Overcoming Health Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Worries About Illness
Health anxiety Hello, doctor. Ever since my mother's friend passed away from cardiovascular disease last summer, I've been very worried about my health. Even though I wasn't very close to that person, I've thought about various serious illnesses like heart dis...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Chester: Thank you for your hard work! It seems that you are experiencing hypochondriasis. The course of hypochondriasis is typically episodic, with symptom flare-ups related to psychological stress. The duration of each episode can vary, but many cases show significant imp...[Read More] Overcoming Health Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Worries About Illness
Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Strategies for Better Sleep and Focus
Bipolar disorder, depression If I often find myself overthinking and worrying about various things before bed, which prevents me from sleeping, what should I do? Sometimes, I cry for no apparent reason... I want to talk to my family about it, but whenever they ask or I try to spe...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Amy, regarding the situation you mentioned, it is indeed possible that it started due to stress. However, prolonged stress can have a significant impact on the body, such as accelerating the depletion of neurotransmitters related to depression, which can worsen depressive mo...[Read More] Coping with Anxiety and Depression: Strategies for Better Sleep and Focus
Understanding SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms: Insights and Recommendations
Medication Consultation: SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and have been taking Escitalopram (10mg) daily for about a year. At the beginning of September, I started to taper the dosage to half a tablet (5mg) dai...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late reply. Regarding the first question, changing from 1# to 0.5# can be understood as a 50% reduction, while going from half a pill to none at all represents a 100% decrease. Therefore, when tapering off medication, it is advisable to slow down the re...[Read More] Understanding SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms: Insights and Recommendations
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: A Patient's Guide
Medication Consultation: Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Hello, I have been taking Escitalopram (10mg) daily for a year due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. At the beginning of last month, my doctor determined that I could reduce the dosage to half a tablet (5mg) dai...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello OO: Thank you for your hard work! I can imagine how uncomfortable it must be to experience these symptoms. It seems that your symptoms are indeed related to the discontinuation of the antidepressant. Most antidepressants can cause varying degrees of withdrawal symptoms upon...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: A Patient's Guide
Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding Health Fears and Seeking Help
Excessive anxiety Hello doctor, I am 20 years old. In August 2020, I sought medical attention due to breast discharge, and since then, I have been worried about whether I have breast cancer or other types of cancer. The blood test results indicated elevated prolactin levels, but ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Your situation is similar to the subject of your question: excessive anxiety that has affected your daily life. Picking at your toes may also be related to a similar condition. There are effective treatment options available for anxiety symptoms today. I recommend that you...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding Health Fears and Seeking Help
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Paroxetine: Muscle Pain Explained
Withdrawal symptoms from Buprenorphine? Hello Doctor: I have been taking Paroxetine for about two years due to social anxiety disorder. Recently, my living conditions and social interactions have improved, so I have been gradually tapering off the medication in coordination with ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Muscle soreness is generally unrelated to the discontinuation of this medication. Symptoms that typically occur after sudden cessation include those similar to a cold, headaches, and anxiety. Dr. Wu En-liang.[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Paroxetine: Muscle Pain Explained
Understanding Paranoia: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Help a Loved One
Paranoia The condition is occurring with my mother. She constantly feels that the neighbors are speaking ill of her, and she tends to extend what others say indefinitely, leading to emotional breakdowns. She often has a downturned mouth and appears gloomy, responding minimally wh...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello! Q1: Adjustment disorder, depression, delusional disorder, and schizophrenia are all possibilities, and further evaluation is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Q2: You can inquire about symptoms such as insomnia, memory impairment, headaches, or dizziness; using the ratio...[Read More] Understanding Paranoia: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Help a Loved One
Understanding Self-Harm: Headaches and Mental Health Consultation
Consultation for headaches and other symptoms resulting from long-term self-harm? When I encounter unpleasant situations, I tend to strike a specific area of my head forcefully with my finger joints, which occasionally causes pain in that area. This symptom has persisted since hi...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The symptoms described in the text may be a way of expressing emotions, but this is not a healthy pattern and may even involve self-harming behaviors. It is recommended that you search for information on emotional intelligence (EQ) management or stress coping strategies. Y...[Read More] Understanding Self-Harm: Headaches and Mental Health Consultation
Understanding Breathing Issues: When to Consult a Psychosomatic Specialist
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor: My symptoms started at the end of February this year. I have a constant urge to take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling deeply; if I don't do this, I feel a tightness in my chest. At that time, my heart rate was very fast (140 bpm during the...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Jason, based on your description, it seems to align with the symptoms of psychosomatic disorder. Most people who become overly focused on their breathing tend to experience an increase in their breathing rate, which can lead to discomfort. This excessive focus often stems fr...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: When to Consult a Psychosomatic Specialist
Should You Take Antidepressants? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Should I take medication for depression? Hello, doctor. Due to the pressure of preparing for exams over the past few months, I visited a doctor on July 9th. Although the doctor did not explicitly diagnose me with depression, the prescription indicated persistent depressive disord...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear lulala, thank you for your question. The medication you mentioned is generally considered to have mild properties and typically does not have significant side effects. A small number of individuals may experience headaches as a side effect, so it would be advisable to monito...[Read More] Should You Take Antidepressants? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Should You Take Antidepressants? Weighing Options and Concerns
