Should I Seek Help? Understanding Emotional Distress and Its Symptoms
Unsure whether to seek medical attention? Hello, doctor. When I feel emotionally low, I experience a sensation as if my neck is being constricted by a rope, or I have a feeling of depersonalization (my neck feels cold). I'm not sure if this is a symptom of any condition. Thi...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello. The text reveals occasional disturbances caused by negative emotions. Regardless of whether it aligns with the symptoms of depression or anxiety disorders, improving your mental and physical health is the most important thing. It is recommended that you take the time to co...[Read More] Should I Seek Help? Understanding Emotional Distress and Its Symptoms
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?
Overcoming Psychological Trauma: Healing Your Mind and Emotions
Psychological trauma Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been troubled by the emotional scars from past psychological trauma, which continue to affect my current emotions and thoughts. This has severely impacted my daily life and routines. How can I prevent past injuries from binding my heart...
Dr. Cai Qijin Reply:
Hello, psychological trauma can severely impact daily life. It is important to assess whether the criteria for "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Acute Stress Disorder" are met. Sometimes the symptoms can be quite distressing and cannot be overcome by willpower a...[Read More] Overcoming Psychological Trauma: Healing Your Mind and Emotions
Managing Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges
Emotional dysregulation Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about emotional management issues. I used to be a very cheerful person and was happy every day. However, in the past few months, I've noticed that I easily get angry over small things and can stay upset for sever...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
You mentioned that you have been experiencing stress related to preparing for exams, but due to the pandemic, you have no other place to study and can only stay at home. Over the past few months, you have been easily angered, crying for no reason, hitting walls, throwing things, ...[Read More] Managing Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges
Understanding Anxiety and OCD: Seeking Help and Managing Symptoms
Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello Doctor, I have symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that started about 4-5 years ago, triggered by academic pressure during my junior year. This has led to significant anxiety and discomfort (gastrointestinal and ca...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: 1. Is medication the only treatment option? I've read that psychiatric medications need to be taken for a long time and can lead to dependence, so I've been hesitant to see a doctor. A: In addition to medication, psychological therapy and behavio...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and OCD: Seeking Help and Managing Symptoms
Managing Anxiety and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Treatment Insights
Anxiety, autonomic nervous system dysregulation? Hello, I was diagnosed with anxiety and autonomic nervous system disorder two months ago. I have been taking Lexapro at Tzu Chi Hospital in Taipei for two months without significant improvement. I have now switched to Mackay Memori...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Hao: It seems that your symptoms have improved significantly after taking Liyou and Anlifufu, which is a good thing. The lack of significant improvement with Lefutai indicates that this medication may not be suitable for you, which is quite common in clinical practice. Sin...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Treatment Insights
Understanding Compulsive Behavior: When to Seek Help for OCD Symptoms
Is it obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my symptoms warrant a visit to a psychiatrist. When I was 17, I was subjected to semi-coerced sexual activity, and later I learned that early sexual activity can lead to cervical cancer. Since then, I ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: It doesn't necessarily sound like obsessive-compulsive disorder; it seems more like health anxiety. Regardless, it is indeed causing you significant distress both mentally and physically. I strongly recommend that you seek help from a mental health faci...[Read More] Understanding Compulsive Behavior: When to Seek Help for OCD Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Is It Physical or Psychological?
I have what illness? Hello Doctor, I have a severe sensation of a foreign body and sharp pain in my oral cavity, throat, and pharyngeal wall, accompanied by unilateral tinnitus in my left ear for 24 hours. The base of my left tongue also experiences sharp pain. Whether I swallow ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: It seems that you are raising your child alone without any supportive relatives, which must be quite stressful for you. Based on your description, you have seen many doctors and undergone various tests, but no significant issues have been found. I believe your symp...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Is It Physical or Psychological?
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
Coping with Anxiety: Managing Worries About Health and Family Relationships
Frequently feeling anxious? When I was younger, I often had random thoughts, but as I grew up, this happened less frequently. However, I realized that I frequently worry about various things, which might be related to the current pandemic. I often worry about the possibility of b...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: It is recommended to visit a mental health facility to arrange for psychotherapy. After that, you can undergo therapy to learn emotional management techniques and better coping strategies for stress. Dr. Wu Enliang.[Read More] Coping with Anxiety: Managing Worries About Health and Family Relationships
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?
Feeling Dreamlike While Awake: Understanding a Disturbing Mental State
Suddenly feeling like you are dreaming while awake? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing episodes where I suddenly feel like I am dreaming while I am awake, and everything seems unreal. Before these episodes, I am fully awake, functioning normally, and responding app...
