Swapna Verma
Datos Biográficos
| ID | 4416802 |
|---|---|
| NOMBRE | Swapna Verma |
| NOMBRES | Swapna |
| APELLIDO | Verma |
| FIRMA | VERMA S |
| AFILIACIONES | Institute of Mental Health |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-1098-0842 |
| VERIFICADO | Sí |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 31 |
| TOTAL DE CITAS | 1 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 31 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 0 |
| PRIMER AÑO DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2005 |
| AÑO MÁS RECIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2025 |
| ÍNDICE H | 1 |
Gender-based analysis of body dissatisfaction among youths in Singapore
These results emphasize the importance of creating specific public health programs that consider the different experiences and challenges related to body dissatisfaction based on gender. These programs could help promote body image positivity, increase self-compassion, and encourage critical engagement with social media content
The Associations Between Vaping, Cigarette Smoking and Hazardous Alcohol Use
Electronic cigarettes or vapes are increasing in popularity worldwide. While the association between cigarette smoking and hazardous alcohol use (HAU) is well established, less is known about the relationship between vaping and HAU. This study aims to identify the prevalence rates of and associations between vaping and HAU in Singapore. A total of 2600 youths aged 15 to 35 years were recruited as part of the National Youth Mental Health Study, a …
Does place matter? Investigating the association of neighbourhood and town features with psychological distress and well-being in a multi-ethnic urban Asian youth population
In Singapore, a city-state lauded for its urban liveability, high rates of youth psychological distress present a critical paradox. This study investigates this disconnect by examining the role of neighbourhood satisfaction in relation to two distinct mental health dimensions: psychological distress (anxiety, stress, depression) and positive well-being (resilience, life satisfaction). Drawing on data from a national survey of 2600 youths aged 15–…
The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health
Effectiveness of Paliperidone Palmitate in Reducing Acute Psychiatric Service Use for Patients Suffering from Psychosis—A Retrospective Mirror-Image Study
Poor adherence to antipsychotic treatment is a leading cause of relapse for patients suffering from psychotic disorders and the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) may lead to improved clinical outcomes. This was a 1-year mirror-image study examining the clinical outcomes after monthly administration of paliperidone palmitate (PP1M). The primary outcome measure was the total days of psychiatric hospitalization in the 1-year before …
Understanding Emotion Regulation Strategies Among Youths
The period of youth encompasses a myriad of experiences that often elicit a range of emotions from the individual. This study was conducted to understand emotion regulation (ER) among youths, specifically to identify strategies employed by youths to regulate emotions, and to understand the perceived importance and impact of ER. Qualitative data were collected through one-to-one semi-structured interviews ( n = 25) and focus group discussions ( n …
Religiosity, Religious Coping and Distress Among Outpatients with Psychosis in Singapore
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of religious coping and explore the association between religious coping, religiosity, and distress symptoms amongst 364 outpatients diagnosed with psychosis in Singapore. Positive and Negative Religious Coping (PRC and NRC), religiosity (measuring the constructs of Organised Religious Activity (ORA), Non-Organised Religious Activity (NORA), and Intrinsic Religiosity (IR)) and severity of distress sy…
Aggression Amongst Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses in a Tertiary Mental Health Institution
Aims: Aggression is defined as "any behavior intended to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to another." The aims of the current study were to (i) examine underlying factor structure of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and (ii) explore socio-demographic and clinical correlates (symptom severity, substance use and alcohol use) among patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Me…
Needs of patients with early psychosis
While there was an overall consensus on the total needs and met needs between patients and CPs, the level of agreement between the two groups on various items were low. Different perceptions regarding unmet needs were noted between the groups. A holistic approach that takes into account different facets of the needs of patients together with strategic planning to address unmet needs might improve treatment outcomes and satisfaction
Growth in the Aftermath of Psychosis
Experiencing first episode psychosis (FEP) is a highly traumatic life event. However, there is evidence to show that the outcome of psychosis is more nuanced than was conventionally thought. Young persons with FEP can grow from the experience of psychosis. In this study, we aim to characterize post-traumatic growth (PTG) in persons with FEP over 1 year. A total of 99 FEP clients receiving services from an early psychosis intervention team in Sing…
Differences in the Prevalence and Profile of DSM-IV and DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorders—Results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016
While using the DSM-5 criteria would result in a lower prevalence of AUD in Singapore, it remains a highly comorbid condition associated with a poor health-related quality of life that is largely untreated, which makes it a significant public health concern
Caregivers’ hopes, expectations and concerns surrounding the employment and future of young people with mental health conditions
OBJECTIVE: Informal caregivers are often placed in a better position to understand and advocate for the vocational needs of young persons with mental health conditions. However, their opinions are largely ignored in the planning of vocational outcomes. This qualitative study had two broad aims: to explore (1) the perceptions of caregivers of young adults with mental health conditions on issues of paid employment and (2) their views and expectatio…
Problematic Drug Use Among Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses
