The holistic approach of assertive community treatment (ACT) may provide better care and lead to better outcomes in populations with difficult-to-treat comorbid mental and physical illnesses. This paper describes the complex issues in managing a person with multiple chronic medical illnesses who also
had comorbid treatment-resistant depression and poor social support. The patient achieved improvement after the implementation of the therapeutic ingredients of ACT.
Objective: This case report highlights the complexity of eating disorder in schizophrenia and outlines the diagnostic dilemma and challenges associated with the treatment. Methods: We report a 13 years old female with early onset schizophrenia who developed anorexic symptoms and binge eating. Her eating disturbances worsened after olanzapine was commenced. Results: A combination of pharmacological and psychosocial intervention led to remission of schizophrenia co-morbid with eating disorder NOS. Conclusion: Co-morbid diagnosis of schizophrenia and eating disorder is not uncommon. Early diagnosis and evidence-based intervention are imperative as untreated illness greatly impacts the developmental trajectory of young people. Meeting family’s needs improves family functioning which in turn improves patient’s outcome. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 101-105.
Methamphetamine production and abuse increased significantly in Malaysia. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations have higher prevalence of substance abuse compared to general population. Their unmet needs pose greater challenges in managing their substance related disorders. This paper described the agony of a Malaysian lesbian with gender identity disorder who abused substances and developed amphetamine-induced psychosis. Her sexual identity issue was explored in managing her substance related disorders to improve her outcome.