Understanding the Link Between Panic Disorder and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
What is the relationship between panic disorder and autonomic nervous system dysregulation? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with panic disorder and have been taking the same medication for about a year and a half (prescribed by a municipal hospital). 1. Efexor XR 75mg capsule (Venla...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction are typically present in panic disorder, and this is something you should understand first! The autonomic nervous system governs the functioning of our vital organs; therefore, symptoms such as shortness of breath, eleva...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Panic Disorder and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Understanding Mental Fatigue: Is Daydreaming a Sign of a Disorder?
mental fatigue Dear Dr. Ding, is zoning out a mental illness? Sometimes when others are talking to me, I unintentionally zone out, and it feels very rude! Is it because of fatigue or stress that I zone out without realizing it? Also, there are times when I feel very tired and wan...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, I am not sure what the true meaning of "letting go" is! Politicians say that letting go refers to releasing attachment and disputes. Your interpretation of letting go seems to imply a lack of focus on the present tasks at hand. People our age might describe it as...[Read More] Understanding Mental Fatigue: Is Daydreaming a Sign of a Disorder?
Finding Safe Chronic Psychiatric Wards in Taipei for Your Loved One
Chronic psychiatric ward I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds very challenging. Unfortunately, I cannot provide the information you're looking for. Please consult a medical professional for assistance.
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, in Taipei City, a well-known psychiatric hospital with a chronic illness ward is the Taipei City Hospital Songde Branch, formerly known as the Taipei City Sanatorium. It has a larger number of beds and is relatively accessible. Since your daughter is already receiving trea...[Read More] Finding Safe Chronic Psychiatric Wards in Taipei for Your Loved One
Navigating My Daughter's Severe Depression and Self-Harm Crisis
Is my daughter going to need "assistance" again? I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's situation. It's important to seek professional help and support. Please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or crisis intervention service for immed...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, As mentioned in your letter, your daughter has a history of depression and her recent emotional state has been unstable, with frequent suicidal preparations and a past of self-harming behavior, placing her in a high-risk situation for suicide. Professional intervention is...[Read More] Navigating My Daughter's Severe Depression and Self-Harm Crisis
Should Parents Be Notified About a Classmate's Self-Harm Concerns?
Should I inform the parents if my daughter writes in her diary about a classmate showing signs of self-harm? Should I notify the parents of a classmate who has self-harming tendencies mentioned in my daughter's diary? My daughter just started middle school this year, and dur...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
First of all, it is truly touching and admirable that you care about the mental and physical well-being of other people's children in this increasingly indifferent society. Matters of life and death should indeed be taken seriously and approached with more proactivity. I agr...[Read More] Should Parents Be Notified About a Classmate's Self-Harm Concerns?
Understanding Mental Health and Public Service Eligibility in Taiwan
Psychiatric issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. Does seeing a psychiatrist disqualify someone from being a public servant? The regulations for civil service examinations state that individuals with psychiatric disorders cannot hold public office. I would like to verif...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
1. Does seeing a psychiatrist disqualify someone from holding a public office? Certainly not. In fact, the government conducts special examinations for individuals with disabilities annually. For more information, please refer to the Civil Service Examination website and other re...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health and Public Service Eligibility in Taiwan
The Role of SPECT and PET Scans in Treating Mental Illness
The role of SPECT and PET scans in the treatment of psychiatric disorders? Hello Dr. Chang Che-Hung! I have read several books on mental disorders, and they mention that standard EEG and CT scans are not helpful in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Only PET and SPECT scans ...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
