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Clin Assoc Prof Helen Chen Yu

Clin Assoc Prof Chen Yu Helen

MBBS, MMed (Psychiatry), Grad Dip Psychotherapy

Senior Consultant

KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Specialty: Psychiatry

Sub-specialties: Women's Mental Wellness, Perinatal Psychiatry

Conditions Treated by this Doctor:
Antenatal Depression, Mother-Infant Bonding Disorders, Postnatal Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Puerperal Psychosis.

Clinical Appointments

  • Senior Consultant Department of Psychological Medicine KK Women's and Children's HospitalKK Women's and Children's Hospital

Academic Appointments

  • Clinical Associate Professor, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School

Profile

A/Prof Helen Chen is Senior Consultant Psychiatrist in Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. She is also the Programme Director of the Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme, a MOH-funded project that aims to screen for Postnatal Depression amongst a cohort of recently delivered women for the purpose of early intervention. She completed her training in the area of perinatal psychiatry and women’s mental health in UK at the Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, and has many years of clinical experience working with women suffering from mental health difficulties related to childbearing. Her research, publication and teaching experience has been particular related to emotional and psychological health issues in women, particularly in the context of motherhood, as well as empowering women to cope well with life challenges. Her experiences have humbled her, and made her respectful of the courage and perseverance of the spirit of her patients.

Education

  • Grad Dip Psychotherapy 2001
  • MMed Psychiatry 2001
  • MBBS National University of Singapore 1995

Professional Appointments and Committee Memberships

  • Head, Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 2012-2023
  • Head, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Mental Wellness Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 2006-2012
  • Director, Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme, 2008 till present
  • Committee member, National Mental Health Workgroup, 2012 till present
  • Member, Visitor’s Board, Institute of Mental Health, 2016 till present

Awards

  • SingHealth Health Quality Star Award – 2012, Singapore
  • SingHealth GCEO Outstanding Clinician Award – 2011, Singapore
  • SingHealth Health Quality Star Award – 2009-2010, Singapore
  • SPRING EXSA Star Award – 2009, Singapore
  • SPRING EXSA Gold Award – 2008, Singapore
  • KKH Service from the Heart Award - FY2008 QTR3, Singapore
  • KKH Service from the Heart Award - FY2007 QTR4, Singapore
  • Thrice NHG Service Champion Award – for 1st quarter, Jul 2005 to Sep 2005,
  • HMDP Fellowship to UK in Perinatal Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health – 2004, UK

