Improving Sleep Quality: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Chronic sleep deprivation Hello, doctor! My sleep quality has been poor (my hands and feet are often cold), which frequently leads to symptoms like colds, headaches, dizziness, and fever. However, every time I visit a doctor and receive medication, it usually takes about a month ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Candy, Indeed, long-term sleep deprivation can lead to both physical and psychological issues, and a weakened immune system is inevitable. There are many reasons for insomnia; it may be caused by physical discomfort, in which case the focus should be on treating the under...[Read More] Improving Sleep Quality: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Is It Normal to Experience Anxiety and Flashbacks After Moving?
Could you please provide more details about your symptoms? Since I started working in the north nearly a year ago, I have been experiencing these symptoms. I often think about events that happened a long time ago, including the experience of my home being burglarized when I was a...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhen: You may be experiencing introversion, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, insecurity, anxiety, and depression... Perhaps you have all of these! Changing your environment may have intensified these feelings. Please seek help from a psychiatrist who can assist yo...[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Anxiety and Flashbacks After Moving?
Understanding Panic Disorder: Physical Symptoms and Effective Coping Strategies
Is it related to panic disorder? About 7 to 8 months ago, I started experiencing various discomforting symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and stomach pain. For six months, I visited numerous hospitals near my home, addressing each symptom as it arose. ...
Dr. Zhou Sunyuan Reply:
"Panick attacks" are a state of extreme anxiety, where patients often experience various physical symptoms, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, numbness, and a feeling of impending doom. Many people find this to be a terrifying experience. &quo...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Physical Symptoms and Effective Coping Strategies
Understanding Insomnia: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Headache Sufferers
Insomnia Hello Dr. Chen: My mother has been suffering from chronic headaches and recently has been unable to sleep at night. Sometimes, even sleeping pills are ineffective, and she can't even take a nap during the day. She experiences headaches during the day and has a feeli...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Miss Lin: Insomnia can be classified as primary (without an identifiable cause) or secondary (with identifiable causes, such as physical or mental health conditions). Is your mother's insomnia related to her recent physical condition? For example, does she experience ...[Read More] Understanding Insomnia: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Headache Sufferers
Understanding Chronic Insomnia: When Sleep Medications Fail
Insomnia - taking sleeping pills is not effective..? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. My mother has been relying on sleeping pills for a long time to fall asleep. She usually goes to bed around midnight, but it takes her a long time to actually fall asleep once ...
Dr. Xie Yongfeng Reply:
Please visit a neurologist or a psychiatrist for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Insomnia: When Sleep Medications Fail
Struggling with Insomnia: Understanding Stress and Sleep Disorders
I have been experiencing insomnia for three consecutive weeks? Hello Doctor, for the past three weeks, I have been experiencing insomnia 3 to 4 nights a week. I usually go to bed at 12:30 AM, but on sleepless nights, I can't tell what time I actually fall asleep; it takes me...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Potato: If there are no other physical issues, you might want to consider whether you have been experiencing increased stress lately. Has there been any change in your sleep environment (such as noise, etc.)? Are your dietary habits contributing to insomnia (such as tea, c...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia: Understanding Stress and Sleep Disorders
Struggling with Insomnia After Night Shifts: Seeking Solutions
Insomnia I have recently started working night shifts (for 2 months), and I find it difficult to sleep during the day. Even when I do manage to sleep, it's only for 2 to 3 hours. I'm really worried that this lack of sleep might negatively impact my health. My family has...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Meizi, Dr. Wang Chong-Ren from the Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health Executive Yuan would like to address your concerns. Insomnia caused by shift work may be due to changes in your circadian rhythm. Appropriate and timely use of medication can help realign your di...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia After Night Shifts: Seeking Solutions
Understanding the Signs: When to Seek Psychiatric Help for a Loved One
excuse me? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old, and my mother is 52. She has always been quite superstitious, but this year it seems to have worsened. Initially, she installed a bagua mirror on the third floor of our house, which led to complaints from our neighbors about the refle...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, based on the content of your letter, your mother's paranoid thoughts seem to have reached the level of "delusions" (meaning that even strong evidence to the contrary does not change her beliefs). Furthermore, her thoughts lean towards bizarre and irrational ...[Read More] Understanding the Signs: When to Seek Psychiatric Help for a Loved One
Could Stress Be Causing My Unexplained Physical Symptoms?
Am I sick? Hello, may I ask you a question? Recently, due to certain circumstances, I had to take on all the responsibilities of my company. Since then, I have started experiencing health issues. I have been suffering from gastroenteritis that has developed into gastritis, and de...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Little One: It seems that at such a young age, you have to bear many burdens and feel quite a bit of pressure! There is increasing evidence that when individuals face stress, various systems in the body are affected, including the neuroendocrine system (which involves cortis...[Read More] Could Stress Be Causing My Unexplained Physical Symptoms?
