Dementia, depression, anxiety the top 3 mental conditions affecting Singaporeans

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The top three mental conditions affecting Singaporeans are dementia, depression and anxiety, based on national surveys conducted and Institute of Mental Health (IMH) data, the Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 5).

For dementia, relapse episodes cannot be easily determined as the condition worsens progressively over time, while relapse for depression and anxiety occurs when patients suffer an increase in the intensity of the illness affecting their daily routine.

Studies also showed that at least 50 per cent of those who recover from a first episode of depression will have one or more additional episodes in their lifetime.

As for anxiety disorders, the relapse rate for generalised anxiety disorder was about 27 per cent over a three-year period.

Detecting signs of relapse early may enable intervention to prevent a full relapse or reduce its severity when it occurs.

According to MOH, Agency of Integrated Care (AIC) has engaged 12 constituencies, trained more than 300 grassroots leaders and volunteers, and assisted 190 residents as at the end of Financial Year (FY) 2013 so that they are able to recognise early signs.

Additionally, AIC has worked with various voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) to set up seven community engagement and support teams within Senior Activity Centres to identify elderly who may suffer from dementia or depression.