Research Interests

  • Perinatal Depression
  • Impact of maternal mental health on child development

Publications

  • "Improving mother-infant bonding in postnatal depression − The SURE MUMS study" Loh, A. H. Y., Ong, L. L., Yong, F. S. H., & Chen, H. Y. Asian J Psychiatry, 81, 103457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103457. Published on 7 Jan 2023. (IF 6.59)
  • “Mid-pregnancy and postpartum maternal mental health and infant sleep in the first year of life” Shirong Cai, Desiree Y. Phua, Elaine K. H. Tham, Daniel Y. T. Goh, Oon H. Teoh, Lynette P. C. Shek, Kok H. Tan, Fabian Yap, Yap-Seng Chong, Helen Chen, Birit F. P. Broekman, Michael S. Kramer, Michael J. Meaney. J Sleep Res. 2022;e13804. DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13804, published 13 Dec 2022. (IF 5.56)
  • “Effects of maternal childhood trauma on child emotional health: maternal mental health and frontoamygdala pathways” Uy, J. P., Tan, A. P., Broeckman, B., Gluckman, P. D., Chong, Y. S., Chen, H., Fortier, M. V., Meaney, M. J., & Callaghan, B. L. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13721 (Nov 2022).(IF 8.265)
  • “The effect of older sibling, postnatal maternal stress, and household factors on language development in two to four year-old children” Havron N, Lovcevic I, Kee MZL, Chen H, Chong YS, Daniel M, Broekman BFP, Tsuji S. Developmental Psychology 2022; doi:10.31219.osf.io.zye79 (IF 3.845)
  • “Fetal sex-specific epigenetic associations with prenatal maternal depressive symptoms” Kee MZL, Teh AL, Clappison A, Pokhvisneva I, Maclssac JL, Lin DTS, Ramodori KE, Broekman BFP, Chen H, Daniel ML, Karnani N, Kobor M, Gluckman PD, Chong YS, Huang JY, Meaney MJ. iSCIENCE-D-22-00267R2 doi:10.2139/ssrn.4016766 (July 2022) (IF 6.107)
  • “Tele-Balint under the microscope: What really happens in Tele-Balint groups?” Jane Y. Pan, Flora S.H. Yong, Tze-Ern Chua, Helen Y. Chen. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/00912174221092505, published 2 May 2022. (IF 1.21)
  • “A Prospective Study of the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Depression in Pregnancy” Chan, C., S. H. Poon, T. E. Chua, N. S. Razali, K. H. Tan and H. Chen. SAGE journals / Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare 2022, Vol. 0(0) 1–7 DOI: 10.1177/20101058211068591, published online 12 Jan 2022
  • “Perceived stress during labor and its association with depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing” Hon Sen Tan, T. Agarthesh, Chin Wen Tan, Rehena Sultana, Helen Yu Chen, Tze‑Ern Chua & Ban Leong Sng. Scientific Reports Nature Portfolio, manuscript accepted 13 Aug 2021, published 20 Aug 2021.(IF 4.38)
  • “Association of Childbirth Pain with Postnatal Depressive and Anxiety Disorders in Nulliparous Parturients: A Prospective Study” Chin Wen Tan, Hon Sen Tan, Rehena Sultana, Anne Chui, Tze-Ern Chua, Helen Chen & Ban Leong Sng. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, accepted 1 Aug 2021, published 13 Aug 2021.(IF 2.4)
  • "Maternal expressions of positive emotion for children predicts children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia surrounding stress" Delgadillo, D., S. Boparai, S. D. Pressman, A. Goldstein, J. F. Bureau, S. Schmiedel, M. Backer, B. Broekman, K. Hian Tan, Y. S. Chong, H. Chen, A. K. Zalta, M. J. Meaney, A. Rifkin-Graboi, S. Tsotsi and J. L. Borelli. Dev Psychobiol. 2021 Jul;63(5):1225-1240. doi:10.1002/dev.22082, published July 2021; published online 5 Jan 2021.
  • “Preschoolers’ emotion reactivity and regulation: links with maternal psychological distress and child behavior problems” Tsotsi S., Borelli J.L., Backer M., Veragoo N., Abdulla, N., Tan K.H., Chong Y.S., Chen H., Meaney M.J., Broekman B.F.P., Rifkin-Graboi A. (in press). Development & Psychopathology, manuscript accepted 20 June 2021.(IF 4.357)
  • “Fecundability in reproductive aged women at risk of sexual dysfunction and associated risk factors: a prospective preconception cohort study" Loy, S. L., C. W. Ku, Y. B. Cheung, K. M. Godfrey, Y. S. Chong, L. P. Shek, K. H. Tan, F. K. P. Yap, J. Y. Bernard, H. Chen, S. Y. Chan, T. Y. Tan and J. K. Y. Chan (2021). BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 21(1): 444., manuscript accepted 21 May 2021, published on 25 June 2021. (IF 2.94)
