Mental illness, Psychiatry FAQ

Navigating Mental Health and Relationships: A Personal Journey

Summary of my questions later? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, many of life's goals are sometimes sequential. This means that certain basic objectives must be achieved as a foundation before one can attain more difficult and higher accomplishments. I have noticed that many of our fellow patients, when faced with real-life challen...

Understanding the Genetic Risk of Mental Illness from Drug Abuse

Drug abuse can trigger genetic issues related to mental disorders? Hello Dr. Liang: As you mentioned last time, some individuals develop psychosis due to drug use because they have a predisposition to mental illness that is triggered by substance use. If the drug user (the father...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, if the father is normal after stopping drug use, the child's risk of developing a condition should be similar to that of the general population (around one percent). However, if he still exhibits psychiatric symptoms despite having stopped drug use, the risk may range...

Impact of Parental Drug Use on Children's Mental Health Risks

Drug abuse can trigger genetic issues related to mental disorders? Hello Dr. Liang: If a father has a history of drug abuse that has triggered a mental illness, what is the likelihood that his future children will develop physical health issues? What types of diseases are they mo...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, the general probability of an individual developing a mental illness is about one percent. If the father has a mental illness and the mother is healthy, the child's future risk of developing a mental illness is approximately eight percent. In the scenario you mentione...

Overcoming Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Help and Understanding

My question? Hello, Dr. Ding: (1) I don't know how to explain this. Over a decade ago, I was set up by my enemies, which led to my mental illness. Later, I engaged in a "power struggle" with them, and we are currently maintaining a temporary state of "non-in...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, after reading your letter, I feel that your thoughts are relatively clear, and your abilities should be quite good as well. There’s no need to be overly pessimistic. Since your adversaries have not bothered you for over a decade, I believe you should not concern yourself w...

Understanding the Impact of Maternal Mental Illness on Child Development

Mental disorders Hello Dr. Su: I would like to ask about patients with depression and bipolar disorder. If they have experienced episodes before pregnancy, will their future children be at risk for mental health disorders? What potential issues might the children face? If there i...

Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
Current literature under investigation indicates a relationship between mood disorders and genetics, but the exact probabilities remain undetermined. Adolescence and later adulthood are two critical periods for the onset of mood disorders. It is generally believed that regular ex...

Understanding Schizophrenia: When to Seek Specialized Care

Please have the doctor help clarify? In general, among psychiatric disorders, is schizophrenia considered the most severe? Can it be managed in a clinic? Although clinic-based physicians are typically experienced practitioners, I would like to know if a patient's condition c...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the underlying logic of your question resembles the approach taken in internal and external medicine, which is not particularly suitable for mental illnesses. As internal and external diseases become more severe, they may require referral to a medical center for surgical i...

Managing Intrusive Thoughts: Seeking Better Mental Health Solutions

Controlling one's thoughts? I am currently employed and have been on various antipsychotic medications for a long time, but I still cannot control my thoughts. For example, when watching a movie, I find myself overthinking, which leads me to speak out loud, resulting in emot...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, regardless of the psychological distress, psychotherapy can be helpful; the issue lies in the extent of that help, as well as our own problems and conditions, determining whether psychotherapy is the best choice. As we age, the effectiveness of psychotherapy tends to dimin...

Is Talking to Yourself a Sign of Mental Illness or Just Independent Thinking?

Soliloquy Is talking to oneself considered a mental illness? Different physicians have varying opinions on this matter. Some believe it is a sign of an overly introverted personality, while others suggest that self-talk during solitude serves as an emotional release. However, if ...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, yes, sometimes talking to oneself does not necessarily indicate a mental health issue. It is important to consult with a physician to assess if there are other underlying conditions, such as insomnia, delusions, hallucinations, reality distortion, emotional problems, etc. ...

Navigating Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia: Seeking Help and Understanding

Childhood trauma and a history of schizophrenia? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for your advice: I was nearly a victim of sexual assault during my childhood, and I often find myself developing feelings of affection towards older individuals of the opposite sex. I frequently s...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, regarding schizophrenia, based on my understanding and clinical experience, adhering to medication is the most important treatment approach. You can also incorporate psychotherapy, exercise, or even spiritual support, but these should be considered as adjunctive methods. S...

Coping with Stress: Supporting a Loved One with Mental Illness

High stress? I feel like I'm going crazy right now. I have suspected that I might have depression and have a history of self-harm, but now a family member has also developed a mental illness (they are receiving treatment, but their condition fluctuates). Their situation seem...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, when a family member is ill and you are also under stress, it can indeed feel overwhelming. Regarding medical matters, there is limited information available for discussion. My suggestion is to seek medical attention promptly and allow healthcare professionals to assist in...

