Am I Experiencing Anxiety Over College Applications?
Am I suffering from a mental illness? Hello, I recently submitted my application form, but I keep worrying that I filled it out incorrectly. I have double-checked it several times and asked others to review it as well, yet I still fear that I will not be accepted due to a mistake...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Andrew, It seems that you are quite anxious and uncertain. It appears that your past experiences of disappointment and failure have led to a lack of confidence in yourself and a distrust of those around you. Perhaps you are also feeling conflicted, wanting to believe in you...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Anxiety Over College Applications?
Understanding Your Sister's Silent Struggles: When to Seek Help
Not speaking for one to two weeks? Hello Doctor: My sister is twenty-seven years old this year. Since her adolescence, she has often gone for one to two weeks (sometimes even longer) without speaking for reasons unknown to us, but her mood returns to normal afterward. However, no...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Jackson, I am touched by your concern for your sister's mental and emotional well-being. Based solely on your description, I can only conclude that she may have a more introverted personality and fewer friends, but I cannot determine whether she has a mental illness. I...[Read More] Understanding Your Sister's Silent Struggles: When to Seek Help
How to Encourage Reluctant Patients to Seek Psychiatric Help?
What should be done if a patient is unwilling to seek medical care? Hello: A friend’s brother (who has completed military service) has no friends and is unwilling to communicate with family. Recently, he has exhibited increasingly severe verbal and behavioral violence, and even w...
Dr. Zhang Xuncheng Reply:
Dear Old Du, If your brother is exhibiting violent behavior, you can seek assistance from the local police to facilitate his transport to a medical facility. He should be taken to the emergency department of a nearby major hospital's psychiatry unit, where professionals can...[Read More] How to Encourage Reluctant Patients to Seek Psychiatric Help?
Understanding Paranoia: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Paranoid disorder I feel that my interpersonal relationships are not good... Now I feel like people on the street are talking about me... Is this paranoia? I don't really like to communicate with others... Should I see a doctor?
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Chihuahua: It seems that you feel that the people around you are treating you poorly, and you may feel some threats? Or do you think others are talking about you or discussing matters related to you, such as criticism, blame, or commands? This may cause you to become more wi...[Read More] Understanding Paranoia: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Urgent Guidance Needed for Troubling Teen Mental Health Issues
Urgent! I don't know how to handle this? Hello Dr. Zhang, I have a younger cousin who is going to be a sophomore this year. He has had sleep issues since middle school, often unable to sleep well at night or sometimes not at all. After entering high school, he frequently co...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Adolescent mental disorders often present with hallucinations and significant emotional symptoms, which can impact academic performance and social interactions. A comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment are often necessary. Pharmacotherapy is important and should be manage...[Read More] Urgent Guidance Needed for Troubling Teen Mental Health Issues
Overcoming Low Stress Tolerance: A Journey Through Depression and Recovery
My tolerance to pressure is too low? I am a patient with emotional-type depression, and my interpersonal relationships are not very good. Since I became ill in 1991, my work has been intermittent; I only had stable employment from 1993 to 1996, while other jobs were short-term. I...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello Michelle, it seems that your situation is a common issue among many individuals with mental health disorders. Generally, when people hear the term "mental illness," they tend to view it with a sense of stigma, both domestically and internationally, though it may b...[Read More] Overcoming Low Stress Tolerance: A Journey Through Depression and Recovery
Understanding Schizophrenia: Prescription, Disability Benefits, and Health Risks
Schizophrenia Can I ask my doctor to issue a chronic illness prescription if I have schizophrenia? Will my employer know if I apply for a disability handbook? How can I apply for disability benefits? Is long-term use of sleeping pills harmful to my health? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Guangpeng Reply:
Hello, Chen: Mental illness is indeed classified as a chronic condition and should meet the criteria for issuing chronic disease prescriptions. However, due to the patient's condition, or because certain medications in the prescription may have severe side effects or be pote...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Prescription, Disability Benefits, and Health Risks
Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Depression: Navigating Treatment Options
Depressive disorder with irritability? My current girlfriend has a history of depression and bipolar disorder, for which she was hospitalized for treatment. After being discharged, she has been on long-term medication for control. To my knowledge, she can only sleep peacefully af...
Dr. Zhou Sunyuan Reply:
In response to your question, I will address it from two aspects: First, the legal basis for involuntary hospitalization is established in the Mental Health Act. It stipulates that for individuals with severe mental illness who exhibit self-harming or violent behaviors, or are at...[Read More] Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Depression: Navigating Treatment Options
Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Your Partner
Do people with depression always need to seek medical treatment? My boyfriend is the same age as me; we are both high school freshmen. We started dating last April, but we don't talk much at school, possibly because I'm shy and don't dare to speak to him, even thou...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng Reply:
Hello, cat lover: Based on your description, it appears that your boyfriend has significant emotional issues, particularly characterized by emotional instability and impulsive self-harm (or even suicidal tendencies). From the symptoms you provided, I do not fully agree that he is...[Read More] Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Your Partner
Understanding Unusual Thoughts: A Guide for Families in Mental Health
Thank you? First of all, thank you, doctor, for your response. Last time, I wasn't speaking irrationally; what I meant to express is that my uncle usually behaves normally and does household chores. Occasionally, he helps out during religious activities, and he seems fine, n...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Amin: His thoughts are not based on reality, right? They are all his own inventions. Why does he think this way? Perhaps he saw that girl, and she glanced at him, leading him to delusionally believe that she wants to marry him. When he sees others winning the lottery, he th...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Thoughts: A Guide for Families in Mental Health
How to Help a Relative with Disturbing Delusions and Threats?
