State of Mental Health in Singapore

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the state of mental health in Singapore; and (b) whether the Ministry will conduct a comprehensive national study of the state of mental health encompassing the study of mental illnesses and the study of the social perception, stigmatisation and consequences of mental illness.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: In 2010, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) conducted the first Singapore Mental Health Study which concluded that 9.3% of Singapore Residents would have at least one mood 5 or anxiety disorder at some point of their adult lifetime. Among the illnesses assessed, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) were the most common mental health conditions in Singapore. MDD affected one in 17 Singapore Residents and OCD affected one in 33 Singapore Residents at some point in their lifetimes. The second Singapore Mental Health Study is currently underway. It will inform us how the mental health landscape has changed in the years since the first study and provide insights into other conditions such as schizophrenia and sleep disorders.

In addition, IMH has also conducted the Mental Health Literacy Study, which was completed in 2016. The study focused on social perceptions and stigmatisation of mental illness. The study suggested considerable stigma towards individuals with mental health conditions, which could hinder such individuals from seeking treatment.

Government agencies, healthcare providers and community partners have been working together on efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health conditions and encourage help-seeking. For example, the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) is embarking on a multi-year public education campaign to promote a more inclusive society for persons with mental health conditions. The enhanced Community Mental Health Masterplan announced in 2017 is being implemented to strengthen community-based care for persons with mental health conditions. These included initiatives to better outreach to individuals suffering from mental health conditions for early treatment, and enhancement of mental health services in the primary care sector.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 21:

5 Mood disorders refer to conditions in which there may be elevated or depressed moods, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Dysthymia has less severe symptoms than MDD but may last longer. Bipolar disorder is characterised by mania which is an abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.