Understanding Psychiatric Medications: Uses and Side Effects Explained
Psychiatric medications Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my recent health condition. I went to the hospital to have my thyroid function tested due to some physical issues, and the doctor informed me that I might be experiencing autonomic nervous system dysregulation...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng Reply:
Dear patient, Thank you for your email inquiring about the indications and side effects of your medications. This is indeed an important question; however, such inquiries can be somewhat broad. The reason is that each medication typically has multiple indications, and providing...[Read More] Understanding Psychiatric Medications: Uses and Side Effects Explained
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction Hello Dr. Chen: Over two months ago, I went to the emergency room due to stomach discomfort, belching, headaches, chest tightness, and a sudden increase in blood pressure. During the medication period, I experienced intermittent symptoms suc...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Before considering the possibility of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, it is essential to first confirm that there are no underlying physiological diseases causing your discomfort. However, given your age, it is unlikely that you have any severe physiological conditions. So,...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Anxiety disorder Hello Doctor: I would like to ask what symptoms (both psychological and physiological) are associated with anxiety disorders. What are the treatment methods, how long does the treatment last, and are there any side effects? Is long-term medication harmful to the ...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear A-Rong, It seems that you are experiencing a lot of discomfort, but there doesn't appear to be any specific issues identified through examination. Generally speaking, anxiety refers to a persistent and nonspecific feeling of mild to moderate fear, a sense of panic or t...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding Insomnia: Causes and Solutions for Sleep Issues
Insomnia I previously experienced long working hours (from 8:00 AM to midnight) due to my job, which caused significant stress. However, my sleep was relatively normal. I often had headaches and stomach pain, and I underwent an endoscopy that revealed esophageal reflux as the cau...
Dr. Ye Baozhuan Reply:
Long-term work fatigue, extended working hours, and high stress can disrupt our autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, making it difficult to adhere to the physiological rhythm of "working at sunrise and resting at sunset." As a result, muscles that should be re...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Causes and Solutions for Sleep Issues
Understanding the Aftermath of Ecstasy: Symptoms and Recovery
What are the side effects of ecstasy? I am a patient who accidentally ingested ecstasy. On April 20th of this year, I first consumed ecstasy, initially taking two pills, after which I lost consciousness for two hours. I then took another pill, and subsequently experienced physiol...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Xiao Rui, Many young individuals, like yourself, have previously misused or accidentally ingested ecstasy. Are your symptoms indicative of acute amphetamine toxicity? Although ecstasy is classified as a substance similar to amphetamines, it possesses both central nervous sy...[Read More] Understanding the Aftermath of Ecstasy: Symptoms and Recovery
Am I Suffering from Depression? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Am I sick? Doctor, why do I often feel so irritable? Sometimes I even feel like crying for no reason, and I don't understand why this happens suddenly. Sometimes I experience insomnia and have nightmares, and I feel a sense of helplessness. I have no goals in life and don&#x...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: Below are eighteen questions. If you have frequently experienced these phenomena in the past two weeks, there is a high possibility of depression. However, a definitive diagnosis should be made by a physician; it cannot be determined solely by this questionnaire. If you do...[Read More] Am I Suffering from Depression? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Navigating Mental Health Challenges: Seeking Help and Understanding Symptoms
What should I do? Hello, Doctor: I am about to receive my exam results, and I feel anxious about it. I have a rough idea that I won't be accepted, and currently, I am unemployed (I only want to work for 20,000 TWD; I don't want to take jobs that pay over 10,000 TWD, as ...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: I apologize for the delay in responding to your question as I was on vacation for a week. After reading your description, I suspect you may be experiencing a syndrome of lacking life goals, which is a common issue among many young people today. The desire for success combi...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health Challenges: Seeking Help and Understanding Symptoms
Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Effective Solutions Without Medication
I wish to feel mentally clear and fully energized every day? Dear Director Chen, I have been suffering from insomnia for many years. I first encountered psychiatry about ten years ago at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, where I took sleeping pills and antidepressants for ...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, Zhih-bin: Perhaps just as you understand yourself, you tend to think a lot but find it hard to control those thoughts, resulting in a persistent feeling of discomfort. I agree with your physician's perspective on pharmacotherapy; from your description, it seems that y...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Effective Solutions Without Medication
Understanding Depression: Symptoms and Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Depression Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask you about my situation. When I'm not working, I often find myself overthinking and have had suicidal thoughts in the past. There are many complicated issues in my mind that I can't seem to sort out, which makes me feel aiml...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Shih-Pei: Your description is typical of depression. Please consult a professional psychiatrist to discuss your feelings. There are many potential causes of depression, including life stressors, interpersonal difficulties, physical ailments, work-related stress, emotional pressur...[Read More] Understanding Depression: Symptoms and Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Overcoming Escalator Phobia: A Journey Through Anxiety and Treatment
Fear cannot be cured? Dr. Tang: I remember that on January 19 of this year, I wrote to you expressing my fear of escalators, and you replied suggesting that my attending physician arrange for psychological and behavioral therapy. However, my fear has become increasingly severe, a...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Weiwei, It seems that your "fear" has intensified. I am still unsure if it is related to the symptoms of your schizophrenia. Have you considered how your "fear" originated? I mentioned that the clinical treatment for "phobias" includes not only...[Read More] Overcoming Escalator Phobia: A Journey Through Anxiety and Treatment
Struggling with Insomnia and Anxiety: A Soldier's Mental Health Journey
I have been experiencing insomnia frequently lately? Hello, doctor. I am currently serving in the military, and for the past month, I have been experiencing frequent insomnia and very light sleep. I often feel my heart racing, sometimes in the 70s or 80s, and it has gone over 100...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Little Bear: Based on your description, it seems that you have indeed been diagnosed with "Adjustment Disorder" by the Kaohsiung General Hospital of the National Military. While mental illnesses have a higher familial genetic component, it does not mean that it i...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia and Anxiety: A Soldier's Mental Health Journey
Is Insomnia a Medical Condition? When to See a Psychiatrist
What are the issues related to insomnia? I have been experiencing frequent insomnia lately, but I can't seem to find an effective solution. Should I see a psychiatrist? Is this condition considered a disorder? Is taking traditional Chinese medicine helpful?
