ABSTRACT
Introduction: To provide a review of adolescent mental health service utilisation in a child and adolescent mental health outpatient clinic in Singapore.
Materials and Methods: Data from all new adolescent cases seen over a 5-year period in the Child Guidance Clinic were analysed. A review of services provided is also included. Results: Adolescent mental health usage has been on an increase with a rise in the number of cases diagnosed with depression. There has also been an increase in the number of forensic cases seen in the department. Conclusions: There is a growing demand for adolescent mental health services. As the demands and stresses on today’s youth increase, there is likely to be a continued increase in the demand for such services. The challenge in the future is to provide adolescent mental health services in cost-effective packages that will meet the needs as well as stay financially viable.The past 20 years have seen much growth in the knowledge of child and adolescent psychiatric practice. Research has provided an improved understanding in almost every area, including epidemiology, classification and treatment.
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