Is It Bipolar Disorder? Understanding Mood Swings in the Elderly
Could this be bipolar disorder? Hello Doctor: My grandmother is now in her 80s and has been experiencing a persistent issue. She often expresses that she doesn't feel very happy and lacks motivation for anything, showing little interest in activities and mostly just sitting ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to the symptoms described in your letter regarding your grandmother, they do resemble those of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness, and its exact cause remains unclear. It may be due to an imbala...[Read More] Is It Bipolar Disorder? Understanding Mood Swings in the Elderly
Understanding Long-Term Emotional Instability: Causes and Solutions
Long-term emotional instability? I often experience mood swings that last for several months, not just for a short period. For no apparent reason, my mood can suddenly plummet, leaving me feeling extremely low. I find no joy in anything and feel incredibly lonely, as if I am all ...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello! Based on this description alone, it is not possible to determine whether there is an illness. If needed, please seek assistance at an outpatient clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Emotional Instability: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Anxiety and Menopause: When to Seek Help
excuse me? 1. If a person tends to think negatively and frequently experiences anxiety, should they see a doctor? 2. Is menopause defined only by the cessation of menstruation? What symptoms can occur?
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
It is not always necessary to see a doctor, but if your work, studies, or daily life are affected, or if you experience depression or thoughts of self-harm, it is essential to consult a physician. Women typically undergo physiological and psychological changes when they begin men...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Menopause: When to Seek Help
Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Help for Anxiety and Self-Harm Thoughts
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please provide the text you would Dr. Wu: I would like to ask, I have been having difficulty falling asleep for the past week or two. Even though I really want to sleep, I find it hard to do so. I often have racing thought...
Dr. Wu Junyi Reply:
Hello: It is evident that insomnia has become a significant issue for you over the past week or two, and it is even affecting your mood, leading to thoughts of self-harm (or worse). This situation requires careful attention. I recommend that you seek help from a psychiatrist as s...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Help for Anxiety and Self-Harm Thoughts
Understanding the Risks of Sleeping Pills: A Patient's Journey
Sleeping pills Hello Dr. Cheng, a few days ago, due to work stress, I had trouble sleeping at night. I visited the clinic, and the doctor prescribed Stilnox for me. I was really shocked because I felt more energetic. My wife said I was acting strangely; she mentioned that I fell ...
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Ajie: Hello, if you take Stilnox and don't fall asleep, it may cause you to feel strange in your speech and demeanor, and you might not remember what you did the next day. You may also eat more than usual. These are side effects of the medication, and some people experience ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Sleeping Pills: A Patient's Journey
Do Sleep Medications Like Suiminos Cause Addiction? Expert Insights
Can sleeping pills be addictive? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. My mother has been suffering from chronic insomnia and has seen a doctor who prescribed her a sleeping medication called Suiminos. The doctor assured her that this medication is different from the...
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Chung Wei: Semax (Semi-nax), which contains Zolpidem. Although this medication is relatively safe, it can still pose risks if misused. The physiological dependence potential of this drug is low, but long-term use may lead to psychological dependence. If your doctor prescribed it ...[Read More] Do Sleep Medications Like Suiminos Cause Addiction? Expert Insights
Understanding the Impact of SSRIs and Benzodiazepines on Mental Health
Please provide the specific content Hello Doctor: Three years ago, I was diagnosed with depression, and since then I have been on medication until I stopped at the beginning of this year. During this time, I also developed Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Generalized Anxiety Dis...
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
High doses and long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) can occasionally lead to memory loss as a side effect. Abrupt discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms such as increased heart rate, tremors, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Short-term, low...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of SSRIs and Benzodiazepines on Mental Health
Long-Term Effects of BZD and SSRI Medications: What to Expect After Stopping
What are the side effects associated with BZD or SSRI medications? Hello Doctor: Three years ago, I was diagnosed with depression, and since then I have been on medication until I stopped at the beginning of this year. During this time, I also developed Parkinson's Disease (...
Dr. Chen Meizhu Reply:
Hello Little Girl, Suffering from depression and anxiety can indeed affect memory. The medication you previously took, benzodiazepines (BZD), is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and night sweats, or a return of original symptoms (rebound effect) after d...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of BZD and SSRI Medications: What to Expect After Stopping
Exploring ECT Therapy for Bipolar and Mood Disorders: Is It Right for You?
ETC Dear Dr. Duan: I am a patient with bipolar disorder and affective disorder. I have been on medication for three years, and today I learned from Dr. Lin Hsin-Nan at National Taiwan University that there is also ECT therapy, which requires anesthesia. I am currently using oral ...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is typically used in cases where medication treatment is ineffective or in emergency situations (such as severe suicidal ideation and aggressive behavior). Patients who require ECT are often severely ill and may need inpatient treatment. For...[Read More] Exploring ECT Therapy for Bipolar and Mood Disorders: Is It Right for You?
Understanding Mental Health Issues in Aging Parents: A Guide for Caregivers
Inquire about the mother's symptoms? Dear Dr. Liu, My mother is 57 years old and has been in poor health for a long time. She often experiences severe body aches, but tests have come back normal and no underlying cause has been found. Ultimately, doctors have prescribed pai...
