Improving mental health care for people with an intellectual disability in Singapore: bridging the health-social care divide

Wei KC, Lee C, Mahendran R, Lim CG
Correspondence: Dr Wei Ker-Chiah, Ker_Chiah_Wei@imh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Intellectual disability is known to be associated with a high incidence of psychiatric co-morbidity and problem behaviours. However, there are many challenges in trying to meet the mental health needs of people with an intellectual disability, and these are often not adequately addressed in Singapore’s current healthcare system. This article outlines the present service provisions for this area in the country and details the importance of, as well as difficulties in the integration of health and social care measures in service development and delivery.

Keywords: intellectual disability, mental healthcare, mental retardation, service development, social care
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(7):428–432