Am I Suffering from Depression? Signs and When to Seek Help
Are you suffering from depression? I experienced a trauma six months ago that I had never encountered in thirty years (my husband sought companionship in China due to boredom). I remember all the details clearly. Initially, I cried uncontrollably and engaged in excessive shopping...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: You mentioned that you have been experiencing frequent crying, insomnia, fatigue, and negative thoughts, including suicidal ideation, for over a week. It is indeed important to seek an evaluati...[Read More] Am I Suffering from Depression? Signs and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Combining Psychiatric Medications
Medication consultation Hello Dr. Tang: I was originally taking only Stilnox (10mg) and Rivotril (2mg). Recently, it seems that these two medications have gradually lost their effectiveness, so my doctor has prescribed two additional medications for me: Prozac (20mg) and Scrcnal ...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Xiang-er, Among the four medications you are taking, Rivotril (2mg) and Serenal (10mg) belong to the benzodiazepine class of sedative-hypnotics. Long-term and high-dose use can lead to tolerance (meaning the medication gradually loses its effectiveness). When suddenly disco...[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Risks of Combining Psychiatric Medications
Understanding Abilify: Side Effects, Weight Gain, and Its Use in Schizophrenia
Psychiatric medications Abilify (aripiprazole) can have several side effects. Common side effects include weight gain and drowsiness. It may also exhibit side effects similar to older antipsychotic medications, such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which can include tremors, rig...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear friend: You inquired about Abilify, which is an antipsychotic medication that was launched in Taiwan earlier this year and has also been available in other countries for only the past year or two, resulting in limited clinical experience. Regarding the side effects of this m...[Read More] Understanding Abilify: Side Effects, Weight Gain, and Its Use in Schizophrenia
Understanding Binge Eating and Purging: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Frequent vomiting? Hello Doctor: Since April of last year, I have been experiencing episodes of binge eating, almost like I’m going crazy, stuffing my mouth with food until I feel extremely bloated, and then going to the bathroom to purge. I am very concerned about my body shape ...
Dr. Chen Mingzhe Reply:
Sister Vortex: You are currently caught in a whirlpool of depression! You have long-term feelings of insecurity and a lack of self-confidence. When stressful events occur, your behaviors of binge eating and purging become more pronounced, indicating maladaptive coping mechanisms....[Read More] Understanding Binge Eating and Purging: Seeking Help for Mental Health
Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Possible Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders I have had excessive daytime sleepiness since middle school. Currently, regardless of whether I go to bed early or not, once I fall asleep, I enter a state of deep sleep that is very difficult to wake from. It's not a lack of willpower; it's a state of p...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Suner: Your issue requires a consultation with a neurologist for an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess whether it is "narcolepsy" or simply a higher than average sleep requirement. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Possible Sleep Disorder
Understanding Nighttime Anxiety: Signs You May Have a Mental Health Issue
Suspecting that you may have a mental illness? Dr. Chen, I apologize! I would like to ask about my condition! Recently, I have been very afraid of the night. As soon as evening comes, I can't fall asleep, and even when I do, I keep waking up suddenly. I can't sleep if I...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Insomnia, hello: Have you experienced any particular stress recently? Otherwise, how could your previously peaceful life suddenly change so drastically? Have you considered what exactly you are afraid of? Are you afraid of ghosts? Do you believe in ghosts? If ghosts exist, it imp...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Anxiety: Signs You May Have a Mental Health Issue
Understanding Sleep Issues and Emotional Distress: When to Seek Help
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor: I often experience insomnia and dream frequently. I frequently feel emotionally low, suffer from headaches, restlessness, anxiety, and have a poor appetite. However, when I am feeling frustrated or under stress, I find myself unconsciously ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Sue: The physiological and psychological aspects are mutually influential; physical issues can affect sleep and mood, and conversely, emotions can impact physical health. What have you been worrying about lately? What thoughts keep you awake at night? Have you identified th...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Emotional Distress: When to Seek Help
How to Support a Friend in Overcoming Heroin Addiction
I want to help my friend quit drugs! Hello, doctor! My boyfriend used to use heroin, and he is currently in the process of quitting. He hasn't used it for four days. How can I help him with his withdrawal? He is having trouble sleeping, so he ended up taking sleeping pills, ...
Dr. Zheng Jingming Reply:
Xiao Lan: Heroin addiction is also a disease that requires medical assistance. The withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting heroin can be very uncomfortable and difficult to endure. Severe insomnia is one of the withdrawal symptoms; it is advisable not to self-medicate with ...[Read More] How to Support a Friend in Overcoming Heroin Addiction
Understanding Side Effects of Seroxat and Surin in Depression Treatment
Antidepressant medication - Clomipramine Hello Doctor, my husband has been feeling down for the past two years, completely lacking motivation, and experiencing insomnia. He was recently diagnosed with chronic depression, and the doctor prescribed Seroxat 20mg (1 tablet) and Surin...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Ms. Sha, Dr. Wang Chong-Jen from the Psychiatric Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, would like to inform you that the symptoms your husband is experiencing after taking medication may be side effects of Seroxat. It is advisable to discuss w...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Seroxat and Surin in Depression Treatment
Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Frequent Night Awakenings
Inability to achieve a full night's sleep? I would like to ask the doctor, since March until now, I have been unable to sleep for a sufficient amount of time at once, waking up approximately every 1.5 to 2 hours. I have been working night shifts for nearly 5 years, and I hav...
Dr. Chen Meizhu Reply:
Hello: Regarding your sleep issues, the first step in treating insomnia is to cultivate good sleep hygiene habits. Limit water intake during dinner and avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol. Use appropriate room temperature and lighting, ensure a comfortable mattress, and reduce noise t...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Frequent Night Awakenings
How to Encourage a Loved One with Mental Health Issues to Seek Help?
How to persuade someone with anosognosia to seek medical attention? My sister has been very irritable lately. She often throws things when she gets angry and repeatedly slams doors. In her daily life, she exhibits some repetitive behaviors, such as turning light switches on and o...
Dr. Chen Meizhu Reply:
Hello: Based on the description in your letter, it is evident that your sister exhibits symptoms of compulsive behavior and restlessness, which may indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder or could be precursor symptoms of other mental illnesses. It is important to seek medical tre...[Read More] How to Encourage a Loved One with Mental Health Issues to Seek Help?