Overcoming the Fear of Illness: Understanding Anxiety and Health Concerns
Excessive fear of illness? Hello, Dr. Ding. Yesterday, while walking on the street, I saw something that looked a bit like a sanitary pad with some reddish substance that resembled blood. I’m not sure if I stepped on it, but I’m very afraid that I might contract HIV, even though ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned in your inquiry, rational thinking cannot quell obsessive thoughts; the underlying causes are likely deeper issues. Factors such as physical constitution, personality traits, and life events all play a role. In facing such situations, if the symptoms are p...[Read More] Overcoming the Fear of Illness: Understanding Anxiety and Health Concerns
Understanding Compulsive Behaviors: Managing Obsessive Thoughts and Anxiety
Compulsive behavior Hello Doctor: I have noticed that I often become fixated on finding a specific document. For example, I suddenly feel the urge to locate information I have previously searched for, which leads me to spend a lot of time browsing the internet. This causes my eye...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned in your letter, these compulsive thoughts and behaviors do not diminish simply because we engage in them. This indicates that the topics we are forced to think about and act upon are not the core issue. The underlying obsession and sense of tension may be ...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Behaviors: Managing Obsessive Thoughts and Anxiety
Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts: Managing Anxiety and Fear of Illness
I hope to improve some thoughts? Hello Dr. Ding, I have been experiencing symptoms of obsessive thinking for about 7 to 8 years, with fluctuations in severity. In recent years, I have often worried about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. I feel anxious w...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, based on your experience, it seems that obsessive thoughts are indeed difficult to eliminate. If you have time during the winter break, it might be beneficial to visit a nearby hospital and seek a doctor's opinion. Generally speaking, counseling can be helpful for us,...[Read More] Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts: Managing Anxiety and Fear of Illness
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...[Read More] Understanding Co-occurring Depression and OCD: A Student's Journey
Overcoming Fear of Infection: Coping with Health Anxiety in Daily Life
I am very afraid of getting infected? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for being someone who is very afraid of getting sick. A few days ago, I visited the colorectal and anal clinic at a certain hospital. I asked my mom to hold my bag because the lid of the nearby trash can was open, a...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Fear of certain specific things is one of the most common psychological symptoms in humans, such as fear of the dark, fear of heights, or fear of snakes. The onset of fear typically occurs after witnessing or experiencing a frightening situation or object. However, it is interest...[Read More] Overcoming Fear of Infection: Coping with Health Anxiety in Daily Life
Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts About STIs: A Guide to Mental Health
Regarding obsessive thinking? Hello Doctor: I feel like I have been struggling with obsessive thoughts for many years. The things I worry about change at different stages, and now I find myself easily associating many situations with the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the content of obsessive thoughts is mostly mundane and consists of things that could happen in real life. Most people occasionally have these thoughts, but they can usually handle them more easily. The reason why these thoughts become persistent may be very deep and inter...[Read More] Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts About STIs: A Guide to Mental Health
Struggling with Overthinking: A High School Student's Mental Health Journey
I am a high school student, and in order to do things well, I can't control my thoughts? Hello, doctor. I am seeking help online because I am afraid to discuss my issues with my family. I found this website and hope to receive a response from a physician. I also hope you can...
Dr. Huang Weiqin Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Hello! Based on your description, it seems that you may be experiencing some obsessive thoughts and symptoms of depression. Both psychiatric medications and psychotherapy can be utilized to help improve your condition. I encourage you to visit our hospital or anot...[Read More] Struggling with Overthinking: A High School Student's Mental Health Journey
Effective Strategies to Manage Mild Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello! I would like to ask how to improve obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although it is not very severe, can OCD still affect a person's life? I feel more anxious than before; what methods can help improve this?