  • “Income disparity in school readiness and the mediating role of perinatal maternal mental health: a longitudinal birth cohort study” E. C. Law* , R. Aishworiya, S. Cai, A.-A. Bouvette-Turcot, B. F. P. Broekman, H. Chen, L. M. Daniel, P. D. Gluckman, L. P. C. Shek, S. K. H. Tay, Y. S. Chong, G. C.-H. Koh and M. J. Meaney. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences (Cambridge University Press). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S204579602000102X, accepted 30 Oct 2020, published online 8 Jan 2021.
  • “Maternal expressions of positive emotion for children predicts children’s respiratory sinus arrhythymia surrounding stress” Desiree Delgadillo, Sameen Boparai, Sarah D Pressman, Alison Goldstein, Jean-Francois Bureau, Sabrina Schmeidel, Mumtaz Backer, Kok Hian Tan, Yap-Seng Chong, Helen Chen, Alyson K Zalta, Michael J Meaney, Anne Rifkin-Graboi, Stella Tsotsi, Jessica L Borelli. Developmental Psychobiology 5 Jan 2021; https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.22082 (IF 2.94)
  • “Preconception origins of perinatal maternal mental health” Kee MZL, Ponmudi S, Phua DY, Rifkin-Gabroi A, Chong YS, Tan KH, Chan JKY, Broekman BFP, Chen H, Meaney MJ. Archives of Women’s Mental Health Jan 2021, doi.org/10.1007/s00737-020-01096-y (IF 4.34)
  • “Cohort profile: Singapore Preconception Study of Long-term Maternal and Child Outcomes (S-PRESTO)” Evelyn XL Loo, Shu-E Soh et…S-PRESTO Study Group: Helen Yu Chen et al. European J Epidemiology 2020; Nov(21); doi:10.1007/s10654-020-00697-2 (IF 7.14)
  • “Multiple modifiable lifestyle factors and the risk of perinatal depression during pregnancy: Findings from the GUSTO cohort” van Lee L, Chia A, Phua D, Colega M, Padmapriya N, Bernard JY, Cai S, Tham EKH, Teoh OH, Goh D, Gooley JJ, Gluckman PD, Yap F, Shek LPC, Godfrey KM, Tan KH, Chong YS, Muller-Riemenschneider F, Broekman B, Meaney M, Chen H, Chong MFF. Comprehensive Psychiatry 2020 Nov; 103:152210; doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152210.(IF 2.13)
  • “Child and adolescent psychiatry telemedicine: A Singaporean experience born in Covid-19” Ngar Yee Poon, Shirley Pat Fong, Helen Yu Chen. Asian J Psychiatry 2020;Aug (53):102336; doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102336 (IF 2.53)
  • “Network Analyses of Maternal Pre- and Post-Partum Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety” Desiree Y Phua, Helen Chen, Yap Seng Chong, Peter D Gluckman, Birit FP Broekman, Michael J Meaney. Frontiers Psychiatry 2020 Aug 6;11:785. Doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00785. (IF 3.53)
  • “Association of Pain Catastrophizing with Postnatal Depressive States in Nulliparous Parturients: A Prospective Study” Yanzhi Zeng*, Chin Wen Tan, Rehena Sultana, Tze-Ern Chua, Helen Yu Chen, Alex Tiong Heng Sia, Ban Leong Sng. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (Dovepress), 2020 Jul;30(16):1853-1862. Doi:10.2147/NDT/S256465, accepted 13 July 2020, published 30 July 2020. (IF 2.23)
  • “Factors Associated with the Development of Postnatal Depression After Cesarean Delivery: Prospective Study” Carolyn Li-Jen Chan, Chin Wen Tan, Jason Ju In Chan, Rehena Sultana, Tze-Ern Chua, Helen Yu Chen, Alex Tiong Heng Sia, Ban Leong Sng. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (Dovepress). https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S241984, accepted 3 Mar 2020, published online 12 Mar 2020. (IF 2.23)
  • “Maternal Antenatal Anxiety and Electrophysiological Functioning amongst a Sub-set of Preschoolers Participating in the GUSTO cohort” Hong Kuang Tan; Shaun K.Y. Goh; Stella Tsotsi; Michaela Bruntraeger; Helen YU Chen; Birit Broekman; Kok Hian Tan; Yap Seng Chong; Michael J. Meaney; Anqi Qiu; Anne Rifkin-Graboi. BMC Psychiatry accepted 2020 Jan (IF 2.66)
  • “Identifying trajectories of antenatal depression in women and their associations with gestational age and neonatal anthropometry: A prospective cohort study” Haikel A. Lim*, Tze-Ern Chua, Rahul Malhotra, John C. Allen, Irene Teo, Bernard S. M. Chern, Kok Hian Tan, Helen Chen. General Hospital Psychiatry, Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.09.001, accepted 11 Sep 2019, published online 12 Sep 2019. (IF 3.220)
  • “Caring for the mother-child dyad as a family physician.” Tsang LPM, Ng DCC, Chan YH, Chen HY. Singapore Med J. 2019 Oct;60(10):497-501. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2019128. PMID: 31663104