What should I do? Hello, I have a question I would like to consult. I have an uncle who has been exhibiting some unusual behavior since last year. He keeps saying that our family owes him money, or that we need to pay him respect, even though that is not true; he just makes thing...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Amin: Based on your description, your uncle is a "mental health patient," and the reasons for this will depend on future evaluations by a physician. First of all, do you believe he is not speaking "nonsensically"? This implies that your family indeed owe...[Read More] How to Help a Relative with Disturbing Delusions and Threats?
Understanding Emotional Instability: Is It a Personality Disorder?
It is unclear whether there are any signs of personality disorders? Dr. Chen: Hello, I often find myself unable to control my emotions and easily lose my temper during arguments with my boyfriend. I tend to say hurtful things, as if that is the only way to express my feelings. Ho...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yi. It is generally not easy to directly determine if someone has a personality disorder based solely on your letter. However, the emotional reactions you experience during conflicts with your boyfriend may not necessarily indicate abnormal behavior or a mental illnes...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Is It a Personality Disorder?
Managing Sleep Issues and Fatigue in Schizophrenia Patients
Hypersomnia, vivid dreams, and a history of schizophrenia? Since childhood, I have often slept for long hours and frequently caught colds and fell ill. I always felt like I didn't sleep well, experiencing fatigue and poor mental clarity. It wasn't until my twenties that...
Dr. Liu Junxian Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding your inquiry about "hypersomnia," here are the explanations and responses: 1. You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia for approximately 6-7 years and are currently undergoing pharmacological treatment. 2. "Hypersomnia" is a commo...[Read More] Managing Sleep Issues and Fatigue in Schizophrenia Patients
Understanding Delusional Disorder: Causes, Treatment, and Patient Care Strategies
Fantasy disorder 1. What are the causes of delusional disorder? Why does it occur? Is it possible for patients with delusional disorder to recover, or will they always need medication for management? 2. I need to understand this well because there is a family member with delusio...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
The issue you raised is actually a common concern for many families. The causes of delusions typically stem from drug use, physical factors, and certain mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or various age-related conditions that often present with delusional...[Read More] Understanding Delusional Disorder: Causes, Treatment, and Patient Care Strategies
Understanding the Differences Between Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder
What is the difference between schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder? Hello, doctor. What is the difference between schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder? Under what circumstances might one develop these conditions? What symptoms are associated with them? Th...
Dr. Tang Xinbei Reply:
Dear Xiaoyun, Schizophrenia is a group of disorders primarily characterized by disturbances in thought and perception, with multiple and complex etiologies. The onset typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, around the ages of eighteen to twenty-two. Patients oft...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder
Understanding Social Anxiety: A High School Student's Struggle
My head is in pain, and my heart is also suffering! Hello Dr. Chen: I am a high school freshman girl. I am very quiet at school and hardly ever speak. If someone tries to talk to me, I remain quiet and reserved. I actually have a fear of people and often think that I am not as go...
Dr. Chen Wenke Reply:
Hello Mengmeng: The fact that you have decided to write this email indicates that you want to make a change, which is a positive step. Sometimes, we constantly give ourselves many reasons not to try to change, fearing failure and worrying about being laughed at by others. However...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety: A High School Student's Struggle
Navigating Mental Health: Insights and Reflections on Psychiatric Care
Thank you very much for the doctor's advice, but I..? Dear Doctor, Thank you very much for your thoughtful response last time, but I would like to discuss further with you. Let me clarify: I do not consider the Taiwan e-Hospital as a free "Q&A" service. Regard...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng Reply:
Dear Xiao Jie, Thank you for your letter. I have some personal insights to share for your consideration: 1. Firstly, your generalized disdain for law enforcement personnel may be somewhat biased and unfair to the majority who are law-abiding and dedicated public servants. Addit...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health: Insights and Reflections on Psychiatric Care
Exploring Career Paths: From Detective Aspirations to Medicine
Talk to a physician? Dear Dr. Chen, 1. I understand that my life direction is determined by myself, but due to my interests and abilities, I enjoy reading detective novels and solving mysteries. Therefore, becoming a police officer would be ideal, but I am not tall enough; I am ...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng Reply:
Dear Xiao Jie, Regarding your first question, when doctors face patients' symptoms, they unravel the details and deduce a diagnosis, which is quite similar to the spirit of a detective solving a case. Forensic medicine is a rigorous scientific investigation, which aligns c...[Read More] Exploring Career Paths: From Detective Aspirations to Medicine
Understanding Mental Health Relapses: A Case of Depression or Schizophrenia?
Hello! My mother was hospitalized for mental illness 25 years ago. However, she has not had any relapses during those 25 years. Recently, she has experienced a relapse. The doctor has diagnosed her with depression, but..? Hello! My mother was hospitalized for mental illness 25 ye...
Dr. Lin Yanhong Reply:
Hello: It is evident that you are a dutiful child who is very concerned about your mother's condition. I cannot ascertain the exact nature of your mother's illness, so it is best to consult the physician who has previously treated her. Your father is a significant sourc...[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Relapses: A Case of Depression or Schizophrenia?
Understanding Emotional Disturbances: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Bipolar disorder? Delusions? Possession by evil spirits? Dear Doctor, Thank you very much for taking the time to read this lengthy letter amidst your busy schedule. I am at a loss as to what to do. My girlfriend of six years, who is now 24 years old, has always been a considerat...
Dr. Chen Guangpeng Reply:
Dear Phillips, Thank you for your detailed letter. It has provided a clear understanding of the changes your girlfriend is experiencing, as well as the concern, anxiety, and helplessness felt by those around her—a classic depiction of the struggles faced by individuals with ment...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Disturbances: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues