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According to a news
article published on 5 February 2025, a 20-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attacking several passers-by and was remanded for medical examination. A subsequent
article, covering the man's sentencing, reported that he had heard voices instructing him to harm others. He was diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, a psychotic condition that affects how a person perceives reality. The article reported that the condition was untreated at the time of the offence, and that his symptoms were considered to have contributed to his behaviour. This is not the first time news reports have linked violence with psychosis.
It is not uncommon to come across news reporting that the perpetrator of a violent act has been diagnosed with a psychotic condition. This may leave readers wondering whether psychosis always leads to violence. While cases like this receive significant public attention, it is important to understand what psychosis is – and what it is not.
Experts have consistently highlighted that the vast majority of violent crimes and mass attacks are not committed by people with psychotic conditions. When media coverage disproportionately focuses on rare and extreme cases, it can contribute to the public misunderstanding and stigma of the condition. This does not mean that risk is completely absent. Like the general population, people with psychosis may experience risk factors that increase the likelihood of harm in certain circumstances - but psychosis itself does not make someone inherently dangerous.
Symptoms that may increase distress or perceived threat
- Paranoia: Some individuals with psychosis may experience changes in how they perceive reality, which can include strongly held beliefs that are not accurate. They may experience paranoia, including believing that someone is watching them, following them or even trying to harm them, even though these are not actually happening. As a result, they may feel frightened or unsafe and may behave defensively in response to perceived threats.
- Command hallucinations: Some individuals with psychosis experience auditory hallucinations, where they may hear voices or sounds that others do not hear. Sometimes, these voices may give instructions or commands. The experience of hearing the voices is often distressing to the individuals. When individuals recognise that these voices are part of an illness and receive timely treatment, they are often better able to manage or ignore the voices. When symptoms are untreated and overwhelming, insight may temporarily reduce, increasing distress, difficulty coping and risk. It is important to emphasise that these experiences reflect fear and distress – not intent to harm.
Risk of violence increases when there is substance use
Research has found that the risk of violent behaviour in individuals with psychosis is strongest when there is substance abuse. It was reported that the risk of violence in individuals who have psychosis and substance abuse is similar to that in individuals who do not have psychosis but have substance abuse. Much of the observed association between psychosis and violence is therefore explained by substance use rather than psychosis itself.
Early treatment is important
Importantly, untreated symptoms of psychosis and substance use can increase distress and risk. This is why early assessment and treatment are critical. Research also shows that people with psychosis are more likely to harm themselves than others. Moreover, a substantial proportion of individuals with psychosis who exhibit violent behaviour to self or others (violent suicide attempts, major self-mutilation, homicide, assault) are those experiencing first episode psychosis (the very first time someone has psychosis), underscoring the urgency of early intervention.
Research has shown that the rate of violence is nearly two times lower after treatment is given. This indicates that appropriate treatment significantly reduces the risk of harm and improves recovery outcomes.
What you can do to help
While we might find it hard to understand what they are going through, these experiences are very real and distressing for them. Rather than dismissing or arguing with their experiences, it is more helpful to acknowledge their distress, offer reassurance, and support them to seek professional help as early as possible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns or showing possible signs of psychosis, you can reach out to CHAT for a confidential Mental Health Assessment and early support.
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Vapes are no longer just nicotine devices. Modern vapes - whether e-cigarettes, vape pens, or K-pods - are increasingly found to be laced with dangerous substances like cannabinoids, ketamine, and etomidate that can cause psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or paranoid thoughts. Take a student who started hearing voices and became aggressive towards teachers and was found with a vaping device. Or a young adult who believed others wanted to hurt them, threatened suicide, and attempted assault when prevented from consuming K-pods. Why would these substances trigger psychosis and what exactly is psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition which affects the brain and causes a person to experience changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviour. As a result, the person cannot distinguish what is real vs and what is not.
During a psychotic episode the person experiences symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganisation, for example:
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not really there. For example, hearing voices that no one else can hear or seeing things that are not actually present.
- Delusions: Having strong beliefs even when there is clear proof they are not true. For example, someone might believe they have special powers or that others are trying to harm them, even though there is no real evidence.
- Disorganisation: When thoughts and actions become confused and mixed up, making it hard for them to communicate or do everyday tasks. For example, they might jump from one topic to another when talking, use words that do not make sense, or have trouble following simple instructions.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of someone developing psychosis, for example:
- Genetics: A family member having psychosis
- Stress and Trauma: High levels of stress, traumatic experiences or adverse childhood events
- Social Factors: Social isolation, and socioeconomic disadvantages
- Substance use: Use of drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines or hallucinogens can trigger psychosis, especially in vulnerable individuals
When people use vapes that contain drugs like etomidate, they can sometimes develop drug-induced psychosis. This means the drugs affect their brain chemicals, causing them to lose touch with reality. Imagine the brain as a busy city where messages are sent like cars on roads. The drugs can cause traffic jams or send wrong signals, making it hard for the brain to work properly. This can lead to confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or feeling very scared or mixed up. These confusing experiences can happen while vaping or during withdrawal and may last from hours to several days.