How to Help a Family Member Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts

Family issues Hello, doctor. What should I do if a family member is constantly expressing suicidal thoughts? They believe their symptoms (such as body tingling, fever, and sweating) are hopeless and feel that medication is ineffective (they frequently visit hospitals for medicati...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the reasons for suicidal thoughts are numerous, and each case is unique, making it impossible to find a one-size-fits-all approach to address every situation. Generally, individuals who contemplate suicide may exaggerate the severity of their circumstances and overlook oth...

Navigating Employment Challenges with Mental Health Issues in Taiwan

I want to go to work? Hello, doctor: I don't know the name of my illness. I have a disability certificate and a major illness card. The major illness card is for condition 296 (previously prescribed by a doctor), and my current disability certificate is for category 295【12】【...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, your desire to change the current situation and start looking for a job is actually a very good first step. No matter how ambitious your goals are, they all begin with that small step. Given your age and the lack of work experience over the years, finding a job can indeed ...

Understanding Recurring Anxiety Symptoms: Causes and Treatment Options

Symptoms may recur repeatedly? Hello Dr. Ding, I apologize for frequently asking questions. I would like to inquire again. Previously, I had anxiety disorder and was on medication for a while. Later, I felt better and stopped taking the medication. For the next six months, I felt...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, I would like to share some insights regarding the concept of disease. There is a category of diseases, particularly physical illnesses, that do not exist in a so-called healthy state, such as cancer or fractures. This objective abnormal condition is independent of the sick...

Understanding Binge Eating and Depression: A Guide for Support

Binge Eating Disorder or Depression Hello, Doctor: My girlfriend (23 years old) has always had high self-expectations. Recently, she often engages in self-denial, feeling useless, lacking ability, unable to find a sense of achievement in life, believing that life lacks purpose, a...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, what you described does resemble symptoms of depression and binge eating disorder. However, I must emphasize that online diagnoses are not appropriate; it's acceptable to inquire about medical knowledge, but actual diagnoses must be made in person. If you feel the iss...

Can Mothers with Early-Onset Mental Illness Safely Have Children?

Early-onset mental disorders Dr. Liang: Is it advisable for a mother with early-onset mental illness to become pregnant and have children? Will the child be at risk for developmental delays or future mental health issues? Are there more problems compared to children without such ...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, the degree of genetic influence varies among different mental disorders. For instance, in the case of schizophrenia, if either parent is affected, the child's risk of developing schizophrenia is approximately 5 to 10 percent. If both parents are diagnosed with schizop...

Understanding Co-occurring Depression and OCD: A Student's Journey

Questions regarding the comorbidity of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Dear Dr. Ding, I am currently a junior in college. I have no prior history of mental illness or hospital visits. This semester, due to a heavier course load and a research assistant positi...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, I must commend your meticulous description of your psychological distress and the process of seeking medical help. I believe you have already asked your questions to your physician and counselor. However, as I mentioned in previous responses, if you are already seeing a do...

Am I Experiencing a Mental Health Issue? Understanding Reality vs. Dreams

Does this indicate a mental health issue? Sometimes I feel like the current version of myself is not real, and that true reality exists only in my dreams when I am asleep. However, I am unclear about what those dreams actually are. It feels as if everything I am experiencing now ...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, some mental illnesses, such as depression or certain psychotic disorders, can make individuals feel detached from the world around them, as if they are not fully engaged or that reality is not genuine, almost like they are mere observers. Some people describe this sensatio...

Challenges in Compulsory Treatment for Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Patients with moderate bipolar disorder who lack insight into their condition and cannot be compelled to seek treatment? Hello, I would like to ask Dr. Chiu: My mother is a patient with moderate bipolar disorder, and she has entered a manic phase again this year (this is her four...

Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: There may be some resistance to the involuntary treatment of patients with mental illness in practice, but as long as there is good communication and coordination, it should not be difficult. Please remain calm and proactive. Here are some suggested steps: 1. The mother&#x...

Is This a Mental Health Issue? Navigating Career Dissatisfaction

Is this considered a mental illness? Hello Dr. Ding: I used to study subjects I liked in school, and after working in that field for a few years, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with it. Eventually, I decided to stop working in that area. However, I am not particul...

Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, your main question is whether this is a mental illness. Simply disliking your job cannot be classified as a mental disorder. Some individuals may initially perform well in their jobs but later become unable to cope due to functional impairments caused by conditions such as...

Understanding Fish Oil: Benefits for Brain Health and Mental Disorders

Follow-up questions regarding fish oil and related issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if fish oil and cod liver oil are the same or different? What is the role of Omega-3 in fish oil? How should I choose a pollution-free and effective fish oil? What is the recommended way...

Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: This question is quite broad and partially falls outside my area of expertise. Sometimes, it may be more appropriate to consult a pharmacist or a nutritionist. In the meantime, I suggest you start by googling (DHA, EPA functions), where you can find relevant reference mate...

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