Mindfulness and Meditation: Benefits and Risks for Mental Health
Mindfulness and meditation issues? Recently, mindfulness and meditation have gained popularity, with numerous clinical studies and scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving mental disorders, anxiety disorders, negative emotions such as anxiety and depression...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello everyone: Mindfulness and meditation will not lead to more severe mental health issues, so feel free to learn. Dr. Wu En-Liang.[Read More] Mindfulness and Meditation: Benefits and Risks for Mental Health
Understanding the Differences Between Functional Psychosis and Psychoneurosis
Functional psychosis, psychoneurosis? Hello, doctor. Could you please explain the difference between functional psychosis and neurosis? Which category does obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) fall under? I asked a doctor at the Veterans General Hospital, and they mentioned that n...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Functional psychosis is a term used in contrast to organic psychosis, indicating that the mental disorder is not caused by brain damage, such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder. This term is rarely used in modern contexts, so there is no need to worry. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Functional Psychosis and Psychoneurosis
Understanding the Switch from SSRI to SNRI for Panic Disorder Management
Panic disorder medication consultation Over ten years ago, I experienced a panic attack and have since been consistently taking SSRIs to manage it. Last year, I started experiencing intermittent panic and palpitations, and recently I consulted my doctor who suggested switching to...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello! Your question is very good. Although SNRIs theoretically increase the concentration of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by reducing its reuptake, their impact on the peripheral nervous system is not as significant as that on the brain. Regarding the heart, it may tempo...[Read More] Understanding the Switch from SSRI to SNRI for Panic Disorder Management
Understanding the Differences Between OCD and Anxiety Disorders
Is obsessive-compulsive disorder the same as anxiety disorder? I was previously diagnosed with anxiety disorder by a doctor. However, when I consulted another doctor and explained my issues, he said it was obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Could you please explain the differen...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chiu: In a broad sense, anxiety disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however, in more recent classifications, OCD is no longer categorized under anxiety disorders due to its uniqueness. Nevertheless, patients with OCD often also have comorbid anxiety d...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between OCD and Anxiety Disorders
Understanding Panic Disorder: When Physical Symptoms Signal Mental Health Issues
I have a lot of health issues and feel like I'm dying! Doctor: I have pain in both sides of my ribs, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and palpitations. I have undergone a 24-hour Holter monitor and have seen two different cardiologists and two different neurologists. T...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Hsin-Yi: Your various physical symptoms are very consistent with the manifestations of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. If you have seen many specialists and all tests have come back normal, I recommend that you seek treatment from a psychosomatic medicine specialist...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: When Physical Symptoms Signal Mental Health Issues
Understanding Panic Disorder Medications: Your Questions Answered
Medication Consultation (Panic Disorder Medications) Hello Doctor: At the beginning of the month, while chatting with friends, I suddenly felt weak all over and uncomfortable, and I started to have difficulty breathing as if I were having a heart attack. After about ten minutes o...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation and panic disorder. As for whether this is related to severe childhood abuse, a professional physician needs to make a personal diagnos...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder Medications: Your Questions Answered
Struggling to Sleep After Waking at 3 AM: Is It Autonomic Dysfunction?
Difficulty falling back asleep after waking up at 3 AM? Hello Doctor: A few years ago, I experienced symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction (not officially diagnosed), including panic, palpitations, a heavy heartbeat, and dizziness with a sensation of swaying. I consult...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Hong: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a general term and not a specific medical diagnosis. It can encompass a variety of conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, insomnia, arrhythmias, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others, or even n...[Read More] Struggling to Sleep After Waking at 3 AM: Is It Autonomic Dysfunction?
Managing OCD and Panic Disorder: Seeking Help and Treatment Options
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Obsessive Thoughts Hello Doctor, I have been suffering from panic disorder for 21 years and have become accustomed to panic attacks. I previously saw a doctor for a year and took Lexapro, and after improving with medication and exercise, I st...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: It is recommended to see a psychiatrist or a psychosomatic specialist. The new generation of antidepressants is unlikely to cause urinary difficulties. If you prefer non-pharmacological methods, you can ask your doctor for a referral to a clinical psychologist...[Read More] Managing OCD and Panic Disorder: Seeking Help and Treatment Options
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, anxiety, panic? Hello Doctor, in April of this year, after exercising, I suddenly felt dizzy, my heart was racing, and I experienced palpitations as if I was about to faint. I went to the emergency room where I underwent blood tests and an el...
Dr. Yu Quanxun Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and panic. The medications you are currently taking, Xanax, Cymbalta, and Lexapro, can help with these symptoms. I recommend that you continue to see a psychiatrist, maintain your medication ...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Managing Anxiety: Insights on Medication and Coexisting Health Issues
Medication consultation I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder for about 8 years. I took tricyclic antidepressants for a month and a half, but stopping the medication abruptly caused my anxiety to worsen. Later, I consulted a psychiatrist who prescribed me Eser (Es...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu: Anxiety disorders and panic disorders can indeed be triggered by certain physiological conditions, leading to secondary episodes. In medicine, the mind and body are inherently interconnected and can influence each other, which is why we refer to anxiety-related c...[Read More] Managing Anxiety: Insights on Medication and Coexisting Health Issues
Managing Anxiety Disorders: Insights on Medication and Coexisting Conditions
Medication consultation I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder for about 8 years. I took a tricyclic antidepressant for a month and a half, but stopping it abruptly caused my anxiety to worsen. I later switched to a psychiatrist who prescribed me ERA along with a h...