SPECT and PET scans can be used to study the effects of drugs on brain receptor changes, which is helpful for understanding brain function, psychiatric symptoms, and new drug development. However, they are expensive. The concentration of drugs in the blood is currently a commonly...[Read More] The Role of SPECT and PET Scans in Treating Mental Illness
Understanding Mental Illness: Diagnosis, Misconceptions, and Social Stigma
Assessment of Mental Illness 1. How is the assessment of mental illness conducted? How can we determine if a person has a mental disorder? 2. If a female has a name that resembles a male's, could she be perceived as having a mental illness? Some people tend to label others...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Thank you for your question. 1. Mental disorders are diagnosed based on symptomatology, and in Taiwan, the primary diagnostic criteria are derived from the diagnostic manuals published in the United States. Although there may be slight variations in diagnoses among different ph...[Read More] Understanding Mental Illness: Diagnosis, Misconceptions, and Social Stigma
Understanding Legal Responsibility in Cases of Assault by Mentally Ill Individuals
Legal Responsibility Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a recent incident involving a child of a friend who was assaulted by a man with a mental health disability certificate. This man entered the school and attacked the child without reason, resulting in injuries that ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Dear concerned mother, There is no regulation that holding a mental and physical disability handbook exempts one from criminal liability. Since he understands revenge and is capable of using tactics to block others during school commutes, his actions cannot be classified as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Legal Responsibility in Cases of Assault by Mentally Ill Individuals
Can Happiness Cure Mental Health Issues? Exploring Medication vs. Positive Mindset
excuse me? Hello, Doctor: In today's society, there are many psychological issues. I often see various problems on television, and I would like to ask whether general psychological disorders can be fundamentally treated with medication or if maintaining a happy mood and stay...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, finding the correct solution to a problem indeed requires starting from the causes that lead to it. Mental illnesses or broadly defined psychological issues are not caused by a single factor. In simple terms, there are three levels of causes to consider: 1. Genetic predisp...[Read More] Can Happiness Cure Mental Health Issues? Exploring Medication vs. Positive Mindset
Signs She Needs Psychiatric Help: How to Encourage a Visit to the Doctor
Does she need to see a doctor? How should I take her there? From April 28 to June 7, I worked at a relative's house. I described these past two months as the most painful days of my life. On June 7, I had no issues during the day, but at night, I started sitting alone and cr...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Based on what you described, the patient may be suffering from severe depression. However, a face-to-face consultation with a specialist is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. If the patient exhibits hallucinations or self-harming ...[Read More] Signs She Needs Psychiatric Help: How to Encourage a Visit to the Doctor
Understanding and Addressing Paranoia in Aging Parents: A Family's Struggle
The father is suspected to have a delusional disorder? Hello, Doctor. My father is about 60 years old and has been experiencing delusional mental health issues for the past ten years (possibly even longer). Initially, he believed that someone wanted to kill him, and later he deve...
Dr. Fan Tingwei Reply:
Hello Kila: From your description, it seems that your father may have a mental disorder and needs medical treatment. To confirm the diagnosis, he must be evaluated by a physician in person. However, the challenge you are facing is how to get your father to seek medical care, whic...[Read More] Understanding and Addressing Paranoia in Aging Parents: A Family's Struggle
Addressing Dependence on Stinose: A Guide for Families
The issue of addiction to Stinose sleeping pills! Hello Doctor: My mother has long-term insomnia issues and is very dependent on Stynox. The dosage has been increasing, and when she doesn't take it, she becomes noisy and agitated. In the past six months, she has even been ta...
Dr. Wu Peijun Reply:
Thank you for your letter. I believe that you and your family have had a difficult time over the past six months due to this issue. Insomnia is a common problem in modern society, and there are many causes for it. Typically, identifying the underlying cause is necessary for effec...[Read More] Addressing Dependence on Stinose: A Guide for Families
Overcoming Claustrophobia: Seeking Help and Understanding Treatment Options
Claustrophobia Hello, today I visited the municipal hospital primarily due to experiencing symptoms of claustrophobia over the past five years. I feel anxious in situations such as tunnels, crowded subways, elevators, and airplanes. Next month, I need to fly internationally to mu...
