A Unique Transition From Child Mental Health Services (Cmhs) To Adult Services: An Audit Of The Clinical Profile Of Patients Progressing From Cmhs To The First Specialised, Multidisciplinary Adult Neurodevelopmental Service In Singapore
- Author:
Chai Suet Bin
;
Wei Ker-Chiah
;
Ding Liqin
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Health Care Transition, Clinical Profile
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2017;18(1):44-50
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The transition from child mental health services to adult mental
health services can be challenging for patients. Transition is a critical aspect of
continuity of care but little is known of the profile of the patients who makes
such transitions and their unique characteristics, which could place special
demands on subsequent mental health services. The Adult Neurodevelopmental
Service at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore is the first integrated service
for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and psychiatric co-morbidities in
Southeast Asia. This audit aims to analyse the profile and characteristics of
patients who have made this transition to ensure that the service addresses their
specific needs. Methods: The electronic records of 50 patients who were seen in
2015 were analysed in relation to socio-demographics, diagnosis and psychiatric
co morbidities, pharmacotherapy, functioning and illness severity scores.
Results: All patients except 3(6%) were seen as outpatients. 41(82%) of whom
were male and 9(18%) female with the mean age of 21.1 years (SD±2.68).
32(64%) had autistic spectrum disorder, 28(56%) had intellectual disability and
8(16%) had attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Co morbid psychiatric
disorders included anxiety disorders (16%), mood disorders (14%), psychotic
disorders(8%), and obsessive-compulsive disorders(8%). Risperidone and
fluoxetine were the most commonly used antipsychotics and antidepressants
respectively. The mean initial clinical global impression score was 4.05(SD±0.87)
± 0.87), and the mean global assessment scale was 53.78(SD±9.42) in patients
who were scored. Conclusion: Patients in transition from a child to adult mental
health services are a complex and vulnerable group which requires services
adapted to their unique needs. Analysing the profile of these patients is critical in
evolving the service to meet the needs of this group of young patients to achieve
an ideal level of care. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 18 (1): January – June
2017: XX XX.
- Full text:P020170620387380441370.pdf