Dr. Wang Zhenyang Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu: Anxiety disorders and panic disorders can indeed be triggered by certain physiological conditions, leading to secondary episodes. In medicine, the mind and body are inherently interconnected and can influence each other, which is why we refer to anxiety-related c...[Read More] Managing Anxiety Disorders: Insights on Medication and Coexisting Conditions
Understanding Panic Disorder: Effects on Anxiety and Pregnancy
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? After developing panic disorder, I sometimes find myself constantly worrying, experiencing rapid heartbeats, and becoming easily anxious. I also fear being alone at home. I have been on serotonin medication for a yea...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to feelings of panic, fear, and tension. 1. Facing an uncertain future, psychosomatic disorders are common in modern individuals. This is a chronic condition that requires lon...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Effects on Anxiety and Pregnancy
Managing Panic Disorder: Navigating Withdrawal and Relapse Risks
Drug withdrawal, recent relapse? Hello Doctor: I have been taking medication for panic disorder and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder for 9 months (but I started to taper off the medication on my own in July of this year). As per usual, I was taking one "Luvox" aft...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: May I ask if, based on my situation, I still need to return to the original hospital for treatment? A: It is recommended that you seek treatment at a mental health facility, but it does not necessarily have to be the original hospital. Will the treatment need ...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder: Navigating Withdrawal and Relapse Risks
Managing Breath Awareness in Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Constantly monitor your breathing? Hello, doctor. I have seen you answer related questions, and recently I have started to pay close attention to my breathing. When I am still, about 50% of my focus is on it, and when I am watching TV or doing other activities, it is about 20%. I...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: You can practice some relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. If you find it difficult to learn these methods, you may ask your physician to arrange biofeedback training. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Managing Breath Awareness in Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Understanding Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Anxiety, panic, or autonomic nervous system dysregulation? Hello, doctor. From April to June, I experienced four episodes of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and rapid heartbeat, which led me to the emergency room. After examination, the doctor concluded that these symptoms ...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to the pressures of both anxiety and panic disorders. 1. Facing an uncertain future, anxiety disorders are common in modern society. This is a chronic condition that requires lo...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Sudden Fear: Is It Panic Disorder?
Feeling inexplicably fearful may be a symptom of panic disorder? Hello Doctor, I have been in a state of prolonged stress and feeling down. Recently, I've been trying not to dwell on it, which has helped a bit. However, yesterday when I went out with friends, even though the...
Dr. Zhang Gengjia Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to sudden onset stress. I would like to share my experiences regarding life management and coping with stress. Living in this world inevitably brings about feelings of inadequacy ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fear: Is It Panic Disorder?
Understanding Panic Disorder: Managing Anxiety Without Medication
Anxiety Panic Disorder Hello, Doctor. I would like to understand more about panic disorder. I have symptoms of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but for over ten years, I have been able to live my daily life without medication as long as I feel secure. Recently, due to s...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that you have a good understanding of the reasons behind your anxiety and know how to cope with it. If that's the case, medication may not be necessary for you. Generally, medication is considered when individuals find that their symptoms cannot be improve...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Managing Anxiety Without Medication
Understanding Anxiety and Heart Palpitations: Insights from a Mental Health Expert
Health anxiety, anxiety, rapid heartbeat? Hello Dr. Lin, thank you for your professional guidance. I hope to receive your assistance. Last year on March 11, I suddenly experienced a rapid heartbeat and went to the emergency room. Starting in May, I began to experience ventricular...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! Actually, human emotions and physiological responses are closely related. Sometimes, emotions come first, followed by physiological reactions; other times, physiological responses occur first, leading to the experience of emotions. For instance, in panic disorder, it is...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Heart Palpitations: Insights from a Mental Health Expert
Understanding Persistent Throat Pain: Is It Psychological or Physical?
Feeling fearful and uncomfortable every day? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body and pain in my throat and pharyngeal wall for the past four months, which has been getting progressively worse. Although I do not have difficulty swallowing, swallo...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, dear user: I understand that after seeing so many doctors and undergoing surgery, your issues remain unresolved, and that must be incredibly frustrating! You've already undergone numerous tests; will additional tests truly provide you with peace of mind? I believe the...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Pain: Is It Psychological or Physical?
Understanding the Side Effects of Pseudoephedrine in Anxiety Patients
Since the hospital started offering nasal inflammation medications containing pseudoephedrine..? Doctor, I would like to ask you something. At the beginning of May, I was diagnosed with sinusitis, and my physician prescribed medication, one of which contains a component called ps...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: If you are feeling this anxious and tense, it is certainly advisable to consult a psychiatrist (psychosomatic medicine). Dr. Wu En-liang.[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Pseudoephedrine in Anxiety Patients