Page 22 - MDA SCATE 2023 Programme Book

SPEAKER PROFILE (DAY 2)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Chong Guan
MBBS, MPM, MSc, PhD, MD

Dr. Ng Chong Guan is an Associate Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist at the University
of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is also the Deputy President of the Malaysian
Health Association and Treasurer of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Ng received his medical training from the University Malaya Medical School, graduating
in 2001. In 2005, he pursued his master’s degree in psychological medicine at the University
Malaya. Shortly after completion of this degree in 2009, Dr. Ng was awarded a scholarship
from the European Union (via AsiaLink) to complete a clinical epidemiology and evidence-
based medicine program at Utrecht University in The Netherlands. He was then offered
a PhD fellowship in clinical epidemiology at Utrecht University. In 2010, Dr. Ng returned
to serve as a Senior Lecturer and continued his doctoral training at the University Malaya
after he successfully completed his second master degree - Master of Sciences in Clinical
Epidemiology (MSc). In 2012, he completed his first Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) study
in Psycho-oncology. In 2017, he completed another Doctorate Degree in Medicine (MD) in
psycho-oncology in University Malaya.

Dr Ng is the Editor-in-Chief of the Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, has published numerous
articles in prestigious medical journals, and is a regular speaker at local and international
conferences. His main area of expertise is the management of major psychiatric illnesses
such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorder and addictions. He
is particularly interested in the treatment of depression among cancer patients and is
passionate about improving and progressing the care and management of psychiatric
patients in Malaysia.

Lecture : Post COVID Psychiatric Issue Affecting the Patients’
Healthcare
The COVID pandemic has caused a bad and severe aftermath on overall well-being,
especially the mental health of the affected patients and people all over the world. In a recent
analysis, the researchers have found that the COVID-19 survivors were 46 % more prone to be
diagnosed with psychiatry issues such as major depressive disorder which most of them are
presented with either active or passive suicidal thoughts. Another common psychological
impact is that post-COVID patients may have cognitive difficulties which are also known
as brain fog. It is an individual experience of short-term anterograde or retrograde memory
loss and at times having episodic confusion. Patients would describe themselves as feeling
blunted. They do not feel that their thinking and memory is back to the normal state even
when they have been physically well.

The mental health literacy among Malaysians is still low. Our patients might not be aware
that their mental health is affected by COVID. As healthcare providers, we need to avoid
stigmatizing patients with psychiatric illnesses. These patients might have already been
dismissed or neglected by others in their daily lives. At times, they might have self-stigma
towards their psychological condition and be frustrated with their cognitive difficulties after
COVID. We can lend a hand in bridging patients to social services and giving assistance
to patient support groups when it is required. Through sessions with mental health
professionals, patients would be more well-informed about their mental states and develop
ways to cope with their psychological conditions.

The confusion or memory loss associated with brain fog or other psychiatric illnesses in
these patients could disrupt their memory, causing difficulty in understanding and making
decisions regarding their dental procedure. Therefore, we need to be more mindful and
patient with these individuals when we are managing them. A reminder of their dental
appointments could be helpful for them as well. If possible, we could provide them with clear
and brief instructions so that it is easier for patients to grasp the information. Infographics or
posters related to mental health can be helpful for patients to read while they are waiting for
their appointment. Last but not least, keeping positive mental health all the time is as crucial
as the precautions mentioned above. All beings must move forward and unite for excellent
and better quality healthcare.
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