Experiences and lessons from the Singapore Early Psychosis Intervention Programme

The long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and probable severe consequences were the impetus for establishing the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) in Singapore in the year 2001. EPIP is a comprehensive, integrated, patient-centred programme which aims to improve the outcome of patients with first-episode psychosis through public awareness and destigmatization initiatives, collaboration with community services, and provision of early engagement and phase-specific care of those with psychosis. In April 2007, the Singapore Ministry of Health launched its first ever National Mental Health Blueprint, and several community-based services were developed to improve mental healthcare and strengthen early detection and prevention of mental illnesses. The Blueprint thus provided the opportunity for the EPIP to strengthen its early intervention efforts beyond psychosis. This chapter discusses the role of the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) which is more broad-based, focusing on promoting awareness of youth mental health issues and encouraging this sector of the population to seek help early.