When Does Feeling Down Become Depression? Understanding Treatment Options
Feeling down? Hello: What circumstances indicate that feeling down has progressed to depression, and will medication help?
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello Lily: Everyone experiences feelings of depression and low mood due to external environmental events or internal subjective experiences. For most people, these negative emotions typically improve within a few days. However, if feelings of depression persist for more than two...[Read More] When Does Feeling Down Become Depression? Understanding Treatment Options
Am I Depressed? Understanding Your Mental Health Concerns
Do I have an illness? Do I need to see a doctor? Hello Dr. Chang: I have been feeling pessimistic about life. I have no interest in anything and feel that work is just a means to survive. I often feel down and believe that life is very difficult. I say I want to work, but I can...
Dr. Zhang Hongjun Reply:
Hello Evain: Regarding your situation, it is important to consider the possibility of depression, but I recommend that you visit an outpatient clinic for further evaluation through a face-to-face consultation. As for your concern about feeling awkward and uncomfortable during dis...[Read More] Am I Depressed? Understanding Your Mental Health Concerns
How to Manage Insomnia and Its Impact on Blood Pressure and Anemia
What to do about insomnia? I haven't been able to sleep for a long time, which has led to high blood pressure, and I also have anemia.
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
There are many potential causes of insomnia, including poor sleep environment or habits, physical illnesses leading to discomfort, and psychological issues. A thorough understanding of your condition is necessary to provide appropriate recommendations, so please seek medical atte...[Read More] How to Manage Insomnia and Its Impact on Blood Pressure and Anemia
Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: When to Seek Help
Hypersomnia? I often find myself dozing off during class, regardless of whether I had a good night's sleep the previous day. Frequently, I fall asleep as soon as the first period begins, and sometimes I even sleep until the afternoon, missing lunch. Even though I usually go ...
Dr. Zhang Xuncheng Reply:
After reading your letter, I noticed that many young people today exhibit similar symptoms. Therefore, I would like to offer a few suggestions not only for Lucy but also for young people in general: 1. **Regular Routine, Proper Nutrition, and Sufficient Exercise**: Many young in...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Symptoms of Depression: A Comprehensive Guide
Depression What are the symptoms of depression?
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Common symptoms of depression include: depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite (which may be accompanied by weight changes), insomnia or hypersomnia, slowed reactions or irritability, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt ...[Read More] Understanding the Symptoms of Depression: A Comprehensive Guide
Overcoming Insomnia: Coping Strategies After a Breakup and Exam Stress
Insomnia It's been about a year, right? Since the breakup, I've been unhappy until now. At the same time, I faced the university entrance exams, keeping my feelings bottled up, not sleeping well, and forcing myself to study to stay strong. Although I've finished th...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Hello, if the psychological trauma caused by a breakup has not healed after a year, it may indicate that you are facing issues that your life experience cannot resolve. If the advice or thoughts from your friends or family do not alleviate your feelings of loss, it is recommended...[Read More] Overcoming Insomnia: Coping Strategies After a Breakup and Exam Stress
Understanding OCD: Common Concerns and Treatment Options
I hope the doctor can clarify my confusion? Hello Doctor, I am considered quite intelligent by my friends and family. I am 23 years old and a college student with good academic performance. However, I have been struggling with a persistent issue that I cannot seem to understand. ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Leonjohn: In response to your questions: 1. Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, characterized by hallucinations and delusions) are distinctly different from neurotic disorders (such as depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive dis...[Read More] Understanding OCD: Common Concerns and Treatment Options
Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Anxiety and Its Effects
I have been unable to fall asleep at night recently? I sometimes experience difficulty breathing and a feeling of tightness in my chest when I am anxious. Last year, I visited a psychiatrist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital who diagnosed me with anxiety disorder. I have always bee...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, Raccoon: Based on your description, I believe the diagnosis of anxiety disorder made by the psychiatrist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is reasonable. It can be challenging at first to associate certain physical discomforts with anxiety. However, you made a good choice in...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Understanding Anxiety and Its Effects
Understanding Postpartum Depression: Symptoms and Concerns
Many questions? 1. Normal bowel movements but with bright red blood and blood clots present. 2. My husband and I currently have Chlamydia in our blood. Why did this happen? 3. I have thoughts of wanting to die. I get angry easily and cry frequently. The only way I can relieve...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Miss Peng, It seems that your emotions are currently in a low state, with significant fluctuations. You are experiencing alternating insomnia and hypersomnia, changes in appetite with episodes of binge eating, a lack of self-confidence, disinterest in external matters, diff...[Read More] Understanding Postpartum Depression: Symptoms and Concerns
Can Family Members Obtain Medication for Reluctant Patients?
If the patient refuses to seek medical treatment, can a family member pick up the medication on their behalf? Subject: Concern for My Mother's Mental Health Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to express my concerns regarding my mother's recent mental health ch...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
I received your letter regarding the concerns you have, which are actually common issues many people encounter. I will outline my response in points: 1. First, regarding your mother's symptoms: From your description of her restlessness, staring blankly, noticeable lack of c...[Read More] Can Family Members Obtain Medication for Reluctant Patients?
