The Safety Net
Eating Disorder Singapore
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Tan Sheng Neng
MMED (Psych), MBBS, MCI, FAMSEating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect eating habits. It can cause long-lasting and severe bodily impacts and negatively affect your emotions and daily activities.
- Appetite or weight changes?
- Gastric pain or cramps?
- Intense fear of gaining weight?
- Irregular menstrual cycle?
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are psychological conditions commonly associated with abnormal and unhealthy eating habits and obsessive concerns about body size or appearance. In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to malnutrition, significantly impacting the body.
Although eating disorders can affect people of all ages and gender, they commonly develop in the teen and young adult years. However, proper treatment may reverse unhealthy eating patterns and their relevant complications.
Are your eating habits negatively affecting your emotions, physical health and overall quality of life?
Eating Disorders are serious psychological conditions that can get worse without proper treatment.
Get Started
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Tan Sheng Neng 
Dr Tan was the Director of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service (2017-2019) at Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore. He was also an Assistant Director (Psych) of the Integrated Sleep Service at CGH (SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre), where he helped develop into a department in 2018.
- Master of Medicine (Psychiatry)
- Master of Clinical Investigation (MCI)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS)
At present, besides the clinical work in his clinic and hospitals, Dr Tan also holds the following appointments:
- Clinical Advisor to Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Lecturer to Executive Counselling and Training Academy (ECTA)
Dr Tan has a specialised interest in neuropsychiatry. He treats patients with Sleep Disorders, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Brain trauma or injury, particularly from strokes.
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Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of eating disorders include:
- Gastrointestinal pain or stomach cramps
- Dizziness
- Sleep irregularities
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Dry, thin nails and skin
- Fatigue & muscle weakness
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Severely restricting the amount or types of food consumed
- Cycles of binge eating and purging
- Extreme weight loss in a short period of time
What Causes Eating Disorders?
There are several possible causes of eating disorders. Some of the common causes include:
Genetics
Certain people may have specific genes that increase their risk of eating disorders. People with a family history of eating disorders are also found to be more likely to develop one.
Psychological or emotional health
People with psychological conditions such as depression, low-self esteem, perfectionism or impulsive behaviour are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders.
Traumatic experiences
Significant changes in emotions due to an emotional event may also trigger eating disorders.
Harmful Effects of Eating Disorders
If eating disorders are left undiagnosed and untreated, the long-term effects can lead to significant impairment in quality of life and lead to further complications such as the following:
- Serious health problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Suicidal behaviour
- Severe malnutrition
- Substance abuse
- Death
Are your eating habits negatively affecting your emotions, physical health and overall quality of life?
Eating Disorders are serious psychological conditions that can get worse without proper treatment.
Get Started
Eating Disorders Treatment Options
Medication
It is not possible to fully cure an eating disorder with medication. However, certain drugs such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help control urges to binge-eat or purge due to symptoms of depression that may be causing the disorder.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy (FBT) can help address causes such as emotional or social issues and guide patients to monitor and improve their eating habits. Furthermore, alternative ways to manage stress such as through yoga or meditation may also be taught.
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Get Specialised Medical Care For Your Mental Health
We will make it easier for you to improve your mental well-being.
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Your treatment Roadmap with Dr Tan
1
Registration
Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Book your appointment today.
2
Detailed Consultation
Dr Tan will speak to you, assess your condition, and develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include therapy and/ or medication.
3
Follow-up Visits
Dr Tan will schedule follow up visits to check in with you and make adjustments to your personalised treatment plan if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness or fatigue persist for a prolonged period of time and impede your daily functions. Signs such as rapid weight loss, a persistent binge-eating and purging cycle, and severe fear of gaining weight are common indications of eating disorders.
Can eating disorders be cured?
Yes. However, recovery is rarely rapid and may require long-term treatment. Nonetheless, early diagnosis and intervention can significantly reduce the harmful effects of eating disorders and lead to a more favourable prognosis and successful treatment.
Take the first step towards Better Mental Health
Start your mental health journey with us today. Get the proper personalised treatment plan you deserve.
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Feel free to drop by our our clinic and meet our specialist
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290 Orchard Road
#09-07 Paragon
Singapore 238859 -
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