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Sep 14, 2009
Mental illness rate low
Mental illness in Singapore is generally lower or comparable to other developed countries, for example the rates for anxiety were 18.2 per cent in the United States, 12 per cent in France, 5.3 per cent in Japan, and 3.4 per cent in Singapore. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW
THE prevalence of mental illness in Singapore is generally lower or comparable to other developed countries, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
For example, the rates for anxiety were 18.2 per cent in the United States, 12 per cent in France, 5.3 per cent in Japan, and 3.4 per cent in Singapore.
As for depression, the prevalence rates were 9.6 per cent in the US, 8.5 per cent in France, 5.6 per cent in Singapore, and 3.1 per cent in Japan.
Mr Khaw gave these figures, based on the most recent global survey by the World Health Organisation, in his written reply to a question from Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng in Parliament.
He said some mental illnesses are more serious, such as schizophrenia, but they are less common. Information is also less readily available.
The life-time prevalence of schizophrenia is generally thought to be below 1 per cent in most countries. This is consistent with the estimate of 0.7 per cent here.
Mr Khaw said while schizophrenia is a serious illness, the majority of them are non-aggressive. With proper treatment and support, they can live meaningful and productive lives in the community.
The minister also provided the following breakdown of the profile of the outpatients treated in the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Profile of IMH outpatients (2008)
Gender
Female 15,089 (44%)
Male 18,607(55%)
Race
Chinese 26,826 (80%)
Malay 3,102 ( 9%)
Indian 2,409 ( 7%)
Others 1,360 ( 4%)
Age Group
Adult 23,949 (71%)
Child & Adolescents 5,683 (17%)
Geriatric 4,065 (12%)
Sep 14, 2009
Mental illness rate low
Mental illness in Singapore is generally lower or comparable to other developed countries, for example the rates for anxiety were 18.2 per cent in the United States, 12 per cent in France, 5.3 per cent in Japan, and 3.4 per cent in Singapore. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW
THE prevalence of mental illness in Singapore is generally lower or comparable to other developed countries, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
For example, the rates for anxiety were 18.2 per cent in the United States, 12 per cent in France, 5.3 per cent in Japan, and 3.4 per cent in Singapore.
As for depression, the prevalence rates were 9.6 per cent in the US, 8.5 per cent in France, 5.6 per cent in Singapore, and 3.1 per cent in Japan.
Mr Khaw gave these figures, based on the most recent global survey by the World Health Organisation, in his written reply to a question from Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng in Parliament.
He said some mental illnesses are more serious, such as schizophrenia, but they are less common. Information is also less readily available.
The life-time prevalence of schizophrenia is generally thought to be below 1 per cent in most countries. This is consistent with the estimate of 0.7 per cent here.
Mr Khaw said while schizophrenia is a serious illness, the majority of them are non-aggressive. With proper treatment and support, they can live meaningful and productive lives in the community.
The minister also provided the following breakdown of the profile of the outpatients treated in the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Profile of IMH outpatients (2008)
Gender
Female 15,089 (44%)
Male 18,607(55%)
Race
Chinese 26,826 (80%)
Malay 3,102 ( 9%)
Indian 2,409 ( 7%)
Others 1,360 ( 4%)
Age Group
Adult 23,949 (71%)
Child & Adolescents 5,683 (17%)
Geriatric 4,065 (12%)
