Question of the Week (31st August 2016)

From your expert perspective, at what age is it deemed OK for parents to leave their child at home alone?

It is difficult to define a specific age as children vary in their development and maturity. Pre-schoolers and those under 10 years of age must not be allowed to stay alone at home. Beyond ten, it becomes controversial. In the legislation of some foreign jurisdiction, children up to 15 years old are not allowed to stay at home. As each child is different, it will be best for parents to understand their child's temperament, maturity level and his or her propensity towards being impulsive to determine if their child can be safely left alone at home. 

If a child has to be left alone for any period of time, what tips do you recommend to parents in order for them to keep their child safe?

Firstly, never take safety for granted. Look into safety features such as locking the window grilles. Also, make sure that you are contactable so that the child can reach you immediately if he becomes frightened or has any needs. Having a good relationship with your neighbours will be important as they can sometimes keep a look out for you and the child can also approach them should any emergencies or needs arise.

Question of the Week (13 August 2016)

Question: Please share your opinion on the psychological benefits that spending in the outdoors can give to - babies, toddler, children and the family.

For children, even at an infant stage, playing is the main way of which they learn social interactions and other skills necessary for normal development. Outdoor activities are an important aspect of play. Outdoor activities allow for the possibility of playing in a large group and enhances the child's social skills and ability to work in a team. Ability to work and to get along with others is a crucial predictor or success in the future. Playing together also enhances the relationships of the family.

Outdoor activities also helps by allowing the child to use the whole of his body during play and this trains coordination, balance and spatial sense. Acquiring these skills and becoming physically stronger and healthier from sports and outdoor activities help a child feel more confident and increases his overall sense of wellbeing.

Getting sunshine outdoors is beneficial too. Getting adequate sunshine helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of our body and allows for better sleep at night and wakefulness in the day. Sunshine is also a natural antidepressant and brings about a positive mindset. Just be sure to drink adequate amount of water and put on your sunblock!

Bipolar Disorder FAQs Part 3

8. What new treatments/ medications are currently available for this group of patients, and how do the medications work to help patients alleviate symptoms? I read a new study which say that antidepressants may in fact, worsen episodes of mania in this group of patients. See link. What is your take on this?

The main stay of treatment for Bipolar Disorder are mood stabilisers which include medications such as Lithium, Sodium Valproate and Lamotrigine. Antipsychotic medications have been shown to have mood stabilising properties as well and are often used in Bipolar Treatment. Antidepressants can be used in the depressive phase of the Bipolar illness but must be used with caution as they may trigger a manic episode. Many a times, multiple medications may be needed to stabilise the high and low episodes that a Bipolar patient encounters. After the mood has been stabilised and the patient is well, he and his loved ones should be educated about the illness process and prevention strategies. Therapy such as social rhythm therapy, a type of behavioral therapy used to treat the disruption in circadian rhythms that is related to bipolar disorder, is beneficial.

9. What are the chances of a remission with treatment? Possible for patients to lead a normal and fulfilling life?

Although we still do not have a cure, Bipolar Disorder is a very treatable illness. Chances of remission is remarkably high at 80% with treatment and most patients return to where they are in their lives before the mood episodes. Most patients with Bipolar Disorder will require long term treatment and it is important for them to remain on treatment when the illness goes into remission as those who are compliant to their treatment are much less likely to experience a relapse.

10.  Can someone having  manic episodes manifest aggressive or unusual behaviours that may warrant hospital admission?

Patients can become aggressive and even physically violent during episodes of mania. They may pick fights over small day to day issues with their family members and this can escalate to physical altercations needing police intervention and admission to a hospital to keep the patient safe. Some patients develop grandiose delusions thinking they are important people and may become paranoid that others want to harm them. They can become aggressive and violent towards the perceived perpetrators. There have been instances where patients think they have special power,

Bipolar Disorder FAQs Part 2

 4. Some women experience mood swings, for instance, during certain times of their menstrual cycle. When are "mood swings" not considered normal, and may warrant medical attention?

 Many women may notice that they have dysphoric or irritable mood before and during their period, These mood changes are often described as mood swings. These mood swings are generally unrelated to Bipolar Disorder as there is no swing into a manic state. However, if the individual experiences irritability, tension or low mood severe enough to interfere with work, social relationships and activities, they may be suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

 5. A local 2010 Singapore Mental Health Study found that the average time taken for bipolar disorder sufferers to seek help was 9 years. - Why do you think they take so long to seek professional help?

When the symptoms of Bipolar disorder is mild, it can be hard to detect. Most of the time, the afflicted individual may not have insight into their symptoms. In fact, many enjoy their "new found" confidence and inflated self esteem. Family members may think that the individual is just stressed out or being difficult instead of recognising the symptoms as due to Bipolar Disorder. The strong stigma that remains associated with psychological conditions also prevents individuals and there loved ones from seeking help with professionals until the condition becomes severe.

6. Based on your experience working with these patients, what usually prompts patients to seek medical attention for their symptoms?

Many seek help during their depressive phase, when they feel lousy about themselves. and through careful history taking with the patient and their loved ones, a history of previous manic episodes can be obtained. Many patients may be admitted by their loved ones to the hospital when they display unusual behaviours or become aggressive during their manic episodes.

7. How common is it for bipolar disorder to go undetected, or dismissed as something not serious? Why is that so?

 Although there are no available data, Bipolar Disorder is one of the most likely diagnosis to go undetected. Unlike many medical condition where lab tests or objective testing is available in making a diagnosis, the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder can only be based on the history provided by the patient and his loved ones and observations made by the psychiatrist during the consult. In milder case of Bipolar Disorder where the individuals present with issues such as irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and excessive alcohol consumption. For someone who does not know the individual intimately, the mood changes may be assumed to be normal. Even loved ones may sometimes find it hard to decide if the individual's mood is unusually high or he is an exuberant person to begin with. They may see the change as a change in his personality rather than him having a mental illness.

ADHD in Children: FAQ Part 2

- How is it diagnosed in children?

The diagnosis of ADHD is made with careful clinical assessment by a trained specialist, usually a psychiatrist. A detailed history from the parents and teachers is taken to assess for ADHD symptoms and during the interviews, the child is observed for ADHD behaviour. Clinical scales may be used to determine the severity of ADHD and to assess improvement in subsequent follow-ups after treatment.

- In your opinion, do you think ADHD is over- or under-diagnosed in Singapore ? Why?

ADHD continues to be under-diagnosed in Singapore. Even though, parents and teachers are more likely to pick up the symptoms of ADHD and know that their kids have difficulties, many continue not to to bring their children to psychiatrists for formal diagnosis and  treatment. Parents are fearful that their children will be stigmatised and they have misconceptions about the illness and medication. They are unaware that without treatment, the consequences of ADHD is debilitating and affects the child negatively in the long term.  

- Why is it easy for ADHD (especially the milder cases) to go unnoticed? How common is it for parents/ teachers to think that the child is simply "naughty"? How to tell when the child's "naughtiness" could be ADHD?

Parents and teachers often think that children with milder forms of ADHD as being naughty and lazy. This is especially so when the symptoms are predominantly in the attention deficit domain. As these children do not display hyperactive behaviour and are often well behaved in school, adults may not realised that they are having problems concentrating in class and are not fulfilling their potential academically.

It is very common for ADHD symptoms to be misconstrued as "bad" or "naughty" behaviour by parents and teachers alike. Even after diagnosis, parents and teachers often require plenty of education and convincing before realising that the symptoms are not wilful or deliberate in nature. It is normal for kids to have naughty behaviour here and there. However, ADHD symptoms are pervasive, meaning that the child is constantly inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive in most situations. Unlike in naughty behaviour, these symptoms lead to long term difficulties academically in school and in other aspects of the child's life.

- How is ADHD treated? How safe is it for children to take medication for ADHD long-term?

ADHD can be treated with medications. Currently, two main types of medications are available, stimulants and norepinephrine uptake inhibitors. They help ADHD by  increasing the level of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. Behavioural modifications and therapy are also useful treatments and are always given alongside medications.

Latest studies showed that medications are safe and effective for long term ADHD treatment when taken under the supervision of a psychiatrist and earlier fear of untoward heart problems are unfounded. However when under treatment, the psychiatrist will continue to monitor for any possible side effects that may occur and will make the necessary adjustments when needed.

- How can parents of ADHD children cope and what can they do to help their child?

First and foremost, parents will need to be educated about that ADHD  is not unlike any other medical problems and ADHD children are not lazy, naughty or being wilful. As such, what parents need to do is not be punitive but to approach the symptoms with patience and compassion and to assist the child with managing his or her symptoms. Parents should consult their child's psychiatrist in learning about the specific approaches they can adopt. These will usually include setting up firm and consistent boundaries and routines for the child, rewarding and encouraging positive behaviour and meting out the appropriate consequences for bad behaviour. Adjustment to communication styles are important. Parents need to catch their child's attention before speaking to them rather than just yelling at them. Use as little words as possible as the ADHD child has poor attentional span and will not be able to follow long instructions.

Postpartum Depression

In a study published in March this year in  JAMA Psychiatry,  1,396 of 10,000 mothers screened positively for postpartum depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This study sponsored by the publicly funded National Institute of Mental Health in the US shows that depression after childbirth is a significant problem. Unfortunately, postpartum depression remains underidentified and undertreated. Some of the following are common myths about Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the same as baby blues.

Unlike baby blues that goes away after a few days, postpartum depression lasts for weeks to months. The symptoms of PPD is the same as for a Major Depressive Episode. 

PDD is normal and ok to be sad after having a baby.

Whilst changes in mood may be normal after birth, if they are prolonged or are affecting your ability to care for your child, you should seek medical attention. If left treated, PDD can lead to:

1) Inconsistent and poor childcare
2) Avoidant or venting type of coping strategies with child
3) Insecure attachment between mother and child (may result in anxiety and depression of the child in later life)
4) Risk and danger if mother becomes agitated or suicidal with depression

PDD occurs right after birth.

It can occur right after birth or even up to a year later. Most of the time it occurs within three months.

Treatment for PDD will prevent me from breastfeeding and harm my baby.

Effective treatment is available for PDD. Antidepressants safe for pregnancy can be used to treat PDD after the risks and benefits have been discussed. Psychological therapy with techniques such as CBT is also useful.

It is unfortunate that PDD often goes unrecognised leading to tragedies such as these. Seek help today as PDD  can be treated!

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying

Bronnie Ware is a palliative nurse who has been seeing dying patients. From her experience, she observed five common themes that often resurfaced with regards to the regrets of people who were dying.

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

In essence, the dying often wished that they have lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. That they have been more true to themselves and in touch of their feelings. They wished they had spent more time with family, friends and with the things they like to do instead of just their work. Such reflections are not new. Kubler Ross in her work about the grief of dying had often alluded to these.

Sadly, our society continues to overemphasize academic and occupational achievements. Family and other social aspects of life are often neglected.

If your time is ending, will you have any regrets?

3 Ways to Prevent Depression

A Squidoo lens by Dr Lim Boon Leng.

Adult ADHD: Simply a Myth?

There has been many research done on adult ADHD which have shown that many adults continue to be affected with ADHD symptoms. Despite this, many still think of ADHD as an illness affecting only children. There is a lack of understanding about adult ADHD both in healthcare professionals as well as the public in general.

In this paper written by doctors from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Woodbridge Hospital, Singapore, it is estimated that 5.29% of people may have ADHD. Only 10% will recover fully such that the symptoms no longer affect their lives in any way. This means that in Singapore, 265,000 people have ADHD and about 240,000 people will have ADHD symptoms into adulthood!

Based on this report, about 140,000 Singaporeans suffer from asthma. This is about 100,000 less than ADHD. Yet, it is not uncommon to hear of adults getting treatment for asthma whilst you will almost never hear adults getting treated for ADHD. In fact, many adult with ADHD today may have never been diagnosed in their childhood as the illness was poorly understood in this part of the world when they were children.

This can be due to the fact that the symptoms of adult ADHD is somewhat covert and hidden. As the child grows older, the hyperactivity symptoms (ie fidgeting,  running around, talking excessively) subsides. The adult can control their hyperactive symptoms much better. However, they continue to have inattentive symptoms like forgetfulness, poor time management and disorganisation. These symptoms can often be very disruptive. This is especially so students undergoing tertiary education where academic work can be fast paced and stressful. The ADHD mind may find itself unable to cope or manage in these times of stress where time allocation, organisation and prioritisation of work is critical.

Psycho-stimulant medications like methylphenidate is a very effective treatment for these symptoms. Other therapy such as behavioural modifications or cognitive behavioural therapy are helpful for the individuals suffering from adult ADHD.

Natural Born Parents?

Is there such a thing as natural born parents?

You know, those people who can intuitively deal with the incessant crying of their newborns, handle those terrible (terrible) twos, effortlessly impress upon their ten year old kiddo that school is more important than XBOX or Nintendo and can communicate with the not-a-child-not-quite-an-adult adolescent without pulling their hair off from frustration.

Somehow we are made to believe that parents especially mothers have the innate ability to care for their children. I think this is partly true. There exist primitive mechanisms that parents will have to protect their younglings so as to preserve the survival of the species. However, bringing up a child in a modern society and nurturing him/her into a confident, happy and successful person is a totally different story.

In Singapore, this is made worse as most of us stay in small apartments as a nuclear family. The extended family may be living in another neighbourhood and opportunities to learn about how to be a parent is limited. The wisdom of the previous generation in handling a child is unfortunately not passed on.

We have also rapidly developed since independence. Our parents' practices may seem dated and redundant. A generation ago, disciplining children meant corporal punishments and caning. The child was expected to be seen but not heard. Today, parenting skills are all about time-outs, limit setting and star charts. Close your eyes and you can immediately see the grandparents scoffing about such "western techniques" and that if you "spare the cane, you spoil the child."

Many young parents lacking experience and guidance will find in stressful handling their newborns and dealing with parenting. Parents have asked me what IS the best way to discipline or to bring up a child. There really is no one size fits when it comes to parenting. Every child is different and has different needs and requirements. The child-parent dynamics are affected by the temperament of both the child and the parent, the bidirectional interactions between the child and parent and other external circumstances.

Unfortunately, I have seen many parents getting caught in the rat race and focusing on short term targets like music, sports and academic achievements and disregarding the emotional and psychological wellness of their children. The young child can quickly learn that the world is negative and full of struggles and trepiditions. He may develop to become an unhappy genius, never to be satisfied with his own talent.

I believe every single parent will want his or her child to blossom into a confident and happy adult. So start by being mindful that your aim as a parent is to provide a healthy environment for the child to grow, both physically and emotionally.  Once this picture is clear in the mind, the jigsaw pieces of the parenting puzzle will fall into place with nautral ease.