Dr. Lin Junyuan Reply:
Hello, agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. While it may not lead to crises or cognitive decline like some severe mental illnesses, chronic cases can still affect work efficiency, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. In our outpatient clinic, we have cases...[Read More] Overcoming Claustrophobia: Seeking Help and Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Affective Schizophrenia: Genetics, Heredity, and Environmental Factors
Affective schizophrenia: genetics? Heredity? Hello, Dr. Yu. I would like to ask if affective schizophrenia is related to genetics and whether it can be inherited by children. Also, why have I been diagnosed with different conditions at different times? The first time, at age 21, ...
Dr. Yu Fengyu Reply:
Hello, Ya-Ya (I apologize for making you wait a few days as I've been quite busy lately). Regarding mental illnesses, the most widely accepted theory at present is the "biopsychosocial model." This means that the physiological conditions of the body, including neur...[Read More] Understanding Affective Schizophrenia: Genetics, Heredity, and Environmental Factors
Understanding Hereditary Mental Illness: A Guide for Families
Hereditary mental disorders Hello Doctor, my name is Cai Ming-Shu-Fang. I have a question to ask you. I have a younger brother named Cai Lin-Neng, and his mental health has been poor for the past few years. His mood swings are very severe, and when he feels down, he often says he...
Dr. Zhan Hongyu Reply:
Hello, from your letter, it is clear that you are very concerned about your brother. Aside from the use of medication, it is difficult to determine from your letter whether he is experiencing any psychiatric symptoms. If you would like to understand your brother's current me...[Read More] Understanding Hereditary Mental Illness: A Guide for Families
Addressing Medication Noncompliance in Mental Health: Urgent Steps to Take
Not taking psychiatric medication on time? My uncle has been exhibiting abnormal behavior recently. He had previously displayed violent behavior and was involuntarily hospitalized. A few days ago, when I visited his home, I noticed that he seemed to have stopped taking his medica...
Dr. Zhou Sunyuan Reply:
According to current mental health regulations, if a person with a severe mental illness poses a risk of self-harm or harm to others but refuses treatment, a petition for involuntary treatment can be submitted. This petition will be reviewed by local review committees, and if app...[Read More] Addressing Medication Noncompliance in Mental Health: Urgent Steps to Take
Severe Headaches in Schizophrenia: Causes and Solutions
Severe headache associated with mental illness? Doctor: Hello. 1. I have been suffering from schizophrenia for many years and currently take one tablet of Sulpride, one tablet of Clonazepam, and one tablet of Rifampicin daily. However, I am experiencing severe headaches and feel ...
Dr. Wu Peijun Reply:
Hello! 1. There are many causes of headaches, and it is not possible to determine the cause based on the information you provided. I recommend that you consult your regular psychiatrist, who can evaluate the cause of your headache and provide appropriate further management. 2. Re...[Read More] Severe Headaches in Schizophrenia: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Mental Health: Common Questions About Psychiatric Conditions
Psychiatric Medical Record Hello, doctor. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Does having a psychiatric history automatically classify someone as having a mental illness? 2. If I forget what I have read all at once, could it be due to brain hypoxia, aging, or brain ...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Greetings. Question 1: Mental disorders include insomnia, headaches, psychosomatic disorders, adjustment disorders, somatoform disorders, depression, and personality disorders, ...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health: Common Questions About Psychiatric Conditions
Understanding Medication Effects: Prozac and Abilify in Mental Health Treatment
Medication usage Dr. Su: Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I have been taking Prozac 20mg in the morning for about 4 years and Abilify 5mg at bedtime (10:30 PM) for about 1 year, and I am still continuing these medications. I would like to ask: 1. In ...
Dr. Su Zongwei Reply:
The medication has been taken for 4 years and 1 year, respectively. The lack of motivation is not significantly related to the medication; rather, it is more associated with the mental illness itself. Weight gain or edema should first be investigated for other underlying causes, ...[Read More] Understanding Medication Effects: Prozac and Abilify in Mental Health Treatment