Understanding Zoloft: Timing, Ingredients, and Differences from Other Antidepressants
Depression Zoloft (sertraline) 50 mg should typically be taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. The active ingredient, sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a new generation antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is indicated for conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, among others. Typically, treatment begins with a daily dose ...[Read More] Understanding Zoloft: Timing, Ingredients, and Differences from Other Antidepressants
Understanding and Managing Chronic Headaches: Expert Advice Needed
Headache Hello, Dr. You: I have been experiencing long-term headaches, and I would like to elaborate on my situation and seek your advice on treatment. Conditions: 1. I feel pressure in my mind and experience insomnia (though this is not very frequent). 2. I am in poorly air-c...
Dr. You Shunjie Reply:
Hello Chan, the headache issue you described has indeed caused you considerable distress. The most common type of headache is tension-type headache, which accounts for about ninety percent of all headaches. It often appears without a specific cause, but generally, this type of he...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Chronic Headaches: Expert Advice Needed
Understanding Sleep Issues: The Impact of Alcohol on Insomnia
What is the problem? I would like to ask a question! Recently, my father has been having trouble sleeping at night and takes sleeping pills every day to fall asleep. However, he has a habit of drinking alcohol. I am not sure what the reason could be. Could you please help me with...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
There are many causes of insomnia, including physiological diseases such as respiratory and cardiopulmonary issues, as well as mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, there is a common type of insomnia known as psychophysiological insomnia, which can be...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: The Impact of Alcohol on Insomnia
Do I Have Depression? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
I really want to know—do I have depression? I am currently sixteen years old and studying in Form 5 (high school) in Hong Kong. Since I have an interest in psychology and feel that something is not quite right with me, I decided to look online to see if I might have depression. I...
Dr. Huang Xiangxiong Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that you may not be experiencing clinical depression, but you are exhibiting depressive symptoms. Many people encounter feelings of depression at times, often triggered by setbacks or difficulties in emotional self-regulation, especially during...[Read More] Do I Have Depression? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Do Individuals with Psychoneurosis Need to Disclose Their Condition?
Should individuals with neuroses inform others? Dear Dr. Lin: Thank you for your previous response. However, I would like to clarify that I am not an employee of the company, but rather a member (customer) of it. Additionally, I would like to ask you the following questions: Qu...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: 1. Psychoneurosis is a broad diagnostic category, meaning it encompasses other more specific diagnoses such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many others. It is not possible to determine which specific type you belong to based sole...[Read More] Do Individuals with Psychoneurosis Need to Disclose Their Condition?
Understanding Psychoneurosis: Distinguishing Symptoms and Misconceptions
Neurosis Dear Dr. Lin, I recently had a conflict with the assistant manager at a company, which caused significant emotional distress and led to an outburst. Subsequently, I was required to attend a company event, but due to the incident, the company requested a medical certific...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: Due to a moment of emotional outburst and a history of neurosis, your colleagues may have misunderstood and expressed concern. The difference between neurosis and schizophrenia is that individuals with schizophrenia experience thought disturbances beyond reality, such as d...[Read More] Understanding Psychoneurosis: Distinguishing Symptoms and Misconceptions
Understanding Long-Term Use of Xanax for Insomnia: Risks and Alternatives
Insomnia medications Hello Dr. Li: My mother has been suffering from long-term insomnia, and her doctor has prescribed her Xanax. I would like to know if long-term use of this medication can lead to tolerance (i.e., will the dosage need to be increased over time) or dependence? A...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Hello, Xanax is an anxiolytic that also has some sedative effects. Long-term use (more than two weeks) can indeed lead to drug tolerance (requiring higher doses) or dependence (sudden discontinuation may cause rebound symptoms). Most sedative-hypnotics also have issues with drug ...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Use of Xanax for Insomnia: Risks and Alternatives
Coping with Anxiety and Stuttering: Finding Help After Job Loss
Bipolar disorder Hello, Doctor; I was recently laid off, and I have been very introverted since childhood. I have symptoms of stuttering, and whenever I speak with unfamiliar people or strangers, I tend to stutter. Now that I have found a suitable job and want to apply, I am star...
Dr. Li Junren Reply:
Stuttering can be improved through speech therapy and psychological treatment, and the anxiety you experience in job interviews and social situations may be caused by social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is a common issue that can also be addressed through psychologic...[Read More] Coping with Anxiety and Stuttering: Finding Help After Job Loss
Understanding Neurosis Depression: Symptoms and Insights
Neurotic depression What is neurosis depression? Can you explain its symptoms? Thanks!!
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Neurotic depression is a diagnostic term from older psychiatric classification systems (DSM-II, ICD-9). Both systems emphasize that neurotic depression is an excessive emotional response (primarily a depressive reaction) to internal or external stressors. In newer diagnostic syst...[Read More] Understanding Neurosis Depression: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Seroxat: Uses, Side Effects, and Key Considerations
Medication Use Dr. Tang: Hello. I would like to ask you two questions: 1. What types of conditions is Seroxat indicated for? Does it have side effects? What should be noted when using it? 2. Are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications different? Thank you for taking the time...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear friend, Regarding your question, here are the answers: 1. Seroxat is a "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" (SSRIs), of which there are five active ingredients available in Taiwan. It is primarily indicated for depression. Recently, it has also been confirmed...[Read More] Understanding Seroxat: Uses, Side Effects, and Key Considerations