Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Does this qualify as a mental illness? Hello, doctor. I have two personal issues I would like to seek help with. Thank you! The first issue is that I have been very shy since childhood. In kindergarten, I was unable to speak to my teachers or classmates, not even a single word,...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello Joyce, your anxiety and unpleasant experiences at home may be interconnected. Growing up under the negative influence of your father and sister has likely contributed to your lack of confidence and sense of security. It sounds like your family story is quite lengthy and the...[Read More] Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
How to Encourage a Family Member with Panic Disorder to Seek Help?
If a family member has panic disorder and is unwilling to seek medical attention, can a family member make an appointment on their behalf? My mother has had an autoimmune disease for many years. This year, after reducing her steroid medication, she began experiencing dizziness an...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, you can encourage her by saying that nowadays, many people with insomnia seek help from psychosomatic medicine specialists, just like how surgical procedures work: the more surgeries a doctor performs, the more skilled they become, leading to higher success rates and lower...[Read More] How to Encourage a Family Member with Panic Disorder to Seek Help?
Managing Panic Disorder Medications: A Guide for Families
Panic disorder medication - Anpanil (also known as Alprazolam)? I'm sorry to hear about your mother's situation. She has been diagnosed with panic disorder and is currently taking Silence (a sleep aid) at night and Anpaning (an anti-anxiety medication) during the day. H...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the prescription medications from the doctor are made with careful consideration, and it is best to follow the doctor's instructions for optimal results. Both of these medications are commonly used for anxiety and panic disorders. Taking an anxiolytic during the day c...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder Medications: A Guide for Families
Managing Anxiety and Panic: Concerns for Heart Patients on Medications
Anxiety and panic can lead to excessive rumination? I am a cardiovascular disease patient and had five coronary stents placed between 2008 and 2013. Two years ago, I began experiencing anxiety and panic, especially when traveling abroad or going far from home; I feel safer at hom...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: The medication mentioned in the text may be "Deanxit." If so, this drug is a combination medication that may be effective for treating anxiety, depending on whether it improves your condition after use. The side effects of the medication do not necessarily occur ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Panic: Concerns for Heart Patients on Medications
Managing Anxiety and Medication: Insights on Psychiatric Treatment
Issues with psychiatric medications Four months ago, I experienced an episode of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which led to severe anxiety and panic symptoms. Initially, it felt similar to hypochondria; I became worried about serious illnesses whenever I noticed new physi...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Based on your description regarding medication use, if the frequency of your anxiety symptoms is excessive, you may consider taking Xanax only during episodes of anxiety. If not, it is advisable to initially take the medication regularly for a short term. The dec...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Medication: Insights on Psychiatric Treatment
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Coping Strategies for Families
Struggling with anxiety disorder? Hello Dr. Zheng: My father has been suffering from anxiety disorder for over two years and currently has PSVT (Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia) and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). He is a heavy smoker. While my father was re...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Hello Ms. Liao: Based on your description, since your father has underlying conditions such as PSVT (Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia) and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), we should first rule out whether the episodes are related to these medical issues. If a ...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Coping Strategies for Families
Understanding Panic Disorder: Overcoming Fear and Disconnection
Neurocognitive abnormalities About a month ago, while I was riding the subway alone, I suddenly felt anxious and started sweating. Strangely, this had never happened before. Since that incident, I have developed a fear of going out, without any specific reason for my fear—just a ...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Dear Miss Bao Lian, You mentioned in your letter that you have been experiencing unexplained feelings of anxiety, such as nervousness and fear of going out, along with physical symptoms like sweating. Additionally, it seems that your anxiety is affecting your ability to think cl...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Overcoming Fear and Disconnection
Managing Anxiety Disorders: Strategies for Support and Treatment
How to deal with anxiety disorders? Hello Dr. Ding: My father has been suffering from anxiety for over two years. He used to go to the emergency room 2-3 times a week, but there was a period when it was under control. However, this week he went to the emergency room once and expe...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, your father's condition is very treatable in psychiatry. However, it is important to cooperate with the physician and not be too insistent on personal opinions. If he has been taking Zoloft daily for six months and has increased to three pills without improvement, swi...[Read More] Managing Anxiety Disorders: Strategies for Support and Treatment
How to Convince Family Members to Seek Mental Health Care
How to persuade family members to seek medical attention? My father (55 years old) has completed cancer treatment and is recovering well, but he seems to be filled with paranoid thoughts. For example, when I want to take him to the movies, he worries about a fire in the theater. ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, in this situation, seeing a doctor and taking medication is likely the better choice. With the physician's care and encouragement, some cases can improve quite quickly. I often hear family members say that if they had known earlier, they would have brought the patient...[Read More] How to Convince Family Members to Seek Mental Health Care
Overcoming Anxiety: A Student's Struggle with Fear and Uncertainty
I feel very scared and don't know what to do? Hello, doctor! I am a student, and I’m not sure if it’s due to the pressure of my studies, but I occasionally experience sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear at school without knowing why. This issue has been troubling me ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, anxiety and fear are actually very common and quite treatable. However, you may not feel this way because, like in your case, you haven't expressed it, and those around you, even your family, may not notice. You encounter many people daily, and while everyone seems ok...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety: A Student's Struggle with Fear and Uncertainty
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to See a Psychiatrist
Autonomic nervous system disorders? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask why autonomic nervous system dysfunction is treated by psychiatrists and not by neurologists? Can autonomic nervous system issues resolve on their own? Is medication absolutely necessary for treatment? Will aut...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
The autonomic nervous system refers to the part of the nervous system that cannot be easily controlled by conscious thought. Relaxation training and lifestyle adjustments can help stabilize the autonomic nervous system, which is why it is recommended to seek consultation with a p...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to See a Psychiatrist
Coping with Sudden Breakup: Navigating Emotional Turmoil and Healing
Emotional issues? Hello, doctor. I've been with my boyfriend for many years, but he suddenly said he wants to break up. He mentioned that he wants freedom, to be alone, and to apply for a job abroad. We have been together since college, and after starting work, we've be...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, first of all, I want to reassure you not to panic. Most people do not necessarily mean what they say or make decisions that they will stick to later. When your boyfriend says he wants to break up, it might just be something said in a moment of emotion or under certain circ...[Read More] Coping with Sudden Breakup: Navigating Emotional Turmoil and Healing
Struggling with Mental Health: A Caregiver's Plea for Help
I'm really tired? Hello Dr. Chiu, my husband is 79 years old and he is experiencing all the symptoms that fall within your area of expertise. He has daily outbursts and even becomes physically aggressive. I have a history of panic disorder, and I am struggling to work while ...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: The patient's condition may require a period of treatment. Since you have already seen a psychiatrist, please do not give up and continue with the appointments. If you are concerned about the side effects of the medication, you can inform the doctor to adjust the medi...[Read More] Struggling with Mental Health: A Caregiver's Plea for Help
Understanding Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Depression: Key Insights
Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Depression Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions, as my attending physician is in Taipei and I am studying in Chiayi. 1. Is social anxiety disorder considered a type of panic disorder? 2. Can panic disorder and depress...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello Mr. Gao, I apologize for not being an expert in this area. If you have seen my profile, I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and I am happy to answer your questions regarding autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral and emotional dis...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Depression: Key Insights
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Anxiety, Medication, and Health Impacts
Sleep disorders After several consecutive nights of not being able to sleep fully and only resting with closed eyes, I consulted a psychiatrist. The doctor diagnosed me with anxiety-induced sleep disorder and prescribed Lexapro, Remeron, and medication to alleviate anxiety, but t...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of insomnia, which are often manifestations of psychological stress or underlying health issues. Based on your age and the description of your problem, it seems you have not experienced significant insomnia over the past few decades. Therefore, you ca...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Anxiety, Medication, and Health Impacts
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Xanax and Celexa?
Zanax and Klonopin alcohol consumption? Due to social anxiety disorder, the doctor prescribed Xanax 0.5 mg to be taken once in the morning and once in the evening, totaling twice a day. Additionally, they prescribed Cymbalta 12.5 mg, also to be taken once in the morning and once ...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello Mr. Gao, it is indeed not advisable to suddenly discontinue Xanax after using it for more than six months, as this can lead to various uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. I recommend that you discuss with your physician about gradually tapering the dosage before stopping the...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Xanax and Celexa?
Can Xanax Alone Cure Panic Disorder? Exploring Treatment Options
Can taking only Xanax treat panic disorder? I have been taking Xanax 0.25 mg, 2 to 2.5 pills daily, previously taking 3 to 3.5 pills a day before tapering down. I have been on it for about a year, and the doctor I consulted told me that I could recover from my condition without t...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello Xiaomi, regarding your concerns about medication, generally speaking, we do not encourage patients to use Xanax long-term. It is typically used during the initial treatment phase, while transitioning to a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the later stages, along with behavior...[Read More] Can Xanax Alone Cure Panic Disorder? Exploring Treatment Options
Can Antidepressants Like Zoloft Help Anxiety from Panic Disorder?
Antidepressant medications? Antidepressant medications, such as Zoloft (sertraline) and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can indeed help alleviate anxiety symptoms associated with panic disorder. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin i...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. Your understanding of medication is actually quite good. Wishing you all the best. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Shuo-Yan.[Read More] Can Antidepressants Like Zoloft Help Anxiety from Panic Disorder?
Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort When Starting Zoloft?
Is it normal to experience discomfort during the initial phase of taking Zoloft? Dear Doctor, I am 22 weeks pregnant and have a history of panic disorder. I started taking the B-class medication Buspirone due to anxiety at week 20, taking four pills a day. However, it seems to ha...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the side effects of medications can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from our symptoms themselves. Zoloft may have the side effects you mentioned, but they are relatively rare. However, symptoms like cold sweats and palpitations are more likely to be manifestations of...[Read More] Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort When Starting Zoloft?
Managing Anxiety Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Medication Use During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy Dear Doctor: I am currently 22 weeks pregnant. I have a history of panic disorder and was treated for a year, after which I stabilized and stopped medication. However, I started experiencing anxiety and tension in the fourth...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
The use of medications during pregnancy indeed raises concerns for every expectant mother. The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) classifies the safety of medications for pregnant women into five categories: A, B, C, D, and X. Below are the classification standards for each ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers