Mental Health & Developmental Disorders In Singapore
Mental health is a national priority in Singapore. Learn more about conditions such as stress, anxiety, conflict and addiction management, and developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in Singapore, with our collection of informative articles and resources.
Mental Health Topics
Mental Health And Developmental Disorders Should Not Be Ignored.
Your mental health is important. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or addiction, or have a loved one facing developmental difficulties like autism or ADHD, you should seek the necessary professional assessment or assistance. Contact us to help set up an appointment.
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If you are looking to consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist in Singapore, you can consider our Preferred Doctors:
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Financials
MediSave: As of Aug 2024, MediSave can be used (under the Chronic Diseases Management Programme) for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
CPF Nominations: The Special Needs Savings Scheme enables a person to set aside CPF savings for the long-term care of a child with special needs. Under this scheme, a person can make a nomination for his/her children to receive monthly disbursements from your his/her savings upon his/her demise.
Check with CPF on the latest MediSave policies for the most accurate and updated information.
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FAQs
What is mental illness?
According to the Singapore Institute For Mental Health, a mental illness is a “disturbance of the mind that impairs the way we think, feel and behave. It affects our daily activities, as well as impact the lives of family members and friends.”
What are the most common types of mental illness / condition?
Mood and anxiety disorders are conditions that are the most common. It is estimated that around 1 in 7 Singaporeans experience a mood or anxiety disorder in their lifetimes.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors whereas psychologists are not. As medical doctors, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications; instead, they treat patients using psychotherapy.
Is psychotherapy a substitute for medication?
It depends on a case-by-case basis. Psychotherapy may sometimes be a sufficient treatment by itself. In other cases, it needs to be used in conjunction with medication.
When should I seek help for my child?
When parents notice symptoms of mental health issues in their child (e.g. severe worry or anxiety, hyperactivity, persistent nightmares, etc), they can try talking to the child first. Parents can also speak to the child’s teachers or other adults who are well familiar with the child. Professional assistance from psychiatrists or psychologists may be considered if these do not help.
Parents can also consult psychiatrists or psychologists if developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.
Additional Resources
- Financial Support and Subsidies | Agency For Integrated Care. Available from: https://www.aic.sg/caregiving/financial-support-and-subsidies-for-mental-health/
- What Is Mental Illness | Singapore Association For Mental Health. Available from: https://www.samhealth.org.sg/understanding-mental-health/what-is-mental-illness/
- What is autism | Autism Speaks. Available from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
- What is ADHD? | Phychiatry.org. Available from: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
- Internet and Gaming Addiction | National Addictions Management Service. Available from: https://www.nams.sg/helpseekers/internet-and-gaming/Pages/default.aspx
- Relationship and Marital Counselling | Singapore Counselling Centre. Available from: https://scc.sg/e/relationship-marital-counselling/