Should You Consult a Mental Health Professional for Your Struggles?
Should I consult a mental health specialist? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have been focusing on studying for exams, but I find it difficult to concentrate. I often think thoughts like "Why am I still alive?" and "This has no meaning," which distracts m...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It is advisable for individuals experiencing significant emotional distress, along with obvious psychosomatic symptoms, to seek medical attention from a psychiatrist. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Should You Consult a Mental Health Professional for Your Struggles?
Understanding F349: Insights on Persistent Mood Disorders and Treatment Options
Diagnostic issues Hello, Doctor: After my consultation at a certain hospital's psychiatry department, the physician diagnosed me with F34.9, unspecified persistent mood disorder (persistent affective disorder). I would like to ask: (1) Does this mean I have depression? The d...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. 1. F349 refers to unspecified persistent mood disorder, which is similar to depression. These conditions can be considered as issues related to negative emotions. The symptoms and overall treatment approach are similar, so there is no need to demand precise diagnostic term...[Read More] Understanding F349: Insights on Persistent Mood Disorders and Treatment Options
Overcoming Anxiety About STDs: A Guide for Mental Health
I have always been very worried about contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? Hello doctor, I easily get anxious and overthink. I constantly feel that if I touch something casually, or use a shared washing machine or restroom, I will contract a sexually transmitted in...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. Recently, the pandemic has intensified, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined the symptoms resulting from the long-term effects of acute COVID-19 inf...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety About STDs: A Guide for Mental Health
Should I See a Psychiatrist? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Should I see a psychiatrist? Hello, Dr. Lin! I apologize for bothering you. I haven't been doing well these past few years. During my student days, I often took leave due to my menstrual cycle, and when I returned to school, I frequently felt like I was falling behind everyo...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety for a long time, including feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and a lack of desire to go out, which can severely impact your ability to maintain a normal life...[Read More] Should I See a Psychiatrist? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues
Depressive mood I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It sounds like you're experiencing significant emotional distress, possibly related to exam stress and family trauma. The symptoms you're describing, such as palpitations, dizziness, feelings of h...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to both depression and stress-related issues. 1. Facing an uncertain future, depression is a common condition in modern society. It is a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment for rec...[Read More] Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues
Understanding Negative Emotions and Motivation in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia negative emotions Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old and have one daughter, with another child on the way this year. To get to the point, I have recently noticed that I am becoming increasingly lazy. I know what I should be doing, but I just can't seem to do it, s...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: You mentioned experiencing recent feelings of depression, decreased self-confidence, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed at work, and a lack of desire to interact with others. I recommend that you visit a mental health clinic for evaluation and to discuss appropr...[Read More] Understanding Negative Emotions and Motivation in Schizophrenia
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Help
Bipolar disorder, negative thoughts? Hello Dr. Chiu, I suspect that I might have bipolar disorder or intermittent explosive disorder. I have been experiencing the following symptoms for over three years. I have always wanted to seek a professional evaluation, but being a minor an...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. You can first seek assistance from your school teacher or use the 1925 mental health hotline for online counseling. You may also ask a family member to take you to a pediatric mental health clinic for a consultation (not for treatment) to help address your concerns.[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Help
Managing Recurring Depression: Medication Adjustments and Treatment Options
Recurrent episodes of depression, medication consultation? Hello, doctor. I have been taking medication for depression for 12 years without any interruptions, but in the past two years, I have experienced four relapses. In April of this year, I had a relapse, and while I recovere...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It is advisable to consult your physician directly regarding any adjustments to medication. Additionally, it is recommended to consider non-pharmacological treatments for depression, such as psychotherapy and rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). Dr. Wu En-Liang.[Read More] Managing Recurring Depression: Medication Adjustments and Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Learning and Living States in Adolescents
Abnormal learning and living conditions? Hello Doctor: I am a high school freshman, and since the start of school in September, I have frequently noticed some abnormal conditions that I didn't experience in middle or elementary school. 1. I have difficulty concentrating; I o...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It is advisable for netizens to first discuss with the school counselor to hear professional advice. If the counselor also believes that medical intervention is necessary, one can visit a child and adolescent psychiatrist for consultation. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Learning and Living States in Adolescents
Understanding Sudden Mood Swings and Self-Harm: When to Seek Help
Emotional issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden mood swings where I start hitting my own head and slapping my face, even though there's nothing specific making me unhappy. When others see this, they just laugh, which makes me feel even worse. I w...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. If these symptoms have appeared suddenly, it is important to consider whether they are related to a COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Mood Swings and Self-Harm: When to Seek Help
Understanding Breathlessness and Anxiety: A Guide to Mental Health Symptoms
