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The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Institute of Mental Health (IMH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry.

Neuroscience and psychiatry both focus on managing conditions that affect the most complex organ in the human body: the brain. While neurologists focus on physical changes in the brain and the symptoms they cause, psychiatrists specialise in managing conditions that affect thought processes and behaviours. However, it is common for the two specialties to overlap when caring for patients, for example, people with epilepsy are also prone to depression, anxiety and psychosis.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on 29 Aug 2024, Assoc Prof Daniel Fung, Chief Executive Officer, IMH, explained that historically, the study of mental illness was rooted in neurology, with many of the earliest psychiatrists being trained as neurologists.  “This shared history is reflected in our understanding that mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and addiction – conditions that affect one in seven Singaporeans – are deeply connected to neurobiological processes,” said Assoc Prof Fung.

The MOU between NNI and IMH aims to build on the commonalities and complementary strengths of the two institutions to advance clinical care, research, education, advocacy and community outreach for patients and the public.

Citing an example, Assoc Prof Au Wing Lok, Chief Executive Officer, NNI, said, “Neuromodulation is an evolving field with untapped potential to treat and manage neurological and psychiatric conditions. Likewise, there are also many opportunities for us to learn from each other at the clinical level, due to the different approaches our specialties take in managing brain conditions and the advances in our respective fields.”

Neuromodulation is a form of treatment that acts directly on the nervous system, altering the way nerves carry information to and from the brain. For example, deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses electrical currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain to control symptoms of Parkinson’s disease when medication is ineffective, and there is growing interest in DBS as a treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette’s syndrome. The two institutions also intend to work together to make it easier for patients to be cross-referred when needed.