Up to 40,000 households will join Singapore’s largest-ever child mental health study, offering free ADHD, autism, and depression diagnoses.
The BRAVE study, spearheaded by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), is Singapore’s first large-scale initiative focusing on ADHD, autism, and depression screening in children. The study will involve 40,000 households and aims to provide data on the prevalence of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions in young people.
“Screening and early detection are crucial to identifying issues before they escalate, providing an opportunity for timely intervention that can significantly improve long-term outcomes,” said Dr Lim Choon Guan, Principal Investigator of the BRAVE study and Chief of Developmental Psychiatry at IMH.
Children and adolescents aged eight to 18, born between 2007 and 2016, are eligible to participate. This initiative not only screens for mental health conditions but also provides free diagnostic testing for those flagged as at risk. Families can register now at www.brave.sg.
Singapore Rolls Out Free ADHD, Autism, Depression Screening for Children
The BRAVE (Building Resilience and Intervention) study is a 10-year nationwide programme designed to understand and address common mental health challenges in children. This includes ADHD, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and anxiety, which are frequent concerns at IMH’s child guidance clinics.
The study begins with an online screening questionnaire, taking about 30 minutes, to assess potential risks. Those who screen positive will undergo detailed diagnostic tests. All procedures conducted in the study are done free of charge.
Typically, such evaluations cost several hundred dollars, making this study a unique opportunity for families to access early intervention resources.
Participation Criteria:
- Children aged 8–18.
- Born between 2007 and 2016.
- Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
Managing ADHD, Autism, and Depression in Singapore’s Youth
The BRAVE study addresses a growing need to understand and tackle mental health challenges in children. At IMH’s child guidance clinics, ADHD accounts for nearly 24% of cases among adolescents, while depression and anxiety each represent 10%. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also affects a significant number of young patients, but exact nationwide figures remain unclear.
“To help us understand what young people need for good mental health, we need to study risks and strengths in the children and their environment,” said Associate Professor Daniel Fung, CEO of IMH and Co-Investigator of the BRAVE study.
“This study provides us with these insights from the unique Singapore environment for us to use in the prevention of mental illness and the promotion of mental health and well-being.”
This study aims to fill knowledge gaps by providing data on ADHD, autism, and depression prevalence in Singapore’s youth. It also offers free diagnostic assessments, enabling early intervention for families who may otherwise face costly barriers to care.
The long-term goal is not just to collect statistics, but also to explore protective and risk factors. Researchers will track participants over 10 years to understand how challenges like family conflict or financial strain impact child mental health.
Breaking Barriers to Mental Health Care for Youth
The BRAVE study addresses real barriers to mental health support that Singapore’s youth face, as highlighted in recent research. A CARE Singapore survey found that 49% of young people hesitate to seek help due to fear of burdening loved ones.
This reluctance increases among those with severe depressive symptoms, who often feel unsure if others can provide adequate help.
Read more: Youth Mental Health in Singapore: What’s Holding Them Back from Seeking Help?
By eliminating financial obstacles and stigma, the BRAVE study aims to make support more accessible. Healthcare providers will screen participants for ADHD, depression, or other conditions, provide free diagnostic assessments, and connect them to appropriate follow-up care, such as school counselling or clinical consultations.
Encouraging Parents to Take Action
The BRAVE study provides a unique opportunity for families to address potential mental health concerns early. With a straightforward 30-minute online screening, the programme ensures parents can identify risks for ADHD, depression, or other conditions in their children without hassle.
As noted by Mr Kee Kirk Chuen, Head of Health & Well-being at Temasek Foundation, “For the first time, we will be able to understand how common and widespread each disorder is among youths, as well as how social, economic, and cultural factors put youths at risk or provide protection.”
“This will enable us to provide them with better support and build greater mental health resilience.”
Parents are encouraged to register their children at www.brave.sg. By participating, families can access helpful resources while contributing to a better understanding of youth mental health in Singapore.