Constantly feeling the urge to take deep breaths and experiencing discomfort in the body? Hello doctor, I experience this condition for several days each month: I feel the urge to take deep breaths, as if I'm not getting enough air, and I have a sensation of tightness in my ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
It is recommended to learn some relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, or to utilize the free mental health services provided by the government for individuals aged 15 to 30. If the results are still unsatisfactory, it is advisable to seek consultation with a psy...[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness and Anxiety: A Guide to Mental Health Symptoms
Overcoming Health Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Obsessive Worry
Illness Anxiety Disorder with Obsessive Thoughts In high school, I was an athlete and felt invincible. I would let a cold or even a fever close to 40 degrees Celsius run its course without seeking help. I probably visited the doctor no more than five times during high school, eve...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. With the recent surge in the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined the symptoms resulting from acute COVID-19 infection as "Post-COVID Con...[Read More] Overcoming Health Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Obsessive Worry
Understanding BZD Medications and Their Impact on Cognitive Symptoms
Benzodiazepines and Physical Symptoms Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I inquired about whether benzodiazepines (BZD) could alleviate symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, dizziness, blurred vision, slow focus switching between near and far, distorted and shaky visual fields, v...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. 1. Although I cannot assess your symptoms, based on your description and the physician's diagnostic judgment, your symptoms could theoretically be explained by an anxiety disorder. 2. If it is an anxiety disorder, the primary treatment medications are anxiolytics, and...[Read More] Understanding BZD Medications and Their Impact on Cognitive Symptoms
Concerns About the Efficacy of Rifampin in Treating Psychiatric Symptoms
Questions regarding the efficacy of Rifampin in treating physical symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed in January this year, I began experiencing symptoms in February, such as severe insomnia, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow focus switching bet...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Medications like Librium and other benzodiazepines have sedative effects, primarily aimed at improving insomnia in your case. They are unlikely to help with other issues such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or cognitive impairments. If there is no improvement in your insomn...[Read More] Concerns About the Efficacy of Rifampin in Treating Psychiatric Symptoms
Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Symptoms and Solutions
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) I am wondering if I have Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). My hearing is normal, but my brain cannot process and understand the sounds I hear. Here are some situations I frequently encounter: a. Difficulty understanding speech in comp...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. I recommend that you visit our outpatient clinic for an attention assessment. Our clinic is open Monday to Friday, both in the morning and afternoon. I suggest you consider coming in for a personal e...[Read More] Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder: Symptoms and Solutions
Struggling with Persistent Low Mood: Seeking Help and Understanding
Emotions have been consistently low? Hello, doctor. I don't know why my emotions have been so low. I've noticed that my coordination has worsened, and even when I try to feel angry, I can't. My libido seems to have diminished as well; I feel indifferent when seeing...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. If these symptoms have arisen suddenly, it is important to consider whether they may be related to a COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define...[Read More] Struggling with Persistent Low Mood: Seeking Help and Understanding
Understanding Memory Loss: Is It Medication Side Effects or Amnesia?
Forgetfulness + Memory Function Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent forgetfulness over the past two weeks. For instance, while showering, I often forget which part I was washing, or I forget my appointments with others on the same day. I even write notes and stick the...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. If these symptoms have arisen suddenly, it is essential to consider whether they may be related to a COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define...[Read More] Understanding Memory Loss: Is It Medication Side Effects or Amnesia?
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Their Impact on Anxiety
Autonomic nervous system Hello, doctor. I have anxiety and panic issues, as well as health anxiety. My body has been in a constant state of tension, and I have been experiencing persistent symptoms such as chest tightness and dizziness. These symptoms started appearing at the end...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Chiao: It seems that you have undergone many physical examinations with no significant abnormalities. Based on the symptoms of discomfort you are experiencing, it is very likely that you are dealing with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The autonomic nervous system ref...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Their Impact on Anxiety
Understanding Post-COVID Brain Fog: Challenges for Those with Mental Health Issues
Post-COVID Syndrome - Brain Fog Hello, doctor. I already have mental health issues (schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder), which affect my memory and ability to concentrate, similar to the brain fog associated with post-COVID syndrome. Because of this, I am hesitant to...
Dr. Li Guanying Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has defined the symptoms arising from the long-term effects of acute COVID-19 infection as "Post-COVI...[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID Brain Fog: Challenges for Those with Mental Health Issues
Understanding the Sudden Onset of Schizophrenia: A Personal Tragedy
The occurrence of schizophrenia and its prodromal phase? I had a very close friend who suffered from schizophrenia and tragically took his own life. Even after several years, I still can't let go of it and feel a lot of guilt because we were such good friends, yet I didn...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: Schizophrenia typically manifests during adolescence, but there are cases where individuals develop the condition in middle age, often triggered by stressful events. Prior to the onset of the illness, there are usually prodromal symptoms such as personality change...[Read More] Understanding the Sudden Onset of Schizophrenia: A Personal Tragedy