While it can be frightening and disruptive to experience psychosis, support is available and you don’t need to feel alone. If you/someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns or is exhibiting signs of psychosis, reach out to CHAT for a confidential
Mental Health Assessment.
For other information on cessation of vaping, visit:
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)
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Let's CHAT (Real Stories from Mothers) highlights four Singaporean parents with children aged 9 to 28. They share personal stories about the emotional challenges of parenting and discussing mental health, all while striving to improve themselves daily.
How do parents navigate mental health with their children?
In this video, four Singaporean mothers open up about the emotional ups and downs of parenting — and what it really takes to start meaningful conversations at home.
Dive into 4 heartfelt stories of Singapore mums navigating their children's mental health – from teen years to adulthood. They share it all: the tough conversations, breakthrough moments, and lessons learned along the way.
Raw, honest & inspiring – these stories will touch every parent's heart.
Watch their full stories here.
Click here to download the posters (A4 size).
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While the series Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story captivates audiences with its cultural richness, on contrary, it also presents a concerning portrayal of mental health. The series' depiction of schizophrenia being used as a plot twist to explain a character’s manipulative behaviour — without showing symptoms consistent with the condition underscores a broader challenge in our society.
In a letter published by The Straits Times, Dr Charmaine Tang, Deputy Programme Director at CHAT, shared her concerns about how such portrayals blur the line between mental illness and moral failing. Such misrepresentation could risk reinforcing harmful stigma that could create barriers for people seeking treatment.
At CHAT, we meet young people who hesitate to seek help — not because they don’t need it, but because they fear being judged, misunderstood, excluded and discriminated by their peers or community. CHAT continues to commit to destigmatising mental health by providing a safe environment and listening without judgment. We also strive to empower individuals to take charge of their mental well-being through providing appropriate support resources to encourage timely help-seeking behaviours within our community.
Mental health is not a plot device. Thoughtful portrayals matter as they shape public understanding — and influence whether someone feels safe enough to reach out.
Straits Times: Click
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We worked with RICE Media to produce insightful content on mental health and help-seeking.
1. What does it truly mean to stay strong in the face of adversity? From practical tips to inspiring stories, discover how different individuals navigate life's challenges and emerge stronger than ever. Read more here.
2. Curious about what it's like to get your mental health checked for the first time? This writer provides a firsthand account and his reflection, read it here.
3. From improved coping skills to enhanced self-awareness, discover how therapy positively impacted this writer's life, and his journey of growth and healing that followed. Read it here.
4. Unsure about therapy? Join the conversation as we present the verdict on therapy from your peers. Gain insights into how young people perceive and engage with mental health support, and learn about the diverse experiences and perspectives shaping the modern approach to therapy. Watch it here.
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CHAT Ambassador Wan Sing shares about her mental health struggles and how she journeyed towards better mental health with the help of her parents and CHAT. Read the full article here: 
2023 03 Wan Sing_IMH Imagine Feature.pdf
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In collaboration with RICE Media, Thriving in Transition is a series dealing with how we make meaning of our individual experiences and emotions through finding solace in the support of others, no matter how daunting it can be to reach out.
Loneliness is a common phenomenon, especially in the midst of transition. How can we navigate and overcome this challenging period and emerge better off? Follow the journeys of four young Singaporeans as they make meaning of their loneliness and solitude. Read more here.
It can be hard to open up about our mental health issues, especially to our parents, who may not always understand. Ilyas Sholihyn pens a touching letter to his parents, telling them about his passive suicidal ideation and suggesting ways in which for them to move forward together. Read it here.
Mental health is a buzzing topic, and social media is full of resources. But how can we use social media in a way that helps and not hinders our journey to mental wellness? Zachary speaks with Dr Jayne, a consultant at CHAT, to find out more. Read it here.
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The Covid-19 pandemic has brought greater awareness to mental health. Young people, in particular, are more open to talking about their mental health, but if they need to find a listening ear for their stress after office hours or late on Saturday night, where can they find the support? In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more about a new after-hours support service from CHAT, called Chatline. She hosts three guests in the studio. They are Ms Lee Yi Ping, the Programme Lead for CHAT, Ms Sheryl Yue, a youth volunteer at CHATline and Ms Ashley Poo, a student who’s a CHATlline client.
Listen to the podcast here.
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