Dr. Liu Guangqi Reply:
Regarding your mother's health condition, it is advisable for her to visit a hospital for a consultation. If necessary, the physician will arrange for examinations to rule out potential underlying causes. If all tests come back normal, a referral to a psychiatrist may be ben...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Issues in Aging Parents: A Guide for Caregivers
Is Your Irregular Sleep Pattern a Disorder? Tips to Restore Healthy Sleep
Is having a long-term reversed day-night cycle considered a disorder? Is there a way to return to a normal sleep schedule? Hello, doctor: I have been living a nightlife for a long time, going to bed late and waking up late. Initially, I worked night shifts for a year (from 12:00 ...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Long-term night shift work can indeed lead to irregular sleep patterns. However, most people tend to recover without medication once they return to a normal schedule. If sleep disturbances persist even after normalizing your routine...[Read More] Is Your Irregular Sleep Pattern a Disorder? Tips to Restore Healthy Sleep
Struggling with Insomnia: When to Seek Help from a Specialist
Frequent insomnia? I often stayed up late playing online games before I turned 26, and my daily routine was not very regular. Recently, I have been trying to return to a normal schedule, but I feel very tired and want to sleep. However, when I lie in bed, I toss and turn and can&...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello Mr. Li: First of all, welcome to your letter. There are several possible causes of insomnia. Long-term irregular lifestyles or frequent shift work can also lead to insomnia. You may consider consulting a psychiatrist. Typically, improvement can be seen after a period of tim...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia: When to Seek Help from a Specialist
Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Help for Long-Term Insomnia and Memory Issues
Seeking assistance? Hello, doctor. I have been struggling with insomnia for about 7 years. When I close my eyes to sleep, my mind is still racing with thoughts. Sometimes, it takes me 2 to 3 hours to fall asleep, and even when I do, I can still feel my mind wandering. Occasionall...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
1. Sinusitis is treated by an otolaryngologist, and it is covered by health insurance. 2. As for the insomnia issue and other related symptoms you mentioned, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder; however, a definitive diagnosis requires an in-person evaluation at a clinic,...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Seeking Help for Long-Term Insomnia and Memory Issues
Overcoming Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Visiting a Partner's Home
Do I still have symptoms of anxiety and fear of a specific place? Hello Doctor: At the end of last year, I was diagnosed with anxiety at both Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital. At that time, I was experiencing long-term insomnia, which made me ...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: From your description, it seems that you may have formed a compulsive connection between your fear of insomnia and your girlfriend's place, which leads to feelings of worry and fear when you are there. You might consider trying relaxing music or muscle relaxation exer...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Visiting a Partner's Home
Understanding Neuroasthenia: Is Menopause the Cause of My Mother's Symptoms?
Neurasthenia! Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my mother's condition. She is 55 years old, and I'm not sure if her poor sleep quality is related to menopause. Additionally, she has a sensitive personality, which leads to increased worries, especially since she ha...
Dr. Lin Yuzhong Reply:
Hello Fangfang: Women in menopause are indeed more prone to anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders. Based on your description, your mother's discomfort includes insomnia, worries, heightened startle response, low mood, and feelings of hopelessness, along with phy...[Read More] Understanding Neuroasthenia: Is Menopause the Cause of My Mother's Symptoms?
Can Spicy Foods Cause Insomnia and Urinary Issues?
Does consuming spicy foods cause insomnia? Hello Doctor: I have urinary issues (frequent urination and nocturia), so I try to avoid spicy foods. However, a few days ago I had some chili sauce, and recently I've been experiencing some insomnia at night, taking about an hour t...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: Spicy foods are only digested in the gastrointestinal tract and do not travel to the urinary tract to stimulate the urinary system. However, sometimes spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing abdominal pain and discomfort, which can still affect sleep. ...[Read More] Can Spicy Foods Cause Insomnia and Urinary Issues?
Understanding Irritability: A Guide to Mental Health Support
Impatience Hello Doctor: My older brother is a quiet person who doesn't share his thoughts with his wife, parents, siblings, or friends. I don't know when it started, but he has become irritable, often interrupting others before they finish speaking. This has been going...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Xiao Hui: Hello! Your brother's panic attacks are likely caused by the accumulation of long-term stress and emotional distress. It is indeed necessary for him to seek treatment. Unfortunately, he has not yet been able to receive assistance from a psychiatrist, which must be ...[Read More] Understanding Irritability: A Guide to Mental Health Support
Am I Depressed? Understanding Symptoms and Medication Options
Am I a patient with depression? I went to see a psychiatrist today. After struggling for a long time, I finally gathered the courage to visit Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's psychiatry department. I'm not sure if I have depression; I have had suicidal thoughts, self-harm...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. The symptoms you described, such as insomnia, low mood, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, are indeed indicative of depression. Clinically, individuals with lower resilience to stress are more susceptible to developing depression....[Read More] Am I Depressed? Understanding Symptoms and Medication Options
Understanding Home Treatment for Family Members with Mental Illness
Mental illness in the family? Hello, my mother has been observed to have issues with schizophrenia and delusional disorder for a long time, but she does not perceive herself as ill. Therefore, I am hesitant to take her to see a doctor, fearing that if I bring it up, she might sud...
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
Hello: The "home treatment" covered by health insurance is indeed only applicable to patients who have been definitively diagnosed and issued a "serious illness card." It seems that your mother is currently unable to attend a consultation, and we cannot confir...[Read More] Understanding Home Treatment for Family Members with Mental Illness
Understanding Strong Heartbeats: When to See a Psychiatrist or Cardiologist
Strong heartbeat? Hello Doctor: I was discharged from the military at the end of 2006. I remember that every time I returned to the base after leave, I would feel anxious, and my heart would race. I often felt that my heart was beating very hard, and it would take me about an hou...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you first visit a cardiologist for an examination. Additionally, issues related to the thyroid or adrenal glands may also cause symptoms such as tachycardia or palpitations, which would require an evaluation by an endocrinologist. If all physical exa...[Read More] Understanding Strong Heartbeats: When to See a Psychiatrist or Cardiologist