Can Sudden Stress Trigger Schizophrenia in a Healthy Individual?
Is it possible for schizophrenia to occur suddenly and without any apparent reason? This matter has weighed heavily on my heart for many years. A close colleague of mine developed schizophrenia due to work-related issues. Although we worked in different departments, we collaborat...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding your question about whether work-related stress leads to schizophrenia or if schizophrenia manifests due to stress, it seems challenging to establish a clear causal relationship between the two. Both conditions can be observe...[Read More] Can Sudden Stress Trigger Schizophrenia in a Healthy Individual?
Am I Sick? Understanding Mental Health and Self-Worth Issues
Not sure if there is something wrong with the heart? Hello, doctor: I am in my 30s, and unlike my siblings, I don't have a strong desire to earn money or start a family. I feel that having enough money is sufficient for me, and I value my freedom over romantic relationships....
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: Everyone has different personalities and pursuits. Family reminders usually stem from concern and worry, and conversations among family members often lack embellishment but are mostly rooted in love. If work is also not going well at this time, it is easy to feel frustrate...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Mental Health and Self-Worth Issues
Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness
Health anxiety is very severe? Hello, doctor. I don't know when it started, but it seems that during my time waiting to enter university, I became more anxious than usual. I have always been prone to overthinking, and now it's worse. 1. Sometimes, when I see news repo...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear CC, First of all, based on your age and the symptoms you've described, the risk of cancer is quite low, so there's no need to worry too much. However, the key issue is that anxiety symptoms sometimes cannot be alleviated by rational thinking alone; you may find y...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: Coping with Fear of Illness
Am I Sick? Understanding Anxiety and Social Struggles in Adolescents
Are you feeling unwell? I feel so exhausted. I can't understand why others don't feel this way, but I do. I hate socializing; it drains so much of my energy. I'm afraid that others won't like or accept me, but it's impossible to avoid social interactions ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Sandy, It sounds like these situations are quite distressing for you. The rational part of you and your family may think that it’s not a big deal and that you are overthinking it, but the emotional part of you struggles to ignore it. Often, this is due to the areas of the ...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Anxiety and Social Struggles in Adolescents
Am I Gay? Understanding Sexual Orientation and OCD Concerns
Am I gay? Hello, doctor. I am a 24-year-old male and have been in a long-term relationship with my girlfriend. I really want to continue with her, but recently I've been feeling uncertain about my sexual orientation. I came across the term "sexual orientation OCD" ...
Dr. Wang Yazhen Reply:
Hello: In psychiatric diagnosis, the presence of "physiological responses to a specific gender" is not used to determine whether an individual has "gender dysphoria." Sexual physiological responses can be triggered through various pathways and are not directly...[Read More] Am I Gay? Understanding Sexual Orientation and OCD Concerns
Navigating Life with Emotional Disorders: A Personal Journey
I'm not sure how to move forward? Hello, I have been diagnosed with affective psychosis by a psychiatrist since I was 20 years old, and I have been receiving psychiatric treatment ever since. My condition has worsened significantly due to various reasons. From the age of 20 ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello Mr. Kuo, it sounds like you have many sources of stress in your life, and the impact of interpersonal relationships often affects your mood. In addition to medication, I recommend discussing the possibility of arranging psychological therapy with your physician. It's g...[Read More] Navigating Life with Emotional Disorders: A Personal Journey
Managing Bipolar Disorder Episodes: Medication, Recovery, and Duration
Bipolar disorder episode Hello, doctor. Question 1: Can medication control the onset of bipolar disorder? If not, what should be done? Question 2: Will it get better on its own without medication? Question 3: How long does an episode typically last?
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are many medication options available for bipolar disorder, and most patients experience improvement after starting treatment. 2. Not taking medication can prolong the course of depression and mania; for example, during a manic episode, medication may l...[Read More] Managing Bipolar Disorder Episodes: Medication, Recovery, and Duration
Managing Bipolar Disorder Episodes: Medication, Recovery, and Duration
Bipolar disorder episode Hello, doctor. Question 1: Can medication control bipolar disorder during an episode? If not, what should be done? Question 2: Will it resolve on its own without medication? Question 3: How long does an episode typically last?
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are many medication options available for bipolar disorder, and most cases show improvement after treatment. 2. Not taking medication can prolong the course of depression and mania; for instance, during a manic episode, medication may lead to improvemen...[Read More] Managing Bipolar Disorder Episodes: Medication, Recovery, and Duration
Am I Just Overthinking or Do I Have Social Anxiety?
Is it agoraphobia or am I just overthinking? Hello, doctor. As the topic suggests, I would like to know if I have a condition (like agoraphobia) or if I'm just overthinking things. I consider myself to be quite outgoing once I get familiar with people, but when it comes to u...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Yu Wei, Social anxiety and fear are common issues among adolescents. It’s clear that you have the desire to connect deeply with others, but it’s understandable to feel nervous before getting to know someone well. I recommend that you seek an evaluation from a mental health...[Read More] Am I Just Overthinking or Do I Have Social Anxiety?
Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Am I Just Sensitive or Is There More?
Am I really overly sensitive, or am I just pretending? Or do I have a problem? I’ve been feeling really confused lately about my emotions; I don’t know if I’m sad or happy. My mood swings so quickly that when I return to my room, I either cry for two or three hours or feel comple...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: Your decision to write this letter indicates a desire for change within you. The past is behind us, and every moment can be a new beginning. I suggest that you write down your feelings honestly, just as you did in this letter. Remind yourself to stop engaging in behaviors ...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Am I Just Sensitive or Is There More?
