When to Seek Help from a Doctor for Mental Health Issues
Under what circumstances should one definitely seek medical assistance? Hello Dr. Lin, I may be prone to overthinking due to family and personality factors. I have always been an outgoing person who enjoys making friends, but over the past decade, my family's financial situa...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: Looking at your content and questions, I can't help but feel a bit emotional about how some people's destinies are truly unimaginable. However, I admire how you have come this far, even though it has been quite challenging. Additionally, it seems that there are s...[Read More] When to Seek Help from a Doctor for Mental Health Issues
Understanding and Managing Auditory Hallucinations in Elderly Patients
Vasculitis Dear Dr. Chiu, Hello. My aunt, who is 85 years old, fell at home two years ago and fractured the area where her thigh connects to her hip. She underwent surgery and had steel pins inserted. During the medical evaluation, she was also diagnosed with mitral valve insuff...
Dr. Qiu Ruixiang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ying. Based on the information provided, it is likely that your aunt is experiencing dementia with accompanying psychiatric symptoms. The primary symptom of dementia is a significant decline in memory, which can sometimes be difficult for family members to notice, esp...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Auditory Hallucinations in Elderly Patients
Understanding My Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Answers and Hope
What disease is it? I experienced a long period during my illness where I felt that my classmates and friends were excluding me, which often led me to hide alone in my dorm room and cry. Sometimes, even an offhand comment or a glance from someone would make me feel sad. I struggl...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: If you want to understand what illness you have, it's difficult to make a complete assessment from the letter. It seems that there is definitely an element of depression, but whether there are other issues should be determined by a professional physician. I recommend ...[Read More] Understanding My Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Answers and Hope
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
Understanding Hospital Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder Patients
excuse me? Hello, I am a patient with bipolar disorder. Could you please tell me what I can do and what I cannot do after being hospitalized? What foods can I eat and what foods should I avoid? This time I was hospitalized due to alcohol consumption, and I didn't know that I...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Jia: Patients with bipolar disorder typically experience two phases: the manic phase and the depressive phase. These phases are characterized by significant emotional fluctuations and behavioral disturbances, such as increased talkativeness, accelerated speech, insomn...[Read More] Understanding Hospital Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder Patients
Exploring Nutritional Supplements for Depression: A Personal Journey
Regarding the "My Health Diary" series of nutritional supplements sold at 7-11? I have depression and take 75 mg of Effexor three times a day. I saw online that deep-sea fish oil, lecithin, and ginkgo biloba supplements can be quite helpful for depression. I also found ...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
You are quite attentive to your physical condition and knowledgeable about how to seek relevant information to help yourself. It is evident that you possess some traits that make you prone to worry and anxiety, as indicated by your inquiry about the effects of deep-sea fish oil, ...[Read More] Exploring Nutritional Supplements for Depression: A Personal Journey
Can Pregnancy Trigger Depression? Understanding Mental Health During Pregnancy
Can pregnancy cause symptoms of depression and lethargy? Hello Dr. Lin: I have not yet consulted a clinic to confirm my pregnancy, but I believe being pregnant is a good thing. However, for the past week, I have been feeling a lack of interest in anything, excessive sleepiness, a...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, postpartum depression is more common than depression during pregnancy. You should confirm whether you are pregnant as soon as possible, as this will affect future treatment considerations. However, based on your description, there is indeed a possibilit...[Read More] Can Pregnancy Trigger Depression? Understanding Mental Health During Pregnancy
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 Excessive Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions for Better Living
Sleeping continuously? Hello Doctor: I see many friends struggling with insomnia, but I have the opposite problem of excessive sleepiness. I sleep over 8 hours every night, yet I still feel very sleepy in the morning. This has severely affected my ability to attend classes and my...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Sleepy: Based on your description, your issue may be a condition clinically referred to as "primary hypersomnia." Patients typically do not have difficulty falling asleep and their sleep quality is generally good, but they find it hard to wake up in the morning and...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions for Better Living
Understanding Claustrophobia: Anxiety, Diagnosis, and Insurance Implications
Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational fear of confined spaces. Individuals with claustrophobia may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when they are in situations such as elevators, small rooms, Hello, last year around mid-year, I experience...
Dr. Chen Meizhu Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you are experiencing significant anxiety. If your restlessness and agitation have been causing disruptions in your daily routine and affecting your work or academic performance, it is advisable to seek an evaluation and early treatment from a psy...[Read More] Understanding Claustrophobia: Anxiety, Diagnosis, and Insurance Implications
Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Insights for Students Facing Stress
Poor sleep quality? I don't know why, but for the past few months, I've been waking up 1-2 times every night while sleeping, and then I go back to sleep. There was even one day when I woke up 4 times. I'm not sure why this is happening. Additionally, both the docto...
