Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?
Do I need to see a psychiatrist? Hello, Doctor: I am a 17-year-old high school senior. I have seen online that there are some restrictions for minors seeking psychiatric care, and I want to avoid wasting medical resources, so I would like to consult online first. My situation is ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, student: Given your age, your sleep duration is a bit short. Ideally, it would be better to aim for over 8 hours of sleep, unless you feel refreshed and well-rested every morning, in which case you might need less sleep. Regarding your emotional state, it appears that you ...[Read More] Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?
Navigating Family Dynamics with a Mentally Ill Parent: Seeking Solutions
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Since birth, the mother has had poor mental health, but her condition is manageable if she takes her medication or receives injections on time. She has a strong personality and tends to be selfish, often speaking without a filter. I ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, if the injections are still unstable every month, it is indeed possible that the medication needs to be adjusted. It is advisable to discuss this further with her physician. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Navigating Family Dynamics with a Mentally Ill Parent: Seeking Solutions
Overwhelming Exam Pressure: When to Seek Help for Mental Health
Feeling overwhelmed by stress to the point of wanting to commit suicide? I am a student preparing for the exam this year, and when I see my unsatisfactory grades, I feel like crying. Whether it's a major or minor exam, I come home and avoid using my phone, but I constantly f...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xia: It seems that you are experiencing significant anxiety, irritability, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming behaviors. It must be very distressing for you to take over three hours to fall asleep each night. Lack of sleep not only affects your mood but also imp...[Read More] Overwhelming Exam Pressure: When to Seek Help for Mental Health
Signs You May Need Psychiatric Help: Sleep Issues, Appetite Loss, and Low Energy
Insomnia, loss of appetite, and decreased motivation for two days—how can I determine if I can manage this on my own, or should I schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist? I have tendencies towards depression, and for the past two days, I've been experiencing sleep distur...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ting Ting: It seems that you have occasionally experienced insomnia and loss of appetite in the past. I would like to know how frequently these issues occur. If they happen quite often, such as every few days or even once a week, I recommend seeking evaluation from a psychi...[Read More] Signs You May Need Psychiatric Help: Sleep Issues, Appetite Loss, and Low Energy
Understanding Anxiety: A 12-Year-Old's Struggle with Overthinking Health Issues
Is this considered an anxiety disorder? Hello, doctor. I am 12 years old. I have had a tendency to overthink since I was around 6 years old. For example, I can turn a simple cold into thoughts of various serious diseases. Now that I am older and have a smartphone, whenever I feel...
Dr. Wu Kunhong Reply:
It is highly recommended that you seek psychiatric care as soon as possible. Please trust a qualified professional to assess your condition and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure your mental and physical well-being. Wishing you all the best. Dr. Wu Kun-Hong[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: A 12-Year-Old's Struggle with Overthinking Health Issues
Understanding Potential Borderline Personality Disorder in Young Adults
I have discovered that I may have been struggling with borderline personality disorder all along? Hello Doctor, I am a 20-year-old college student who has been dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder since middle school and have been under psychiatric care and medication ever ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Meng: It seems that you easily oscillate between two extremes regarding others' opinions, which aligns with some characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, to be diagnosed with BPD, other criteria must also be met, including emotional inst...[Read More] Understanding Potential Borderline Personality Disorder in Young Adults
Understanding Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide
Schizophrenia / Anxiety Disorder / Dementia Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My mother exhibited symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and illusions earlier this year. After seeking medical attention, the doctor diagnosed her with schizophrenia. After over a mont...
Dr. Tang Jiahong Reply:
After middle age, if hallucinations or delusions occur, it is advisable to check the brain. Visiting a neurologist is a good option to see if any reversible issues can be identified and addressed. Tremors and slow movements can also be discussed with the neurologist to determine ...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide
How to Transition from Acute to Chronic Psychiatric Care in Taiwan
If I want to be admitted to a chronic psychiatric ward, what should I do? Hello, I would like to ask about my current situation. The hospital I am visiting only has an acute care unit, and I have been a frequent patient there, having been hospitalized 8 times for acute issues ove...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Da Ren: If you want to stay in a chronic care ward, you need to first visit a hospital that has a chronic care unit for an evaluation by a physician to determine if you are suitable for admission. As far as I know, in Taoyuan, there are psychiatric hospitals with chronic c...[Read More] How to Transition from Acute to Chronic Psychiatric Care in Taiwan
Understanding Health Anxiety: When Worrying Becomes a Concern
Constantly worrying about being ill? Hello, doctor. I'm unsure about my sleep condition. It takes me a while to fall asleep, I often dream, and I toss and turn, but I believe my sleep duration is sufficient. The time I spend in a hazy state of deep sleep is about six hours. ...
Dr. Yu Quanxun Reply:
Hello: It sounds like the situation you are experiencing is causing you anxiety, and I wonder if it is also affecting your daily life. It also seems that your previous experience in the emergency department did not meet your expectations, which may have left you feeling embarrass...[Read More] Understanding Health Anxiety: When Worrying Becomes a Concern
Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: A Student's Journey to Healing
My question? Hello, doctor: I am a student who dropped out after the third year of a five-year vocational program and am currently working at a convenience store. I previously suffered from mild depression and received psychological treatment. During my time at school, I felt low...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that changes in your work environment and interpersonal relationships are causing you stress. You mentioned that you are undergoing psychotherapy; I wonder if you have discussed these issues in your sessions? Also, how long have you been in therapy, and what be...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: A Student's Journey to Healing
Can Outpatient Referrals Lead to Admission at Rehabilitation Centers?
