Understanding Mental Health Costs and Medication Options in Taiwan
Could you please clarify what you mean by "精神費用"? In general, for large hospitals such as Miaoli Provincial Hospital or Toufen Weigong Hospital, if you have National Health Insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses for a psychiatric consultation typically range from a few h...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Andy, Regarding the portion of expenses not covered by the National Health Insurance, it is important to first check if you have a catastrophic illness card. If not, the costs may vary depending on the level of the hospital. For example, at Miaoli Hospital, which is a regio...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Costs and Medication Options in Taiwan
Does Schizophrenia Cause Insomnia? Understanding Sleep Issues in Patients
Does schizophrenia itself cause insomnia? I am 28 years old and have experienced an episode of affective schizophrenia. After that, I took 1 tablet of Deponit, 1 tablet of Wellbutrin, and half a tablet of Doxepin for 10 years. I could sleep normally without sleeping pills, but I ...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Many mental disorders are associated with insomnia, and schizophrenia can also lead to insomnia if sleeping pills are suddenly discontinued after prolonged use. Therefore, it is important to discuss with the treating physician before deciding whether to continue using sleeping me...[Read More] Does Schizophrenia Cause Insomnia? Understanding Sleep Issues in Patients
Understanding Emotional Distress: Sleep Issues and Mental Health After a Breakup
Frustration Hello, I would like to ask about some issues I've been experiencing. It has been six months since I broke up with my girlfriend at the beginning of the year, and due to some family factors, I have been facing the following problems: Over the past six months, I of...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you may be exhibiting tendencies of depression. It is common for individuals to feel down after experiencing a breakup or other stressful events, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Typicall...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Distress: Sleep Issues and Mental Health After a Breakup
Understanding Falls in the Elderly: The Impact of Sleep Medications
Grandma has been falling frequently lately, possibly due to taking sleeping pills? My grandmother has had a habit of taking sleeping pills before bed due to insomnia for a long time. It seems she has been taking one pill every night since my grandfather passed away, which has led...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
If there are side effects from psychiatric medications, it is essential to inform the physician so that adjustments can be made to prevent your grandmother from falling. However, older adults often have underlying health issues that can contribute to falls, especially if they occ...[Read More] Understanding Falls in the Elderly: The Impact of Sleep Medications
Understanding Symptoms of Long-Term Insomnia and Emotional Instability
What are the symptoms? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my long-term insomnia and emotional instability. I sometimes experience loss of control, such as yelling at people and throwing things. My emotions feel strange, as if I can't control them. I also have sudden ou...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Based on what you described, the hallucinations and delusions do seem to be symptoms of a mental illness. Patients with mental disorders are often not fully aware that they are unwell, which can lead to a lack of seeking medical att...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Long-Term Insomnia and Emotional Instability
Understanding Mood Swings: Coping with Pre-Menstrual Emotional Struggles
Why do I feel so stuffy? Why is it always difficult to interact with others? During the two weeks before my period, I feel extremely moody, prone to overthinking, and tend to get stuck on trivial matters. I hesitate to chat with people, even when there’s nothing significant happe...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Xiaoting, Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Department of Psychiatry at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, would like to address your concerns. You may first want to determine whether your feelings of sadness (depression?) occur frequently in the two weeks prior to ...[Read More] Understanding Mood Swings: Coping with Pre-Menstrual Emotional Struggles
Understanding OCD Symptoms: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Sleep Issues
The previous diagnosis from the physician was obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? My symptoms appeared suddenly. At the end of February, while trying to sleep in the early morning, I suddenly had intense self-harming thoughts (like wanting to gouge out my right eye...). For the ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Roy, It seems that you are experiencing quite a bit of stress! However, there is no need to worry too much about the side effects of medication. Currently prescribed antidepressants by psychiatrists have a high safety profile, with minimal side effects, making them suitabl...[Read More] Understanding OCD Symptoms: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Sleep Issues
Struggling with Sleep: Tips for Overcoming Nighttime Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep at night? Hello Dr. Chen! Last month, after experiencing a sudden episode of insomnia, I have been worrying about whether I can fall asleep each night for the past few weeks. I toss and turn in bed, and even though my body is very tired, my mind just won...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Chris, Actually, if your sleep has generally been good in the past and you are experiencing occasional insomnia due to certain stressors, you should be able to return to your original sleep pattern once you adjust your lifestyle and resolve the sources of stress. During t...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Tips for Overcoming Nighttime Insomnia
Struggling with Persistent Negative Emotions: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges
Persistent negative emotions I married into a family where both my mother-in-law and husband are heavy gamblers. My husband repeatedly accumulates large gambling debts and often borrows money from loan sharks. I work two jobs and do household work to support the family and pay of...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned, you are indeed experiencing symptoms of depression, which are primarily caused by external stressors. The treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. We deeply sympath...[Read More] Struggling with Persistent Negative Emotions: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges
Struggling with Trauma: Finding Hope Amidst Mental Health Challenges
I am not happy? Hello. I have witnessed domestic violence in the past, and my sister has also abused my younger sister. There are many things I can't talk about with others; it seems that since I started to have memories, they have all been bad. However, I can't forget ...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
1. Your situation is urgent; you must see a psychiatrist. 2. Hearing voices indicates that the neurotransmitters in your brain are disrupted and require medication treatment. 3. Delaying treatment can affect your IQ, which is very important. 4. Therefore, this is no longer ...[Read More] Struggling with Trauma: Finding Hope Amidst Mental Health Challenges
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Hair Loss Concerns
Self-discipline? What is autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Do I have it? I often worry about hair loss and frequently push my hair back to check my forehead height. I'm very afraid of balding! Question 1: I read online that excessive concern or worry about hair loss ca...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Su Huang: The so-called autonomic nervous system is a part of the body's nervous system that cannot be controlled by will, also known as the involuntary nervous system. It primarily regulates functions such as blood pressure and heart rate. What does "health"...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Hair Loss Concerns
Understanding Anxiety and Trauma: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
It has been bothering me for a long time? I often experience sudden heart palpitations, hyperventilation, a sensation of heat in my skin, and overall discomfort. Sometimes, my hands shake, and these episodes usually occur after I think about unhappy events from my past, leading t...
Dr. Xie Dicheng Reply:
Hello: The physical discomfort you are experiencing is a type of stress response, which can also be referred to as "autonomic nervous system dysregulation," caused by excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Anxiety or depression commonly exhibit these re...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Trauma: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
How to Safely Reduce Deanxit Usage for Better Sleep
RE: How to taper off Deanxit Hello, last year in April and May, I experienced tooth pain that led to headaches, prompting me to visit a clinic. The doctor prescribed me Deanxit and Bromazin. I took them continuously for 1 to 2 weeks, then started taking them intermittently. Whene...
Dr. Zhan Hongyu Reply:
Hello Bibi: You mentioned wanting to discontinue Deanxit, and you are unsure how to taper it. Essentially, it is a combination medication consisting of 0.5 mg of flupentixol and 10 mg of melitracen. Flupentixol is an antipsychotic that, at a low dose of 0.5 mg, may have anxiolyti...[Read More] How to Safely Reduce Deanxit Usage for Better Sleep
Effective Strategies to Address Long-Term Insomnia Issues
Long-term insomnia issues? Hello, doctor! My mother has been suffering from severe insomnia for about two years. It's quite serious; she either yawns frequently or has droopy eyes, and I've been urging her to see a doctor, but she is reluctant to go. So I'm seeking...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Generally speaking, the causes of insomnia can be categorized into three main types: 1. Physiological disorders, such as heart disease and arthritis. 2. Psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety. 3. Insomnia without a ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Address Long-Term Insomnia Issues
Managing Severe Insomnia and Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide
Anxiety. Severe insomnia? For the past month, I have been experiencing chest tightness and pain. I have undergone an endoscopy, which showed no issues. I have also seen a cardiologist, and everything is fine. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. The symptoms have persisted for a mont...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, based on your description, do you have any idea what might be causing your condition? Identifying the cause is essential for addressing the symptoms. Commonly, stress events can be a factor; however, these stressors are often not something that can be resolved quickly. At ...[Read More] Managing Severe Insomnia and Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide
Managing Anxiety, Insomnia, and Frequent Urination: Expert Advice Needed
Please consult a physician regarding issues such as anxiety, high stress, insomnia, and frequent urination? Hello Dr. Duan, I have been having trouble calming my mind at night, constantly thinking about things that happened during the day, which prevents me from sleeping. I expe...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: Regarding issues such as frequent urination, acne, drug allergies, and problems related to the liver and kidneys, these do not fall within the scope of psychiatry, and I am unable to provide relevant answers here. Psychiatric medications, when taken as directed by a physic...[Read More] Managing Anxiety, Insomnia, and Frequent Urination: Expert Advice Needed
Seeking Psychiatric Advice: Sleep Issues, Anxiety, and Medication Concerns
Please consult Dr. Duan? Hello Dr. Duan, I have difficulty calming my mind at night and keep thinking about events that happened during the day (such as not achieving satisfactory results in experiments at school, having little interaction with classmates due to my limited commu...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: Regarding issues such as frequent urination, acne, drug allergies, and problems related to the liver and kidneys, these do not fall within the scope of psychiatry, and I am unable to provide relevant answers here. Psychiatric medications, when taken as directed by a physic...[Read More] Seeking Psychiatric Advice: Sleep Issues, Anxiety, and Medication Concerns
Navigating Insomnia and Menopause: Seeking Answers Beyond Medication
Confusion Three years ago, for unknown reasons, I experienced insomnia for three months. I was very resistant to sleeping pills, and after exhausting myself to the limit, I reluctantly took sleeping pills and antidepressants for a month under the assurance of a psychiatrist. Init...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
First, to clarify whether this is a method for dealing with hallucinations, one can record the sounds and play them for family members. They will believe it if the noise is loud. It's advisable to check if there are any machines nearby that could be causing the noise and exp...[Read More] Navigating Insomnia and Menopause: Seeking Answers Beyond Medication
Understanding Your Symptoms: Could It Be Depression?
excuse me? I have been having trouble sleeping at night for a long time, and I often find myself crying over certain repetitive thoughts. I frequently feel distressed, and in recent days, I've been thinking about self-harm. I came across a depression test online and realized...
Dr. Liu Guangqi Reply:
As you mentioned, it indeed shows signs of depression. Long-term insomnia is already quite distressing, and especially the thought of self-harm is concerning. You should consider discussing this with trusted family members or friends, or seek medical attention with their support,...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Could It Be Depression?
Understanding Insomnia Symptoms: Sleep Quality vs. Sleep Duration
Symptoms caused by insomnia? Hello Doctor: I often experience headaches, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and increased fatigue. Initially, I thought these symptoms were due to insomnia since I have trouble falling asleep at night. However, I realized that even though I g...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Meng: Even though you sleep for a full eight hours, is the quality of your sleep good? Generally, people start their daily activities around 7 to 8 AM, and the environment (including noise, light, etc.) begins to become chaotic. At that time, if you are still asleep, ...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia Symptoms: Sleep Quality vs. Sleep Duration