A pregnant mum in Singapore stabbed her boyfriend in a fit of rage, after a heated dispute. The boyfriend is also the baby’s father. The mum is said to be suffering from adjustment disorder.
Pregnant mum stabs boyfriend
According to The Straits Times, the incident happened in June last year. On 10 June, 24-year-old hairstylist, Pang Shi Luan, met her boyfriend Marcus Fong Zhi Wei at Block 203, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, where he lived.
She was about 3 months pregnant with Fong’s baby then.
Apparently, she kept pestering him about getting back together, but he would have none of it.
Things turned ugly when they started arguing inside a lift 2 hours later.
Pang slashed Fong’s left arm with a sharp piece of metal. She also stabbed his upper back and bit his left shoulder.
One of Fong’s neighbours got alerted by the commotion, and he managed to pull him to safety when the lift opened at the third floor. Pang fled down the stairs.
Fong was later treated at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for multiple injuries.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB THE STRAITS TIMES
Mum diagnosed with adjustment disorder
On Wednesday, Jan 3, Pang, who is going to give birth soon, was sentenced to a 9-month mandatory treatment order.
It has been diagnosed by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) that she suffers from adjustment disorder.
So instead of jail time, she has to undergo treatment for her mental illness.
What is adjustment disorder?
According to Medline Plus, adjustment disorder is a group of symptoms, such as stress, feeling sad or hopeless, and physical symptoms that can occur, after you go through a stressful life event.
The symptoms occur because you are having a hard time coping. Your reaction is stronger than expected for the type of event that occurred.
The definition of stress varies from person to person. Many a time, the stressors may appear minor to others, like the loss of a boyfriend/girlfriend, poor school results, or starting National Service.
But for the person affected, the discomfort, distress, turmoil and anguish are very real.
Causes of adjustment disorder
Stressors for people of any age include:
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce or problems with a relationship
- General life changes
- Illness or other health issues in yourself or a loved one
- Moving to a different home or a different city
- Unexpected catastrophes
- Worries about money
Triggers of stress in teenagers and young adults may include:
- Family problems or conflict
- School problems
- Sexuality issues
Signs and Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
The affected person may display the following symptoms:
- Assaultive behaviour
- Dangerous driving
- Alcohol abuse
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Problems sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal behaviour
Treatment for adjustment disorder
There are two main types of treatment for adjustment disorders – psychotherapy and medication. Most people improve after treatment and only need it for a short while.
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is usually the treatment of choice for adjustment disorder. The goal is identification of the stressors, symptom relief and behaviour change.
Crisis intervention, family and group therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy have all been shown to be effective.
- Medication
In some cases, medication may help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts. Antidepressants and short-term sedatives are most often used to treat adjustment disorders.
In Singapore, to make an appointment to see a doctor for this condition, please call 6389 2200.
Also READ: Furious husband stabs wife in broad daylight
(Source: The Straits Times, Medline Plus, IMH)