Should I take medication for depression? Hello, Doctor. Due to the pressure of studying for exams over the past few months, I visited a doctor on July 9th. Although the doctor did not explicitly diagnose me with depression, the prescription indicated persistent depressive disorde...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear lulala, thank you for your question. The medication you mentioned is generally considered to have mild effects and typically does not cause significant side effects. A small number of individuals may experience headaches as a side effect, so it would be advisable to monitor ...[Read More] Should You Take Antidepressants? Weighing Options and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Head Heaviness and Numbness: A Psychiatric Perspective
My head feels numb and heavy? Since April of last year, I have been experiencing a heavy and numb sensation in my head. I have consulted both a neurologist and an orthopedic specialist, and MRI scans of my head and neck showed no abnormalities. Currently, I experience heavy numbn...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. If you have already consulted with neurology and orthopedics to rule out any physical issues, it may be related to your autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Symptoms such as a heavy or tingling head can also be indicative of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is rec...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Head Heaviness and Numbness: A Psychiatric Perspective
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: A Patient's Journey
Withdrawal symptoms from Yuankang? Hello Dr. Wang, I have been taking medication for depression for about 10 years. Initially, I was on a heavy regimen with multiple medications, but over time, I gradually reduced it to just taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion). About six months ago, a...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
The mechanism of action of "Yuekang 75mg" is to enhance the effects of central serotonin and norepinephrine. Withdrawal symptoms may occur upon discontinuation of the medication, such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. There have also been case reports of sym...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms from Antidepressants: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Long-Term Negative Emotions and Thoughts of Death
Prolonged negative emotions and thoughts of death? Hello, Doctor: As the title suggests, I actually don't know how to explain my situation. I feel that many aspects of my past, including my family, have contributed to my current state, but I often struggle to articulate it. ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, Ziyin: After reading your difficult life story, I can see that you are truly exhausted. I am also concerned that long-term stress may have led to physical and mental fatigue, possibly resulting in depression. Mental health issues require appropriate treatment, so I suggest...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Negative Emotions and Thoughts of Death
Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Navigating Mood Swings and Mental Health
Emotional fluctuations? Hello, doctor. About a year ago, I started feeling down due to various pressures and setbacks, and I haven't had a single good day since then. Initially, I only felt sadness and low spirits from the stress and blows I faced. Now, my emotions have beco...
Dr. Guo Jialun Reply:
"Emotional fluctuations, changes in sleep or appetite are common experiences for most people and are related to factors such as stress and hormonal changes (e.g., the female menstrual cycle). If these issues severely impact daily functioning, such as persistent difficulties ...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Navigating Mood Swings and Mental Health
Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Do I have an anxiety disorder? In recent days, I've been experiencing sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat and inexplicable feelings of anxiety, even though there doesn't seem to be anything specific to worry about. I also have headaches, sensations of skipped heartbeats,...
Dr. Tang Jiahong Reply:
Hello, it seems that these discomforts are quite troubling for you. Many of these conditions indeed align with anxiety states; however, certain physiological conditions (requiring blood tests) or substances used recently may also contribute to anxiety, so a more comprehensive eva...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Anxiety? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Headaches and Medication Concerns
Bipolar disorder-related issues? I used to be a patient with bipolar disorder but have not taken medication for two years (due to pregnancy). During this time off medication, I have not experienced any signs of relapse. However, today I suddenly had a severe headache that lasted ...
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to your medication and headache issues. I recommend that you discuss these concerns directly with your physician. Additionally, regular outpatient follow-ups are very important....[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Headaches and Medication Concerns
Understanding My Inner Struggles: Seeking Help for Emotional Turmoil
This version of myself? Hello doctor, I am currently 22 years old. I was doing well and was very cheerful until the third grade of elementary school. However, since the fourth grade, my mother confessed to me that the father listed on my ID card is not my biological father, but s...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The text reveals long-term negative emotions and self-harming behaviors. I hope you can cherish yourself, just as your questions indicate a desire for better mental and physical health. The family issues you mentioned are indeed significant factors affecting your mental an...[Read More] Understanding My Inner Struggles: Seeking Help for Emotional Turmoil
Understanding Neurotic Disorders: What Mental Illnesses Are Included?
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) for mental and behavioral disorders includes various mental illnesses such as: 1. Schizophrenia 2. Bipolar disorder 3. Major depressive disorder 4. Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and s...
Dr. Guo Jialun Reply:
Psychoneurosis is not a specific diagnostic term, and it is currently not included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This term generally refers to mild mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, phobias, ...[Read More] Understanding Neurotic Disorders: What Mental Illnesses Are Included?
Understanding Emotional Instability: Insights on Depression and Coping Strategies
Emotional instability Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I am a patient with depression and I am currently seeing a doctor for mild depression. The earliest uncomfortable symptoms I experienced (stomach pain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain) appeared when I was in the...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, user: I understand that you are feeling unwell, and I hope you can discuss these questions with your doctor, as they are more familiar with your situation. I will do my best to answer your questions one by one. Q: I want to ask the doctor if this is definitely depression...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Insights on Depression and Coping Strategies