone ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: In clinical practice, many conditions in the field of psychosomatic medicine require physicians to prescribe medications to assist in treatment. Some more severe mental illnesses, such as autism and schizophrenia, indeed require long-term medication management, as current ...[Read More] Understanding Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry: When Medication Isn't Enough
Balancing Work and Exam Preparation: A Guide for Mental Health Patients
Regarding learning and examinations? Hello, Doctor: I am a working individual who is also preparing for the national examination while dealing with a mental illness. I apologize for asking questions that may not be directly related to mental health! I am unsure of my specific dia...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Yoyo: I can sense your anxiety and frustration. You may need to clarify one thing first: what is your purpose for taking the national exam? Is it for a better job? If so, you should strive to achieve that goal. If your current job does not allow you enough time to study, yo...[Read More] Balancing Work and Exam Preparation: A Guide for Mental Health Patients
Overcoming Concerns About Mental Health Diagnoses and Disability Status
Concerned about being diagnosed as a person with a disability? I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and my doctor asked me if I have a disability handbook or a major illness card, etc. I seem to be quite concerned about having these documents. Since my appointment this past Monday...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, netizen: Many people consider their disease diagnosis and health status, along with their age, weight, and even annual income, to be personal privacy and do not appreciate inquiries about them. Whether one has a major illness card or a disability handbook can also be consi...[Read More] Overcoming Concerns About Mental Health Diagnoses and Disability Status
Understanding Severe Emotional Disorders: When to Seek Psychiatric Help
Severe Emotional Disturbance Outpatient Clinic Is the mentioned condition a professional medical diagnosis? Should one see a specialist if experiencing emotional instability?
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Emotional disorders encompass a wide range and are not specific medical diagnoses. If there are significant signs of emotional instability, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a psychiatrist. Wishing you health and safety![Read More] Understanding Severe Emotional Disorders: When to Seek Psychiatric Help
Understanding Medication Options for Social Anxiety and Depression
Medication Consultation for Social Anxiety and Depression Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from severe social anxiety disorder for many years and have been too afraid to go out to work. I also experience chronic mental disarray and have difficulty concentrating. I feel that I...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: Because I didn't finish college and have no interests or specialties, I feel scared to go out and look for a job, constantly avoiding reality. Every time I go for a follow-up appointment, I'm afraid the doctor thinks I'm not making an effort t...[Read More] Understanding Medication Options for Social Anxiety and Depression
Understanding Social Anxiety and Depression: When to Seek Help
Social Anxiety Disorder, Depressive Tendencies Hello, doctor. I have a question that has been troubling me for a long time. I tend to be overly concerned about how others perceive me, and I really dislike being the center of attention. When I walk down the street, I often look do...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that you may be experiencing social anxiety disorder, and you might also have symptoms of depression; however, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through an evaluation by a psychiatrist. Beyond the diagnosis, what is truly important is understanding the un...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety and Depression: When to Seek Help
Latest Schizophrenia Medications: Efficacy, Side Effects, and Disability Concerns
Latest medications? The latest antipsychotic medication is Lurasidone, right? If it is not effective, are there any newer medications available? Is Clozapine associated with more side effects? Does it cause high fever? Additionally, do all patients with schizophrenia need to appl...
Dr. Hong Jiajun Reply:
Hello, in addition to Lurasidone, there are other novel antipsychotic medications available in the country, such as Risperidone. In fact, the effectiveness of medications can vary from person to person; new drugs are not necessarily more effective than older ones. It is recommend...[Read More] Latest Schizophrenia Medications: Efficacy, Side Effects, and Disability Concerns
Understanding Sudden Suicidal Thoughts: A Guide for Mental Health Support
Life can suddenly bring about inexplicable suicidal thoughts? Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I left home due to domestic violence and have been experiencing insomnia. I was previously afraid of being found by my family, living in constant fear. I am currently seeing a doctor, and ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiaoguang: Facing such a difficult situation alone is truly challenging, and you are very brave! I wonder if the doctor you are seeing is a psychiatrist? If not, I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist; if it is a psychiatrist, you can ask them to refer you for psychot...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Suicidal Thoughts: A Guide for Mental Health Support
Is It OCD? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help for Your Child
Uncertain if it is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, my child, who is in college, has expressed to me that he seems to be experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I would like to take him to see a doctor, but I'm not sure whic...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Your child's symptoms may indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but further differential diagnosis is needed before confirming this condition. Additionally, OCD often co-occurs with other disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression. The symptoms of OCD ...[Read More] Is It OCD? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help for Your Child