Child Psychologist

[Worried Mum]

I'm very concerned about my 9 year old daughter.  She's always been shy and quiet, but she seems even more withdrawn these days and reluctant to do anything but watch TV/play computers.  She's not interested in having friends over or, when invited, going  to their places.  She's also recently become obsessional about washing her hands.  I've tried talking to her about it on many occasions (and we're emotionally very close), but she just says she's fine.  As far as I know, there's no reason for this behavior, perhaps it's just a developmental thing?  On the other hand, it may be easier to talk to a stranger about anything that worries her - can anyone help?

[hmm]

Has anything new happened to you or your family just before this behavior started? Does she have any sibblings? Any other background you can provide?

[Worried Mum]

We had a traumatic episode last year involving a fire, and she had to spend a month in hospital, but seemed to recover from that very well, and was seen by a psychologist there who said that mentally everything was as it should be.  She has two other sisters, who also seem perfectly OK.

[Get Help]

I would suggest that you contact the counseling service at the American Club. Your daughter may have a form of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) which often includes repetitive cleaning (e.g., hands, house, etc.). OCD can lead to depression. I'm not a doctor but I suggest you get help. I've seen similar behavior (in an adult) that was led to OCD-linked depression.

[been there!]

Just a suggestion if you do decide to consult a psychologist, based on our own experience. Try to find someone from a similar cultural background to your family. This is not racist, before anyone suggests that it is, just commonsense - we consulted very highly qualified professionals in a previous location. Expectations of what was "normal" behaviour in that culture plus some difficulty in communication between them and our son meant that the suggestions for how to help our son with similar behaviour to your daughter just weren't appropriate or effective. On consulting someone recommended by his school here in Singapore, have now got to the bottom of the reasons for his behaviour and have strategies at home and school to help him be much happier, socially and academically. Good luck. I know how upsetting it is to see your child withdrawn and unhappy.

[a contact]

The Principal of Genesis School would be a good person to talk to. She would have a list of Child Psychologists that the students of her school have used and may be able to suggest some one for you.
The contact number of the school is 7331172.

[goodluck]

my Dr. at the international clinic told me about a pediatric psychiatrist in singapore who is supposed to be one of the best in all of asia. Perhaps if you call her, Dr, kursty Gow, an Australian, she can you  give a referral to this doctor.

Also, I highly reccomend Dr Gow--she's a wonderful family doctor.