Is Doxepin Safe to Use During Pregnancy? Expert Insights and Recommendations
Is it safe to take Doxepin during pregnancy? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 16 weeks pregnant. Before my pregnancy, I had been taking Doxepin 15 mg (one packet) and Escitalopram 5 mg (one tablet) for 2 to 3 years due to insomnia issues (difficulty falling asleep and light sleep). ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
1. Is there any relation to taking Doxepin for 3 to 5 days when I was unaware of my pregnancy? A: There is no relation. 2. After I found out I was pregnant, I experienced excessive sleepiness due to morning sickness and did not have any sleep issues, so I did not take any medic...[Read More] Is Doxepin Safe to Use During Pregnancy? Expert Insights and Recommendations
Understanding Childhood Auditory Hallucinations and Their Impact on Mental Health
Can someone experience auditory hallucinations as early as five years old? If one attributes everything to "that voice," is it a way of shirking responsibility? Hello: My daughter has been diagnosed with depression since 2018 after the death of her close friend; however...
Dr. Yan Congyou Reply:
Dear Ms. Li, The occurrence of hallucinations can affect individuals of any age and can have various underlying causes. In addition to mental health conditions, there may also be physical health issues involved. Your daughter's behavior, which is chaotic due to hallucinatio...[Read More] Understanding Childhood Auditory Hallucinations and Their Impact on Mental Health
Understanding Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Patient's Concern
Side effects of psychotropic medications? I have been seeing a psychiatrist for about a month now, and my diagnosis is "mixed anxiety and depressive disorder." Currently, I have follow-up appointments every two weeks, and almost every visit, my medication is adjusted du...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you mentioned, such as shortness of breath accompanied by hand spasms, do not seem to be related to medication. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Sleep Disturbances: When to Seek Help from a Specialist
Sleep disturbances Hello, doctor. I tend to be a person who can't sit still and don't often feel fatigued. I fall asleep immediately when my body runs out of energy, unlike others who feel tired and want to sleep for a while. However, I have very little sleep time, and ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. It seems that the quality of sleep is not very good, but it may not be necessary to seek medical attention immediately. I suggest you first look up some educational information on sleep hygiene and try some tips (such as taking a warm bath before bed or having a small suga...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances: When to Seek Help from a Specialist
How to Manage Intrusive Thoughts in OCD: Effective Strategies
Coping with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) When experiencing obsessive thoughts, it can be challenging to manage or stop them, especially when they cause significant distress. Here are some strategies that may help: 1. **Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques**: Practice mind...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Miss Lin: Obsessive thoughts can indeed be very bothersome, and it’s clear that you are struggling with them and trying hard to suppress them. However, when you attempt to suppress such thoughts, it often has the opposite effect. The more you focus on them, the greater thei...[Read More] How to Manage Intrusive Thoughts in OCD: Effective Strategies
Is Taking Lexapro on an Empty Stomach Less Effective for OCD?
Is it not advisable to take Lufud in a fasting state? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for over ten years. I am on medication, but when intrusive thoughts arise, I feel compelled to ask others for confirmation. If I don’t ask, I can’t ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: The efficacy of Lexapro is not affected by whether it is taken on an empty stomach. If you take 2 tablets of Lexapro and your symptoms do not show significant improvement after two weeks, it is advisable to discuss with your physician whether an increase in dosage is neces...[Read More] Is Taking Lexapro on an Empty Stomach Less Effective for OCD?
Managing Stress-Induced Nausea: Coping Strategies for Mental Health
Vomiting due to excessive stress? There have been many events at home, and several people have left. During the exam period, things did not go well, which caused a lot of stress (around August 13). Initially, I experienced vomiting, which lasted for about two to three days, and t...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, Jie: It is indeed possible to experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath when under stress. This is the body's way of signaling that we need to pay attention and take a break to allow for gradual recovery. However, if the discomfort persists...[Read More] Managing Stress-Induced Nausea: Coping Strategies for Mental Health
Struggling to Make Decisions: Understanding Your Mental Health Concerns
Difficulty in making decisions? Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I often find it difficult to make decisions, taking several days to come to a conclusion. During this indecisive period, I am unable to focus on classes or studying, and I can't set things aside to think. Additionally,...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for indecision. If this is a recent development, it's important to assess the significance of the issues at hand. If you find yourself hesitating over even minor matters, it may be related to your existing obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I sugges...[Read More] Struggling to Make Decisions: Understanding Your Mental Health Concerns
Is It Personality Issues or Depression/Bipolar Disorder? Understanding the Signs
Is it a personality issue, or is it depression/bipolar disorder? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend, according to his friends, used to be an outgoing and positive person, but in the past 2 to 3 years, he has developed symptoms of being overly sensitive, suspicious, and prone to irrationa...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, if this has been the case since childhood, it may be a personality issue. However, if it has developed in recent years, it could indicate an underlying health problem. There isn't a specific method to encourage him to see a doctor; it's important to communicate o...[Read More] Is It Personality Issues or Depression/Bipolar Disorder? Understanding the Signs
Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Symptoms and Self-Assessment Guide
Suspected Asperger's syndrome? Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding Asperger's syndrome, as I have encountered some interpersonal issues. After taking some online tests, I feel that I might have Asperger's syndrome or ADHD. Therefore, I would like to...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. Although I am not an expert in this condition, based on the text, I personally believe that this can be considered a personal trait as you have speculated, and it does not qualify as suspected Asperger's syndrome or a mental health issue. However, if this causes some ...[Read More] Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: Symptoms and Self-Assessment Guide
Understanding Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Adjustment Disorder: A Patient's Journey
Adjustment Disorder Hello, doctor. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for almost a year, and my diagnosis is mixed anxiety-depressive emotional adjustment disorder. Initially, I sought help due to relationship issues, and the doctor conducted interviews regarding this matter. Even...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Yue: Your willingness to write such a lengthy article to express your situation suggests that you have been accumulating a lot of pressure for a long time. I'm sorry to hear that! Your situation includes fear and distrust of others, a loss of direction and meaning in ...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Adjustment Disorder: A Patient's Journey
Struggling with Sleepiness and Work Challenges: A Psychiatric Perspective
Hypersomnia and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I previously left my job at Company A after three years due to difficulties in my relationship with my supervisor, my strong personal opinions, and other factors related to my work performance. This month, I started working at Compan...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello A-Jie: Regarding your first question, you may need to determine how long you need to sleep to feel rested. For instance, on days when you don't have to work, how long do you typically sleep until you wake up naturally? Based on the amount of sleep you require, you can ...[Read More] Struggling with Sleepiness and Work Challenges: A Psychiatric Perspective
Navigating Sexual Orientation and Social Anxiety: A Guide for Self-Discovery
Sexual orientation issues causing mild social anxiety? Since childhood, I have always gotten along better with girls, having few friends of the opposite sex and no experience in dating. I have liked looking at pictures of women with large breasts since I was young, but not freque...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, classmate: First, I want to clarify that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed by external factors; it will not change based on what you do or do not do, so you do not need to worry that your behavior will alter your original orientation. Additionally, since y...[Read More] Navigating Sexual Orientation and Social Anxiety: A Guide for Self-Discovery
Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
Regarding issues of emotional instability? Hello Dr. Tsai, I feel a bit shy asking this for the first time here. Recently, my emotions have been quite volatile and extreme; I get easily irritated and cry often. I frequently feel down over trivial matters and have the urge to hit ...
Dr. Cai Qijin Reply:
Hello: It sounds like the long-term pressure from interacting with family members is leading to significant emotional fluctuations, negative thoughts, and self-harming ideations. The closer the relationship, the more likely it is for both parties to hurt each other. Without oppor...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Instability: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
Understanding the Lack of Empathy in Psychiatry: A Patient's Perspective
Why is the attitude of psychiatrists like this? Here are my reflections on my interactions with psychiatrists, and I would like to share them with you and, if possible, receive some feedback. I feel that some psychiatrists lack appropriate empathy; they seem to believe that medic...
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Hello: We understand your concerns. Illness and individuals are complex, and communication is equally so. Both the medical profession and patient experiences deserve respect. The doctor-patient relationship is also an important factor in treatment. We recommend continuing to comm...[Read More] Understanding the Lack of Empathy in Psychiatry: A Patient's Perspective
Can You Start ADHD Medication After Turning 18 Without Prior Treatment?
Having been diagnosed with ADHD in the past but not having taken medication, is it true that I can no longer take medication after turning 18? When I was in middle school, I was taken by my parents for an evaluation due to a requirement from my school teachers. At that time, the ...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: If you continue to experience ADD symptoms in adulthood that cause difficulties in your daily life, you can still consult a physician for discussion and evaluation. There are several medications for attention deficit disorder, some of which have restrictions under health i...[Read More] Can You Start ADHD Medication After Turning 18 Without Prior Treatment?
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Gastrointestinal Issues
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite for two months. I have seen a doctor who suspected that exam stress caused autonomic nervous system dysfunction. I was prescribed gastrointestinal medication and anx...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. 1. It could be a simple gastrointestinal issue: If it is very bothersome, you should seek medical attention. 2. When experiencing stomach discomfort, it is occasionally acceptable to skip meals. There's no need to force yourself to eat, and it shouldn't cause har...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Impact, and Solutions
Social Anxiety Disorder Hello Doctor, I have had social anxiety since childhood, and I often experience the following issues: 1. I hesitate to greet people or speak too softly, so others can't hear me, which makes me feel rude. 2. I dislike social settings, which make me ver...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, (1) Could this be social anxiety disorder? I have taken related online tests and the results indicate moderate social anxiety disorder. A: It is possible that it is social anxiety disorder. (2) Should I see a doctor or seek psychological counseling? A: If it is very distre...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Impact, and Solutions
Understanding Compulsive Behaviors: What Could Be Wrong?
What illness do I have? Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The behaviors you mentioned, such as feeling the need to wash your hands multiple times after contact with strangers and cleaning ite...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu: May I ask what your reasons are for rubbing your body or objects? Do you feel dirty? How do you feel after rubbing? What happens if you don't rub? Additionally, when you talk to yourself and repeatedly insult others, what are you actually saying? Why do you fe...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Behaviors: What Could Be Wrong?
Understanding Your Mental Health: Navigating Anxiety and Hallucinations
I would like to inquire about the medical condition? I have already seen a psychiatrist. I tend to be overly nervous and anxious. Previously, I did not fully describe some things to the doctor. I only mentioned that I had fantasized about having "supernatural abilities"...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Liu: It seems that you are experiencing some symptoms suggestive of hallucinations and paranoid delusions, which may indicate that your condition is not solely anxiety disorder. I recommend that you inform your physician during your follow-up visit so that they can thor...[Read More] Understanding Your Mental Health: Navigating Anxiety and Hallucinations