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes medication and psychotherapy. The onset of therapeutic effects may take several weeks to months, so patience is essential. Medication treatment should be taken daily as prescribed by a physician; otherwise, it ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Mild Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: Strategies for Mental Well-Being
How to address obsessive thinking? In high school, I would constantly ask people, "What did you just say?" or "What was that sentence you just mentioned?" I wanted to know every word clearly, even going so far as to say, "I'll pay for dinner if you t...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, actually the title of your question has already pointed out the essence of these issues, which are compulsive thoughts. Sometimes, they can stick to you like strong glue, and using various methods to combat them often proves futile. My suggestion is that once you determine...[Read More] Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: Strategies for Mental Well-Being
Overcoming OCD: Strategies to Manage Intrusive Thoughts and Anxiety
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Dear Dr. Ding, Thank you for your response! I am truly grateful! Recently, after using the restroom, I feel like I can't clean myself properly with toilet paper. Due to coughing, I have the sensation that I might accidentally ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello! There are several theories regarding the causes of compulsive thoughts or behaviors. How to address these issues depends on which theory we adopt. When psychological factors are involved, the origins of the problems are often related to certain life events or specific deve...[Read More] Overcoming OCD: Strategies to Manage Intrusive Thoughts and Anxiety
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: Why We Struggle to Control Negative Thinking
Why is it that rationally knowing a thought is harmful does not prevent the thought from arising? I am currently a fourth-year student, and I feel that I study very hard. However, I also feel a lot of pressure and am constantly tense in everything I do. I hope to achieve good gra...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello! First of all, I want to encourage you; you are a good person with a delicate mindset and the ability for self-reflection. The competitive mentality is something everyone experiences and is not pathological. The struggle between opposing thoughts is the source of our suffer...[Read More] Understanding Intrusive Thoughts: Why We Struggle to Control Negative Thinking
Overcoming Unusual Worries: Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Fear
People often worry about medical issues that they find strange? Hello Dr. Ding: I'm not sure if it's a personal issue or something else, but I often worry about things that I feel are quite strange, things that I believe most people wouldn't worry about or wouldn&#...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, paying attention to cleanliness and infectious diseases is a good habit. Being meticulous and thinking long-term are also excellent qualities. However, both extremes can lead to difficulties. Some issues are relatively straightforward to clarify and diagnose, such as hallu...[Read More] Overcoming Unusual Worries: Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Fear
Understanding Disturbing Thoughts: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues
Hello, doctor. Can you please tell me what is happening to me? I've recently been feeling very strange inside... I keep having thoughts of wanting to destroy everything... like the feeling of wanting to reset my computer... Recently, I've been exposed to too many news s...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned in your correspondence, it seems that you are currently experiencing obsessive thoughts. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often find themselves trapped in a cycle of meaningless an...[Read More] Understanding Disturbing Thoughts: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues
Understanding Compulsive Behaviors in Elderly Patients: A Family's Struggle
Always requiring others to perform the previous action? Hello Doctor: My father (63 years old, a teacher) has recently started exhibiting strange behaviors. He asks our family members to repeat previous actions (for example, if I walk past him and bend down to pick up a piece of ...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jin. Based on your description of your father's situation, there seems to be a possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, due to insufficient information, a definitive conclusion cannot be made. Regardless, if the obsessive thoughts and behavior...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Behaviors in Elderly Patients: A Family's Struggle
Understanding Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?
Thank you, Dr. Wang, for your assistance? Could I ask Dr. Wang again if my behavior of repeatedly checking things is due to my overly anxious or perfectionist personality? (This happens only for things I care about.) Moreover, it seems to occur only in certain specific situations...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Executive Yuan Health Department: I apologize if my previous response was misleading. The differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes many conditions (including obsessive-compuls...[Read More] Understanding Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?
Understanding OCD Symptoms: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Sleep Issues
The previous diagnosis from the physician was obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? My symptoms appeared suddenly. At the end of February, while trying to sleep in the early morning, I suddenly had intense self-harming thoughts (like wanting to gouge out my right eye...). For the ...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello Roy, It seems that you are experiencing quite a bit of stress! However, there is no need to worry too much about the side effects of medication. Currently prescribed antidepressants by psychiatrists have a high safety profile, with minimal side effects, making them suitabl...[Read More] Understanding OCD Symptoms: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts and Sleep Issues
Understanding Obsessive Thoughts: When Passion Turns into Concern
Thoughts It seems that you are experiencing feelings of envy or longing related to someone else's achievements, particularly in the context of sports competitions. This kind of emotional response is not classified as a disease, but rather as a common human experience. It may...
Dr. Duan Yongzhang Reply:
Hello! Having these thoughts or fantasies does not necessarily indicate a disorder, unless they occupy your mind all day and significantly impact your daily life, in which case it may be considered a disorder. If that is the case, please seek assistance from a psychiatric outpati...[Read More] Understanding Obsessive Thoughts: When Passion Turns into Concern
Is There a Connection Between Stress and Hives?
Is there a connection between stress and urticaria? I previously visited a psychiatrist and was prescribed medication, with a follow-up appointment scheduled in three weeks. However, over the past two weeks, I have been experiencing recurrent urticaria (hives). The dermatologist ...
Dr. Liu Guangqi Reply:
Is there a relationship between physical symptoms and stress? Strictly speaking, there definitely is, it's just a matter of how high the level is. You already have symptoms of self-imposed stress and have been seeing a psychiatrist, so you are certain that you are under stre...[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Stress and Hives?
Facing Nightmares: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
The nightmare has returned, please help me....? I am almost 50 years old and, like most people, I have been living under the pressures of work and family without giving it much thought. Recently, I never expected that the nightmares I had suppressed for two to three decades would...
Dr. Sun Xiaoru Reply:
Dear Mr. Lao Fang, From your description in the letter, it is clear that you are currently experiencing significant mental stress and emotional distress. I recommend that you seek a nearby psychiatrist for evaluation and assistance with your current situation. Based on your past...[Read More] Facing Nightmares: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Understanding Body Sensations: From Feet to Head and Mental Health
A sensation that travels from the soles of the feet to the top of the head? Since childhood, I have often experienced a sensation of numbness throughout my body. Sometimes, when I walk and my right foot steps on the edge of a brick, I feel a strong urge for my left foot to step o...
Dr. Chen Wenyu Reply:
Hello, Cicico: Everyone has some unique habits, and as long as they are not too extreme and do not significantly affect overall interpersonal, occupational, or social functioning, they can be overlooked. However, if they severely impact these areas, they may fall under "obse...[Read More] Understanding Body Sensations: From Feet to Head and Mental Health