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello: Insomnia is actually a common issue for modern individuals, ranging from simple jet lag-related insomnia to more challenging chronic insomnia, which can be quite a headache for many physicians. Often, when doctors hear patients complain about insomnia, they immediately pre...[Read More] Is Insomnia a Medical Condition? When to See a Psychiatrist
Does Ginkgo Biloba Cause Dizziness in Depression Patients?
Will patients with depression experience dizziness when taking ginkgo biloba? I have tried many health supplements, and this time I want to see if taking ginkgo will improve my condition. I bought a single ingredient supplement that contains 40 mg of ginkgo flavone glycosides per...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, to be honest, I am not sure about the effects of ginkgo on the human body. I suggest you look online for current treatments for depression. Medications can be very effective, but they require patience in treatment. Relying on folk remedies can easily worsen your condition....[Read More] Does Ginkgo Biloba Cause Dizziness in Depression Patients?
Understanding Chronic Migraines: The Impact of Sleep Patterns
Chronic Migraine Hello, Doctor You. I would like to ask you about something. For the past month or two, I have been experiencing habitual migraines (on the left side) almost every day as soon as I wake up. Previously, the pain would start two to three hours after waking up, but r...
Dr. You Shunjie Reply:
Based on your letter, it seems that your habitual migraines have been troubling you for the past month or two. Common types of headaches can be classified as neurological, tension-type, or vascular, and it can be challenging to make a clear diagnosis based solely on description; ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Migraines: The Impact of Sleep Patterns
Understanding the Effects of Stilnox on Mental Health and Sleep Quality
Please answer my question quickly? I'm not sure how to describe the feeling I had when I woke up today. It felt like I was in a state of half-sleep, as if I were in a dream. While watching TV or reading a novel, I experienced a sense of emotional numbness. I have a history o...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello: From your letter, it is clear that your anxiety is quite intense. I can summarize your concerns as follows: 1. Regarding the use of STILNOX (Zolpidem): This medication is relatively new, has fewer side effects, and is less likely to cause dependence (both psychologically...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Stilnox on Mental Health and Sleep Quality
Understanding Unusual Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Strange dizziness? Hello, I am 42 years old, a working professional, married, and I smoke half a pack of light cigarettes daily with little exercise. I recently completed a health check (cost NT10,000), and everything was normal. I have no history of headaches. My average blood p...
Dr. Liu Shaohui Reply:
Thank you for raising personal issues: 1. I hope the patient can quit smoking. 2. If convenient, please consult a cardiologist or a neurologist for further advice and treatment from other specialists. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Unusual Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: When to Seek Help
Hypersomnia? I often find myself dozing off during class, regardless of whether I had a good night's sleep the previous day. Frequently, I fall asleep as soon as the first period begins, and sometimes I even sleep until the afternoon, missing lunch. Even though I usually go ...
Dr. Zhang Xuncheng Reply:
After reading your letter, I noticed that many young people today exhibit similar symptoms. Therefore, I would like to offer a few suggestions not only for Lucy but also for young people in general: 1. **Regular Routine, Proper Nutrition, and Sufficient Exercise**: Many young in...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: When to Seek Help
Understanding and Managing Chronic Headaches: Expert Advice Needed
Headache Hello, Dr. You: I have been experiencing long-term headaches, and I would like to elaborate on my situation and seek your advice on treatment. Conditions: 1. I feel pressure in my mind and experience insomnia (though this is not very frequent). 2. I am in poorly air-c...
Dr. You Shunjie Reply:
Hello Chan, the headache issue you described has indeed caused you considerable distress. The most common type of headache is tension-type headache, which accounts for about ninety percent of all headaches. It often appears without a specific cause, but generally, this type of he...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Chronic Headaches: Expert Advice Needed
Understanding Breathing Difficulties Linked to OCD and Mental Health
Shortness of breath? Doctor, I may have developed mild obsessive-compulsive disorder, as since last month I have been unable to control my breathing, taking deep breaths every moment. As a result, I have been experiencing dizziness and headaches throughout the day. This week, it ...
Dr. Liu Weimin Reply:
Mr. He, breathing is a natural reflex that does not require conscious control to achieve appropriate regulation. Hyperventilation or breath-holding can cause dizziness and discomfort, but it is unlikely to cause damage to the brain. Therefore, "forgetting about breathing&quo...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties Linked to OCD and Mental Health
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation: Causes and Symptoms
What is autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello Dr. Li, I would like to understand what autonomic nervous system dysfunction is. Is it a disease? What causes it? I visited a psychiatrist yesterday, and the doctor said I have this condition. Sometimes at work, I feel like I&#x...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that regulates the various organs in the body. In addition to maintaining the normal functioning of the body's organs under regular conditions, it also needs to "mobilize" the organs in response to stre...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation: Causes and Symptoms