Dr. Yan Congyou Reply:
Hello ZZ: The feelings you described are indeed a type of psychosomatic symptom known as dissociative syndrome. However, there are many potential causes for such feelings, including stress, depression, anxiety, or any trauma that affects the mind and body. Therefore, it is advisa...[Read More] Feeling Dreamlike While Awake: Understanding a Disturbing Mental State
Overcoming Negative Thoughts: Do You Need Therapy or Just Medication?
Negative emotions and thoughts keep flooding my mind; psychological counseling? Hello Doctor, I have been subjected to slander, defamation, stalking, and entrapment by malicious individuals in the workplace. It's been over a year since I left that environment, but these nega...
Dr. Cai Qijin Reply:
Hello: Negative emotions and feelings of inferiority that persist after stressful events may need to be evaluated to determine if they have reached a pathological state. It is possible that psychological trauma could make medications for conditions such as major depressive disord...[Read More] Overcoming Negative Thoughts: Do You Need Therapy or Just Medication?
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: When Worry Becomes Overwhelming
Anxiety disorder / excessive worry Hello, doctor. I tend to overthink, worry, and get anxious easily, somewhat like a person who fears the worst. I once learned in class about rabies, which has a very high mortality rate and is almost always fatal. Since that day, my love for ani...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iHUOIaLSAbQowJjnNGH2uQ): In July 2013, a case of rabies infection was confirmed in a wild animal (the badger) in Taiwan. On July 18 of the same year, the Council of Ag...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Disorders: When Worry Becomes Overwhelming
Helping a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Addiction: Options and Strategies
Chronic alcoholism Hello, doctor. My younger brother has been hospitalized multiple times due to alcohol abuse, and recently we found out that he is drinking again. He claims he wants to quit on his own, but our family has noticed that he secretly buys alcohol and stays locked in...
Dr. Wu Menghuan Reply:
Hello: Substance addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder; the process of recovery is very lengthy and can generally be divided into several stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse. In the early stages of recovery, such as when ...[Read More] Helping a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Addiction: Options and Strategies
Overcoming the Need for Approval: Understanding Emotional Disconnect
Excessive craving for attention from others? Based on evaluations from teachers and classmates, my usual personality is described as lively and extroverted. When I am happy, I can feel joy, but it typically lasts only one to two seconds before I no longer experience any happy emo...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Xiao Chen: It seems that your sense of self-worth is based on others' recognition of you. To change this situation, in addition to encouraging and praising yourself daily, you should also make some adjustments in your interpersonal relationships. Try to show your authe...[Read More] Overcoming the Need for Approval: Understanding Emotional Disconnect
Understanding Chest Tightness and Anxiety: A Guide to Your Symptoms
Chest tightness, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, fatigue, and low mood? Hello, Doctor. About three weeks ago, I developed shingles and recovered after taking medication. However, I soon experienced chest tightness that lasted for about a week, along with persistent fat...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, netizen: I have already seen an internist who conducted an examination, and there were no significant findings. It is indeed necessary to consider anxiety, hypochondriasis, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It is recommended to seek medical attention from a psych...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Anxiety: A Guide to Your Symptoms
Do Antidepressants and Sedatives Cause Memory Issues and Lack of Focus?
Can taking medications (such as antidepressants or sedatives) cause side effects like sluggishness, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating? Hello Doctor: Recently, my work has not been going well, and I have been making more mistakes than before, which has caused me a lot of...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to document the mistakes made at work and learn from them, as this can often help avoid repeating the same errors. Regarding the medication, it is recommended to discuss it with your physician during your follow-up appointment. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Do Antidepressants and Sedatives Cause Memory Issues and Lack of Focus?
Managing Medication Side Effects: Memory Loss and Focus Issues in Psychiatry
Does taking medication always lead to problems such as poor memory, slow reaction times, and difficulty concentrating? Hello Doctor: Recently, work has been quite challenging, and I find myself making more mistakes than before, which has led to significant stress and feelings of ...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: Some individuals may experience fatigue or difficulty concentrating after taking Rivotril, Alprazolam, or Lozepam. However, abruptly discontinuing these medications can also lead to rebound anxiety or insomnia. A better approach is to discuss this with your physician durin...[Read More] Managing Medication Side Effects: Memory Loss and Focus Issues in Psychiatry
Can Health Anxiety Improve? Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder
Will hypochondria get better? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy story... Three years ago, when I was eight months pregnant, I suddenly started experiencing severe headaches that lasted until my child was two months old (a total of four months). It's not an exaggerat...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: You have been under so much stress these past few years; it must be tough! I wonder if your psychiatrist has suggested inpatient treatment? Or recommended psychotherapy, relaxation training, or rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy? In ...[Read More] Can Health Anxiety Improve? Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder