Eating Disorder Programme - Singapore General Hospital

Mental Health Professionals are reporting an increasing prevalence of young persons developing an eating disorder. The SGH Eating Disorders Programme had its humble beginnings in 2003. In Feburary 2020, the programme moved to its current location at Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOC) at Outram Community Hospitals (OCH) / SingHealth Tower, Level 3. It is a dedicated treatment programme for the management of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder.

The programme addresses the physical and psychosocial problems commonly associated with eating disorders through a holistic approach. Individuals will work closely with our multi-disciplinary team comprising of psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, dietitians, medical social workers, family therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, art therapist and physiotherapist.

Clinical Services

Psychiatric services

The initial assessment for each patient is done by a psychiatrist, who then decides based on each patient’s individual need, which other services may be involved in the management of that individual. The psychiatrist continues to see the patient regularly throughout the recovery process and may also provide medication based on the patient’s condition.

Art Therapy

The art therapist uses creative activities to help patients manage their physical and emotional problems. It is a type of psychological treatment that involves patients in visual art making.

Dietetics

The dieticians help to devise a meal plan based on the individual’s nutritional requirements. They work closely with the patient and their families to help normalize eating behaviors.

Family Therapy

The family therapists/medical social workers assist the family in providing adequate support for them during the recovery process.

Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapists help the patient to plan and carry out meaningful activities in daily life. These include but are not limited to skills such as meal preparation, time management, and leisure activities.

Physiotherapy

The physiotherapist helps to develop a fitness regime for all patients who are at or above their healthy weight. The main goal is to change unhealthy exercise patterns to healthy ones that improve health.