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Are You Experiencing General Anxiety or Something More?
Is this generalized anxiety disorder or simply anxiety disorder? I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's really important to talk to someone who can help you, such as a mental health professional.
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, I apologize for the delay in responding to your letter, as I have been busy with the COVID-19 prevention efforts. I sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused. Based on your detailed description, it is clear that you have been experiencing long-term ...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Are You Experiencing General Anxiety or Something More?
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Strategies for Better Communication
Social Anxiety Disorder I am afraid to communicate with others and only speak when necessary. Currently, I am receiving treatment at a clinic because it is more affordable. Since I tend to be reclusive and withdrawn, I mostly stay at home. The doctor is aware that I don't ha...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello, I recall responding to your question. I suggest that your issue may require pharmacological treatment combined with formal psychotherapy (typically once a week for a fixed duration of fifty minutes per session). I recommend discussing the possibility of arranging sessions ...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Strategies for Better Communication
Understanding and Managing Psychotic Disorders: A Personal Journey
Affective Disorder I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but I feel very unhappy every day. I experience auditory hallucinations where I hear people cursing at me, and I can barely tolerate it because it’s so loud. I have had sleep issues since childhood. I am currently a sen...
Dr. Tian Xinqiao Reply:
Hello, dear user: Thank you for your message. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience similar concerns, worrying about their condition and how others perceive them. The treatment of psychiatric symptoms can indeed affect one's work performance and social interactions...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Psychotic Disorders: A Personal Journey
Should You Consider Therapy for Anxiety After Medication Treatment?
Should I see a therapist for anxiety disorder? Hello, doctor. I used to work for a Japanese company where I had no freedom and little sleep, and my supervisor was very neurotic. I was overworked every day, and due to excessive effort and lack of sleep, I developed anxiety disorde...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear yorusora, it sounds like interpersonal interactions and work stress are some challenges you're facing. In fact, psychotherapy is a process that helps you gain a better understanding of yourself. Many times, we are aware of our conscious thoughts, but we may not notice o...[Read More] Should You Consider Therapy for Anxiety After Medication Treatment?
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Finding Your Voice After 20 Years
Fear of meeting people? I have rarely spoken since middle school, and now, over 20 years later, when someone talks to me, I feel anxious and uncomfortable. My parents are aware of my introverted nature and lack of friends, so they do not expect me to settle down or have a career....
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear A, thank you for your question. Regarding interpersonal relationships, this is indeed a profound inquiry. I'm not sure what factors contribute to your hesitance in initiating conversations with others. Often, a person's behavior can be influenced by both surface-le...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Finding Your Voice After 20 Years
Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Navigating Work Stress and Mental Health
Adjustment Disorder Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old. Let me briefly explain my situation... Since childhood, I have always had difficulty adapting to new environments. During my school years, I was mostly able to adjust over time. I just started my first job after graduating, and...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Michael, thank you for your question. Regarding your issue, it currently does not appear to be a mental illness, but it would be advisable to seek further evaluation from a psychiatrist for confirmation. It seems that work-related stress is clearly causing you distress, and ...[Read More] Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Navigating Work Stress and Mental Health
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Navigating Inner Voices and Control
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by some personality issues. Since childhood, I have heard voices of other people in my head, but I used to think it was normal, so I ignored it. However, this situation has continued to bother me, and now I ...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Generally speaking, dissociative identity disorder is more common in the medical field (dissociation occurs as a response to stress), while classic multiple personality disorder is relatively rare. Both dissociative identity disorder and multip...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Navigating Inner Voices and Control
Understanding Lip Picking: OCD or Anxiety Disorder?
Is this obsessive-compulsive disorder, or is it caused by anxiety? Hello, doctor. I am a senior student. For the past three years, my family has been constantly reminding me not to pick at my lips, but I don't know why I can't control it. In my memory, I started pulling...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Dear Joseph, thank you for your question. I can tell that this situation is causing you a lot of distress. Many people exhibit repetitive behaviors to alleviate anxiety, such as leg shaking, nail-biting, or skin picking. Some individuals can regulate the frequency of these behavi...[Read More] Understanding Lip Picking: OCD or Anxiety Disorder?
Understanding Internet Addiction: Emotional Struggles and Treatment Options
Prolonged internet use Hello, doctor. Here is my situation. I clearly remember during my senior year of high school, due to a poor family atmosphere and the pressure of college entrance exams, I would sneak onto the computer to play games until one or two in the morning while my ...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello Tina: Based on your description, it seems you are concerned about the possibility of internet addiction or depression. 1. Research indicates that individuals with internet addiction tend to have higher levels of depression. (1) Some people develop emotional issues after exp...[Read More] Understanding Internet Addiction: Emotional Struggles and Treatment Options
Navigating Mental Health: Is a Low Dose of Medication Enough?
The heart always feels heavy? I would like to ask the doctor if taking half a 10mg Escitalopram daily is considered a low dosage? I still feel conflicted about whether I will have to take medication for life or if I should gradually reduce it to a quarter daily and aim to stop al...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Soul: Your feelings are shared by many patients—wondering if they will have to take medication for a lifetime. Generally speaking, many psychiatric medications can be gradually reduced as one ages. On the other hand, with advancements in medical treatment, it is possible t...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health: Is a Low Dose of Medication Enough?