Can patients directly schedule an admission to the rehabilitation center at your hospital through outpatient services? I have been receiving treatment at the Tao Therapy Clinic for the past three months. Previously, I was hospitalized at Shin Kong, Chang Gung, and Songde for acut...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Our rehabilitation center is primarily managed by the social work department. You can start with an initial consultation at the outpatient clinic, where a physician will assess your condition. It is best to bring along your past medical records. After that, a social worker...[Read More] Can Outpatient Referrals Lead to Admission at Rehabilitation Centers?
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep: Is It Autonomic Dysfunction?
Experiencing a rapid heartbeat while sleeping? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. Last August, I went to the hospital for a cardiac examination and had an echocardiogram. I have been having blood tests every three months, and currently, there are no significant iss...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: It sounds like your heart is not in serious trouble. The possibility of experiencing a rapid heartbeat while sleeping may be related to your thyroid. I wonder if you have a history of hyperthyroidism? Did you experience similar symptoms when you had hyperthyroidis...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep: Is It Autonomic Dysfunction?
Should I Return to Psychiatric Care? Navigating Mental Health Challenges
I'm unsure whether to continue follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I grew up in an unhealthy family environment, experiencing long-term domestic violence, my mother’s depression and suicide, and during middle school, du...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: Depression is a treatable condition that is prone to relapse. It is advisable for you to seek a follow-up appointment promptly if you are experiencing signs of relapse. Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Should I Return to Psychiatric Care? Navigating Mental Health Challenges
Understanding Medication Refill Rules in Psychiatric Care: Key Considerations
Regulations on Duplicate Medication and Expiration Dates of Remaining Medications I am a graduate student from a private medical school in Kaohsiung and have previously stayed in an acute psychiatric ward for one day (which later exempted me from military service). I am currently...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Medications prescribed in the emergency department are not included in the calculation, but we still hope you won't waste the resources of the National Health Insurance emergency services, leaving them for those who truly need urgent medical care. If you are ...[Read More] Understanding Medication Refill Rules in Psychiatric Care: Key Considerations
Understanding Social Anxiety and Depression: When to Seek Help
Social Anxiety Disorder, Depressive Tendencies Hello, doctor. I have a question that has been troubling me for a long time. I tend to be overly concerned about how others perceive me, and I really dislike being the center of attention. When I walk down the street, I often look do...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! It seems that you may be experiencing social anxiety disorder, and you might also have symptoms of depression; however, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through an evaluation by a psychiatrist. Beyond the diagnosis, what is truly important is understanding the un...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety and Depression: When to Seek Help
Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Depression: A Teen's Struggle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Anxiety? Depression? Hello, doctor. Although this issue has only been troubling me for about six months, I sincerely feel distressed and hope you can offer some guidance. I used to consider myself quite brave—someone who, despite being introve...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! After hearing about all the uncomfortable experiences you've been through, I truly empathize with you. It must be really tough to endure so much discomfort while also preparing for this year's major exams. I believe the doctor diagnosed you with obsessive-comp...[Read More] Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Depression: A Teen's Struggle
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors: The Struggle with Cleanliness
The psychiatrist said this is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? 1. The issue of whether I clean myself properly after using the restroom has troubled me for several years. 2. I once consulted a psychiatrist about whether my behavior could be classified as obsessive-compulsive...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: It sounds like the issue with wiping has been a source of distress for you. This indeed goes beyond mere cleanliness and is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I wonder if you have ever taken antipsychotic medications in addition to antidepressants? For more ...[Read More] Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors: The Struggle with Cleanliness
Understanding Transference in Psychiatric Care: A Teen's Journey
Transference Hello, Doctor: I have been seeing a male physician regularly since the third year of junior high school due to bullying in school and family background issues. Now I am in the second year of high school and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I have week...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: I suggest considering a change of physician! It seems that this treatment relationship is bringing about negative emotions instead. Alternatively, you might need to incorporate psychotherapy alongside your treatment; discussing these feelings with your thera...[Read More] Understanding Transference in Psychiatric Care: A Teen's Journey
Seeking Help for a Loved One: Resources for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention
Self-harm and suicide? My girlfriend ran out after an argument and expressed suicidal thoughts. She was taken to Tucheng Hospital by the police. After I was contacted, I rushed there to bring her back. However, within three days, we had another argument, and she ran out again. No...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang: Thank you for your hard work! If your girlfriend shows any suicidal behavior, you can call the police to take her to the hospital. Request a psychiatric consultation in the emergency room to talk with her and understand her situation. Generally, individuals who e...[Read More] Seeking Help for a Loved One: Resources for Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention
Understanding Drug Interactions: Leeyo and Doxepin in Psychiatric Care
Leeyo and doxepin? Psychiatry: At bedtime, Leeyo (ESCITALOPRAM) 10mg*1 tablet, Eurodin 2mg*2 tablets, Zolpidem 10mg*2 tablets. Dermatology: At dinner, Doxepin 25mg*2 tablets; at bedtime, Doxepin 25mg*2 tablets; Lyrica 75mg*2 tablets (for severe pruritus). Metabolism: Metformi...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The psychiatric and dermatological medications you are using (Leeyo and doxepin) raise concerns about co-administration primarily due to both having sedative effects. Combining them may lead to excessive sedation and drowsiness, especially since you are also using medicati...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Leeyo and Doxepin in Psychiatric Care