Background: Problematic drug use is common among psychiatric patients and is linked with poorer course and outcomes of illness. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of problematic drug use, and to explore its sociodemographic correlates and associations with health behaviors and outcomes among outpatients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in Singapore. Methods: Data from 397 individuals who were aged 21-65 years and were seeki…
Lifetime Prevalence and Correlates of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Singapore
Introduction: The current study aimed to establish the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, its sociodemographic correlates and association with physical disorders using data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). Methods: A two-phase design comprising population-level screening of psychotic symptoms using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 psychosis s…
Twenty-Four Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Metformin for Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain in Patients with First-Episode Psychosis
Excessive weight gain and cardiometabolic dysfunction are common and clinically relevant side effects of antipsychotic medications. In this pilot study, we aimed to establish the feasibility of using metformin and its effectiveness in managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) on follow-up with the Singapore Early Psychosis Intervention Programme in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-contro…
Quality of Life and Its Associations with Religiosity and Religious Coping among Outpatients with Psychosis in Singapore
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship of religiosity, the use of positive and negative religious coping methods, and quality of life (QOL) among 364 outpatients with psychosis in Singapore. Positive religious coping was significantly associated with better scores on physical (β = 0.51, p = 0.02) and psychological (β = 0.64, p = 0.01) QOL domains in the regression model. Negative religious coping was related to worse QOL in all …
Smoking-Related Health Beliefs in a Sample of Psychiatric Patients
This study examined the (a) health beliefs and emotions (perception of risk, benefits, severity, and worry) about smoking among current and former smokers, (b) their awareness of health warnings, (c) factors associated with smoking-related health beliefs, and (d) the factor structure of the health belief questionnaire. Participants (n = 184) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric care hospital. Current smokers showed a significantly higher ri…
Nicotine Dependence in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Psychotic Disorders and Its Relationship with Quality of Life
The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between nicotine dependence and quality of life (QOL) among individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or psychotic disorders. Methods: A total of 378 participants diagnosed with either MDD or psychotic disorders were recruited. The Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to measure the level of nicotine dependence. The SF-12 health survey questionnaire was used…
The Relationship between Suicidality and Socio-Demographic Variables, Physical Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders
Suicidality encompasses suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. This paper aims to establish associations between suicidality and sociodemographic variables, physical disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 was a population-level epidemiological survey, which determined the prevalence of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality. Questionnaires were used to determine socio-demographic informat…
Beyond Recovery
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 26 February 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00108
Digital Health Solutions for Mental Health Disorders During Covid-19
10.3389/fpsyt.2020.582007
Smoking and Mental Illness
This study aims to understand (a) the prevalence and correlates of smoking in a psychiatric population, (b) factors that encourage smoking cessation, and (c) awareness towards cessation programmes. This study captured data ( n = 380) through a modified version of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. The prevalence of smoking was 39.5% ( n = 150) and 52.3% of the smokers were dependent on nicoti…
N-Methyl-D-Aspartate(NMDA) Receptor and Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) Antibody-Associated Encephalitides Presenting as First Episode Acute Psychosis
Aim: Acute psychosis is not an uncommon presenting feature in immune-mediated encephalitides. Most patients improve if properly diagnosed and treated expediently with immunotherapy. Our study aimed to describe the frequency, clinical spectrum, and long-term outcomes in patients presenting with acute psychosis who have anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor or anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) encephalitis. Method: We recruited patien…
Evaluating Singapore’s CHAT Assessment Service by the World Mental Health Organisation (WHO) “Youth-Friendly” Health Services Framework
Young people experience high rates of mental health issues. However, many do not seek professional help. In order to encourage help-seeking behavior among young people, it is important to ensure that services are youth-friendly. This study aims to evaluate the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT)'s mental health assessment service model using the World Health Organization (WHO) youth-friendly health service framework of accessibility, acceptab…
Two-Year Clinical and Functional Outcomes of an Asian Cohort at Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis
Background: To determine the 2-year clinical and functional outcomes of an Asian cohort at ultra-high risk (UHR) of psychosis. Method: This was a longitudinal study with a follow-up period of 2 years on 255 help-seeking adolescents and young adults at UHR of psychosis managed by a multi-disciplinary mental health team in Singapore. Clients received case management, psychosocial, and pharmacological treatment as appropriate. Data comprising sympto…
Understanding Emotion Regulation Strategies Among Youths
The period of youth encompasses a myriad of experiences that often elicit a range of emotions from the individual. This study was conducted to understand emotion regulation (ER) among youths, specifically to identify strategies employed by youths to regulate emotions, and to understand the perceived importance and impact of ER. Qualitative data were collected through one-to-one semi-structured interviews ( n = 25) and focus group discussions ( n …