Dr. Liu Weimin Reply:
According to studies conducted both domestically and internationally, approximately one-quarter, or even a higher proportion, of the population experiences sleep disturbances, with difficulty falling asleep being the most common, followed by interruptions during sleep, early awak...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Insights for Students Facing Stress
Do I Have Claustrophobia? Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact on Health
Do I have claustrophobia? Hello, last year around mid-year, I experienced an exacerbation of sinusitis, which caused breathing difficulties. Before consulting a specialist, this led to a series of symptoms including insomnia, chest tightness, and trembling. The most frightening e...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of anxiety and panic attacks. Simple anxiety and panic, if they occur only under physiological or psychological stress (for example, in your case, due to sinusitis affecting breathing and fear of surgery), can be considered a n...[Read More] Do I Have Claustrophobia? Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact on Health
Understanding the Side Effects and Risks of Wellbutrin Use
Side effects of Prozac? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about the medication Wellbutrin (Bupropion). What are its side effects, and how toxic is it? Are there any special contraindications or long-term effects? I have been taking Wellbutrin for eight years, from 1995 until...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear friend: You inquired about the side effects of long-term use of Prozac (fluoxetine). After reviewing some literature, I have summarized the findings as follows: Gastrointestinal side effects (more common, occurring in up to 20% of patients): nausea, decreased appetite, and...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects and Risks of Wellbutrin Use
Understanding the Side Effects and Addiction Risks of Wellbutrin
Side effects of Prozac? Hello, Doctor: I have been taking Prozac for eight years and have always been curious about the side effects and toxicity of this medication, as well as whether it can be addictive. I used to take one pill, but during a particularly depressive period, my d...
Dr. Liu Junxian Reply:
Dear Confused Netizen, Hello! Regarding your email dated December 22, 2002, which mentioned questions about Paroxetine (Paxil), I will address your concerns in the following five points: 1. How long should depression be treated? Generally, the treatment duration for depression ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects and Addiction Risks of Wellbutrin
Finding Confidential Counseling in Taiwan: Your Guide to Stress Relief
Psychological counseling I want to find a psychologist to help relieve stress, but I heard that in Taiwan, only psychiatrists keep medical records, and if I go, there will be a case record. Can I ask the doctor not to record it in my medical history? It's not like I actually...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang, 1. There will indeed be records in your psychiatric consultation history, but that does not necessarily mean you have a mental illness. Most patients seeking help from psychiatry are often dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and in...[Read More] Finding Confidential Counseling in Taiwan: Your Guide to Stress Relief
Am I Still Depressed? Understanding My Mental and Heart Health
Is this considered depression? Hello, Doctor: Since June of last year, I have been experiencing insomnia, which has led to further discomfort, particularly related to my heart. I underwent an electrocardiogram, a 24-hour Holter monitor, and an EEG, all of which came back normal. ...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello, I have carefully reviewed your concerns, which seem to involve three main issues: 1. Cardiac problems 2. Insomnia 3. Whether or not it is depression. From your message, you only mentioned discomfort in your heart without specifying any symptoms. Do you experience palpitati...[Read More] Am I Still Depressed? Understanding My Mental and Heart Health
Understanding Brain Fatigue: Why Do We Struggle with Focus and Motivation?
Why is the human brain so difficult to use effectively? I have quite a few questions, and I don't know why, but when I sit at my desk, I either feel annoyed or sleepy. Whenever I try to study, I have thoughts like, "What is all this effort for?" or "It's ...
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
Hello Mr. Zeng: You have many questions, and I suggest discussing them one by one with your physician during your outpatient visit. I believe the doctor will provide you with appropriate answers. Symptoms that may be experienced by patients with depression include persistent low ...[Read More] Understanding Brain Fatigue: Why Do We Struggle with Focus and Motivation?
Do Bipolar and Depression Medications Cause Weight Gain or Loss?
Medications for bipolar disorder can lead to weight gain in some individuals? Hello, doctor. Recently, I was chatting with a friend who works in counseling. He mentioned that several of his students with bipolar disorder gained weight after starting medication. He also saw news r...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Hello, Moon: Some medications used to treat bipolar disorder can indeed lead to weight gain. If this is a concern, it is advisable to discuss with your physician the possibility of adjusting the medication. Generally, it has been observed that when mental or emotional instability...[Read More] Do Bipolar and Depression Medications Cause Weight Gain or Loss?
Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Please feel free to ask me any questions? Hello, Doctor: I sent an email yesterday and received your reply today. I am truly grateful. Let me explain my situation. Recently, I have been excessively preoccupied with both significant and trivial matters, unable to stop thinking abo...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear friend: It is still difficult to conclude whether the issues you mentioned in your letter are related to "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder." However, your concerns include anxiety, repetitive checking, frequent mood disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating...[Read More] Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Does Stopping Efexor Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Can discontinuing Effexor cause neck and shoulder pain? I discontinued EFEXOR on my own for two days. My mood hasn't changed much, but I have developed neck and shoulder pain. Could this be due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation or withdrawal symptoms from the medicat...
Dr. Liu Junxian Reply:
Mr. Zeng: Hello, based on your description, it appears that the withdrawal symptoms are due to the discontinuation of Efexor (venlafaxine). Generally, these symptoms include nausea, vomiting, unsteady gait, dry mouth, dizziness, abnormal sensations (such as tingling or numbness),...[Read More] Does Stopping Efexor Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms