Over the past decade, the number of mental disorder cases has been increasing drastically. Some of the common mental disorders registered include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and alcohol abuse disorder. According to research conducted by the Singapore Mental Health Study, 13.9 per cent of Singaporeans and permanent residents have experienced given anxiety, mood or alcohol abuse disorder in their lifetime.

What are the major mental disorders in Singapore?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This is by far one of the most common mental disorder in Singapore. OCD is an anxiety disorder that causes extreme discomfort. Anyone suffering from OCD always tends to struggle with persistent and recurrent impulses, images and thoughts that are unwanted. According to the findings from nationwide research that was spearheaded by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), 1 in 28 people has been affected by this disorder in their lifetime. OCD is common among younger people aged 18 to 34.

Imagine a situation whereby you have some unwanted ideas or urges stuck to your mind but you can’t stop them. These obsessive thoughts and urges can be distracting and disturbing. For instance, may find yourself double checking or triple checking whether the door is locked, the oven is turned off or whether the couch is properly arranged. This leads to the development of checking rituals and you’re never at ease before performing the rituals.

If either you or know someone who’s struggling with unwanted thoughts and urges, Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic is the place to go. Our team of clinicians comprise highly-qualified therapists and psychiatrists in Singapore who will not only guide you through the Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) but also support you.

Alcohol abuse and dependence

Next on the list is yet another psychiatric disorder that is chronic in nature and multifactorial in aetiology. Alcohol abuse disorder is basically a pattern of alcohol use that involves being preoccupied with alcohol, inability to control your drinking or continue drinking even when it causes problems.

“The per capita alcohol consumption in Singapore has nearly trebled from 2005 to 2015. It is estimated that at least 4.3 per cent of males and 0.8 per cent of females regularly drink alcohol, which is more than four times a week.”- Dr Reina Lim, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study found that 1 in 28 Singaporeans aged 18 and above suffered from alcohol abuse disorder. This research also revealed that more alcohol abuse sufferers are will to seek help for their problem.

Let’s face it! We may all be struggling with alcohol use disorder but the fact remains that everyone has different needs when it comes to treating alcohol use disorder. At Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic, we treat each patient as a unique case. What’s more, we have a safe space where patients with mental illness can learn to feel confident in their roles as important members of society. It’s not by chance that we are one of the more trusted mental health clinic in Singapore.

Depressive disorder

Kim Jonghyun, Yao Beina, Lee Hye-ryeon, Jeong Da-bin are just but a few celebrities who committed suicide. In Singapore alone, there are so many people who are struggling to cast off depression. Depression is a mood disorder that if left unchecked causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

It’s quite unfortunate that in 2017 alone, suicide accounted for 361 deaths here in Singapore. This was according to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS).

Depressive disorder knows no age, no wonder we have cases of young students, including those of primary school age contemplating or even attempting murder. If you’re wondering how that’s even possible then you’ll find this article useful.

It’s human nature to always want to win. Be it in sports, gambling or academics. Failure leads to depression. Many a time we end up pushing ourselves to limits and get depressed whenever we fail to achieve our expectations. Jeong Da-bin, a South Korean actress committed suicide over a lack of work. Still, we’ve had so many professional athletes who’ve struggled with depression and many more continue to deal with it.

Given the never-ending cases of depression, here at Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic, we are committed to delivering the holistic depression treatment in Singapore. Under the leadership of the experienced forensic psychiatrist, Dr John Bosco Lee, you’re rest assured to receive the best care administered using pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and clinical hypnosis.

What measures are being taken to combat mental health issues in Singapore?

Owing to the increasing number of mental health disorders, the Singapore Association for Mental Health has launched an initiative aimed at providing therapy through art.

In support of art therapy, global studies have described the positive impact of the arts on mental wellness. Use of visual arts has so far proven success among adults with mental health conditions. Art therapy reduces depression and anxiety while increasing self-respect and encouraging re-engagement with the rest of the world.

In addition to art therapy, we have therapy training especially for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and psychotic disorders. These include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and prolonged exposure therapy.

All these initiatives are aimed at ensuring that all the Singaporeans and permanent residents are mentally and emotionally healthy. As healthcare providers, we pride in offering specialized services to people with mental disorders. Whether it’s depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder or whatever mental illness that you could be dealing with, you don’t have to suffer alone, we’re here for you!

Article by Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic