The publication of results of the annual General Scholastic Ability Test (學測) for college applicants could trigger neurotic depression in students, Guangdu Hospital division of psychiatry attending physician Chiu Pei-ning (邱姵寧) said.
Neurotic depression is a form of minor depression with symptoms that include insomnia, irritability, heart palpitations, diarrhea and withdrawal from family, and some people refuse to go to school or work in severe cases, Chiu said.
Chiu said neurotic depression is attributed to a combination of biochemical factors and personality.
Those who took the examination who have perfectionist tendencies and scored lower than their expectations could experience anxiety, agitation, a loss of confidence or interest, muscle tension, headaches and other symptoms that interfere with their ability to go about normal daily life, Chiu said.
Neurotic depressive episodes can have a duration of one or even two years, and prolonged severe stress can result in the secretion of hormones that are harmful to the brain, degrading memory functions, which could have further negative effects on academic performance, she said.
Students taking the next Advanced Subject Test can release stress by exercising for at least 30 minutes every day and talking with friends, Chiu said.
More importantly, people should maintain a positive mindset and have faith in the rewards of hard work, she added.
Parents should support their children by paying attention to changes in sleeping patterns and diet, and can supplement meals with fish oils and nuts, Chiu said.
Chiu called on parents to lower their expectations and replace “comparison” with “encouragement,” and to respect their children in their academic and career choices to promote healthy development and maintain positive familial dynamics.
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