Aggression in Asian Patients with First-Episode Psychosis
Aims: The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and severity of aggression in patients with first-episode psychosis and to identify the association between aggression and sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: Consecutive patients with first-episode psychosis admitted to the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Singapore, were assessed for a history of aggressive acts. Diagnosis was confirmed using the Structured Clinical …
Does ethnicity have an impact on duration of untreated psychoses
BACKGROUND: Some studies have suggested ethnicity as being one of the causes leading to a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first episode psychosis. AIM: We sought to investigate this issue, in a large cohort of patients with a first episode of psychosis, in Singapore. METHOD: In this naturalistic retrospective study, 794 patients accepted into Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) services in Singapore were recruited. Diagn…
Pathways to care among psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary mental health institution in Singapore
BACKGROUND: Pathways to care studies in Singapore are of high interest given the cultural diversity and various sources of help available for those with mental illnesses, ranging from the more traditional to tertiary-level mental health care services. AIM: The current study aimed to explore the associations of patients' socio-demographic characteristics with pathways to first contact and duration of untreated mental illness. METHOD: A total of 40…
Mapping the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores to EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utility scores in patients with schizophrenia
The current study provides important evidence to clinicians and researchers on mapping algorithms for converting PANSS scores into utility scores that can be easily applicable for cost-utility analysis when EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D data are not available for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder in Singapore
N-Methyl-D-Aspartate(NMDA) Receptor and Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) Antibody-Associated Encephalitides Presenting as First Episode Acute Psychosis
Aim: Acute psychosis is not an uncommon presenting feature in immune-mediated encephalitides. Most patients improve if properly diagnosed and treated expediently with immunotherapy. Our study aimed to describe the frequency, clinical spectrum, and long-term outcomes in patients presenting with acute psychosis who have anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor or anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) encephalitis. Method: We recruited patien…
Evaluating Singapore’s CHAT Assessment Service by the World Mental Health Organisation (WHO) “Youth-Friendly” Health Services Framework
Young people experience high rates of mental health issues. However, many do not seek professional help. In order to encourage help-seeking behavior among young people, it is important to ensure that services are youth-friendly. This study aims to evaluate the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT)'s mental health assessment service model using the World Health Organization (WHO) youth-friendly health service framework of accessibility, acceptab…
Two-Year Clinical and Functional Outcomes of an Asian Cohort at Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis
Background: To determine the 2-year clinical and functional outcomes of an Asian cohort at ultra-high risk (UHR) of psychosis. Method: This was a longitudinal study with a follow-up period of 2 years on 255 help-seeking adolescents and young adults at UHR of psychosis managed by a multi-disciplinary mental health team in Singapore. Clients received case management, psychosocial, and pharmacological treatment as appropriate. Data comprising sympto…
Trends in Subjective Quality of Life Among Patients With First Episode Psychosis—A 1 Year Longitudinal Study
Quality of life (QoL) is often used as an outcome assessment in programs treating patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal trend of subjective QoL among patients with FEP and identify the potential influence of patients' social-demographic/lifestyle factors on the trend of QoL. Two hundred and eighty subjects participated in the study. Patient's demographics and subjective QoL were collect…
An exploratory study on the lived experiences of hoarding in Singapore
Research studies have revealed that people with hoarding typically collect and keep items due to their aesthetic appeal, utility and strong emotional attachment to the items resulting in clutter and limiting living spaces. This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals with hoarding disorder to understand and describe-the patterns and reasons for hoarding, experiences with decluttering and the impact of hoarding disorder on significant…
Beyond Recovery
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 26 February 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00108
Digital Health Solutions for Mental Health Disorders During Covid-19
10.3389/fpsyt.2020.582007
Smoking and Mental Illness
This study aims to understand (a) the prevalence and correlates of smoking in a psychiatric population, (b) factors that encourage smoking cessation, and (c) awareness towards cessation programmes. This study captured data ( n = 380) through a modified version of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. The prevalence of smoking was 39.5% ( n = 150) and 52.3% of the smokers were dependent on nicoti…
Caregivers’ hopes, expectations and concerns surrounding the employment and future of young people with mental health conditions
OBJECTIVE: Informal caregivers are often placed in a better position to understand and advocate for the vocational needs of young persons with mental health conditions. However, their opinions are largely ignored in the planning of vocational outcomes. This qualitative study had two broad aims: to explore (1) the perceptions of caregivers of young adults with mental health conditions on issues of paid employment and (2) their views and expectatio…
Problematic Drug Use Among Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses
Background: Problematic drug use is common among psychiatric patients and is linked with poorer course and outcomes of illness. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of problematic drug use, and to explore its sociodemographic correlates and associations with health behaviors and outcomes among outpatients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in Singapore. Methods: Data from 397 individuals who were aged 21-65 years and were seeki…
Lifetime Prevalence and Correlates of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Singapore
Introduction: The current study aimed to establish the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, its sociodemographic correlates and association with physical disorders using data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). Methods: A two-phase design comprising population-level screening of psychotic symptoms using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 psychosis s…
Twenty-Four Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Metformin for Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain in Patients with First-Episode Psychosis
Excessive weight gain and cardiometabolic dysfunction are common and clinically relevant side effects of antipsychotic medications. In this pilot study, we aimed to establish the feasibility of using metformin and its effectiveness in managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) on follow-up with the Singapore Early Psychosis Intervention Programme in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-contro…
Quality of Life and Its Associations with Religiosity and Religious Coping among Outpatients with Psychosis in Singapore
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship of religiosity, the use of positive and negative religious coping methods, and quality of life (QOL) among 364 outpatients with psychosis in Singapore. Positive religious coping was significantly associated with better scores on physical (β = 0.51, p = 0.02) and psychological (β = 0.64, p = 0.01) QOL domains in the regression model. Negative religious coping was related to worse QOL in all …
Smoking-Related Health Beliefs in a Sample of Psychiatric Patients
This study examined the (a) health beliefs and emotions (perception of risk, benefits, severity, and worry) about smoking among current and former smokers, (b) their awareness of health warnings, (c) factors associated with smoking-related health beliefs, and (d) the factor structure of the health belief questionnaire. Participants (n = 184) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric care hospital. Current smokers showed a significantly higher ri…
Nicotine Dependence in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Psychotic Disorders and Its Relationship with Quality of Life
The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between nicotine dependence and quality of life (QOL) among individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or psychotic disorders. Methods: A total of 378 participants diagnosed with either MDD or psychotic disorders were recruited. The Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to measure the level of nicotine dependence. The SF-12 health survey questionnaire was used…
The Relationship between Suicidality and Socio-Demographic Variables, Physical Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders
Suicidality encompasses suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. This paper aims to establish associations between suicidality and sociodemographic variables, physical disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 was a population-level epidemiological survey, which determined the prevalence of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality. Questionnaires were used to determine socio-demographic informat…
Religiosity, Religious Coping and Distress Among Outpatients with Psychosis in Singapore
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of religious coping and explore the association between religious coping, religiosity, and distress symptoms amongst 364 outpatients diagnosed with psychosis in Singapore. Positive and Negative Religious Coping (PRC and NRC), religiosity (measuring the constructs of Organised Religious Activity (ORA), Non-Organised Religious Activity (NORA), and Intrinsic Religiosity (IR)) and severity of distress sy…
Aggression Amongst Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses in a Tertiary Mental Health Institution
Aims: Aggression is defined as "any behavior intended to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to another." The aims of the current study were to (i) examine underlying factor structure of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and (ii) explore socio-demographic and clinical correlates (symptom severity, substance use and alcohol use) among patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Me…
Needs of patients with early psychosis
While there was an overall consensus on the total needs and met needs between patients and CPs, the level of agreement between the two groups on various items were low. Different perceptions regarding unmet needs were noted between the groups. A holistic approach that takes into account different facets of the needs of patients together with strategic planning to address unmet needs might improve treatment outcomes and satisfaction
Growth in the Aftermath of Psychosis
Experiencing first episode psychosis (FEP) is a highly traumatic life event. However, there is evidence to show that the outcome of psychosis is more nuanced than was conventionally thought. Young persons with FEP can grow from the experience of psychosis. In this study, we aim to characterize post-traumatic growth (PTG) in persons with FEP over 1 year. A total of 99 FEP clients receiving services from an early psychosis intervention team in Sing…
Differences in the Prevalence and Profile of DSM-IV and DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorders—Results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016
While using the DSM-5 criteria would result in a lower prevalence of AUD in Singapore, it remains a highly comorbid condition associated with a poor health-related quality of life that is largely untreated, which makes it a significant public health concern
Psychiatry (28 obras) · Medicine (25 obras) · Psychology (23 obras) · Mental health (18 obras) · Clinical Psychology (17 obras) · Clinical Psychology (13 obras) · Psychosis (13 obras) · Schizophrenia research and treatment (13 obras) · Mental Health Treatment and Access (9 obras) · Population (8 obras)