  • “Trajectories of antenatal maternal psychological stress and their association with gestational age and neonatal anthropometry: A prospective cohort study of multi-ethnic Asian women in an urban setting.” Lim HA, Chua TE, Malhotra R, Allen JC, Chern BSM, Tan KH, Chen H. Asian J Psychiatr. 2020 Feb;48:101923. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.101923. Epub 2019 Dec 28. PMID: 31896435
  • “An initial investigation of neonatal neuroanatomy, caregiving, and levels of disorganized behavior” Anne Rifkin-Graboi, Hui Min Tan, Goh Kok Yew Shaun, Lit Wee Sim, Shamini Sanmugam, Yap Seng Chong, Kok Hian Tan, Lynette Shek, Peter D. Gluckman, Helen Chen, Marielle Fortier, Michael J. Meaney, and Anqi Qiu. PNAS (Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the USA) https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1900362116. 2019 (IF 9.58)
  • “Maternal Parenting Stress, Child Exuberance, and Preschoolers’ Behavior Problems” Stella Tsotsi, Birit F.P. Broekman, Lynette P. Shek, Kok Hian Tan, Yap Seng Chong, Helen Chen, Michael J. Meaney, and Anne E. Rifkin-Graboi. Child Development, January/February 2019, Volume 90, Number 1, Pages 136–146. (IF 5.02)
  • “Television viewing and child cognition in a longitudinal birth cohort in Singapore: The role of maternal factors” Ramkumar Aishworiya, Shirong Cai, Helen Y. Chen, Desiree Y. Phua, Birit F.P. Broekman, Lourdes Mary Daniel, Yap Seng Chong, Lynette P. Shek, Fabian Yap, Shiao-Yng Chan, Michael J. Meaney, Evelyn C. Law. BMC Paediatrics accepted (IF 1.5
  • "A cross-sectional survey of what patients find most therapeutic in perinatal mental healthcare in Singapore" Li Lian Ong, Ying Chia Ch'ng, Tze-Ern Chua, Helen Chen. Asian Journal of Psychiatry 2019 May 3;43:57-59. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.05.007(IF1.93)
  • “Greater caregiving risk, better infant memory performance?” Rifkin-Graboi A, Quan J, Richmond J, Goh SKY, Sim LW, Chong YS, Bureau JF, Chen H, Qiu A. Hippocampus. 2018 Jul;28(7):497-511. doi: 10.1002/hipo.22949 (IF 3.27)
  • “Maternal anxiety, parenting stress, and preschoolers’ behavior problems: the role of child self-regulation” Tsotsi Stella, Broekman Birit, Sim Lit Wee, Shek Lynette, Tan Kok Hian, Chong Yap Seng, Qiu Anqi, Chen Helen, Meaney Michael, Rifkin-Graboi Anne. Journal of Developmental & Behavioural Pediatrics, accepted July 2019 (IF 2.39)
  • “Maternal sensitivity during infancy and the regulation of startle in preschoolers” Stella Tsotsi, Jessica L. Borelli, Nurshuhadah Binte Abdulla, Hui Min Tan, Lit Wee Sim, Shamini Sanmugam, Kok Hian Tan, Yap Seng Chong, Anqi Qiu, Helen Chen & Anne Rifkin-Graboi. ATTACHMENT & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2018.1542737, accepted 28 Oct 2018, published online 8 Nov 2018. (IF 2.22)
  • "Antenatal Anxiety: Prevalence and Patterns in a Routine Obstetric Population" Tze-Ern Chua, Dianne Carrol Bautista, Kok Hian Tan, George Yeo, Helen Chen. Annals Academy of Medicine Ann Acad Med Singapore 2018;47:405-12, accepted: 22 Oct 2018, published online Oct 2018.(IF 1.13)
  • "Threatened Miscarriage and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Women and Partners in Early Pregnancy" Cindy Shiqi Zhu, Tan Thiam Chye, Helen Yu Chen, Rahul Malhotra, John Carson Allen, Truls Østbye. Journal of Affective Disorders DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.012, accepted 2 Apr 2018, published online 11 Apr 2018 (IF 3.43)
  • “Investigation of variants in estrogen receptor genes and perinatal depression” Ene-Choo Tan, Hwee-Woon Lim, Tze-Ern Chua, Hui-San Tan, Theresa MY Lee, Helen Y Chen. Dovepress, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2018:14 919–925, accepted 9 Feb 2018, published 29 Mar 2018.(IF 1.74)
  • “Prospective associations of maternal dietary patterns and postpartum mental health in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort: the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study” Cherylen Teo, Ai-Ru Chia, Marjorelee T Colega, Ling-Wei Chen, Doris Fok, Wei Wei Pang, Keith M Godfrey, Kok Hian Tan, Fabian Yap, Lynette Pei-Chi Shek, Yap-Seng Chong, Michael Meaney, Helen Chen, Mary Foong-Fong Chong (2018) MDPI, Nutrients 2018, 10, 299; doi:10.3390/nu10030299, accepted on 28 Feb 2018, published 2 Mar 2018. (IF 4.74)
  • “Psychotropic Prescription in Antenatal Depression, Anxiety and Adjustment Disorders in Singapore” Junpei Elizabeth Siak, Tze-Ern Chua, Sandy Julianty Umboh, Helen Chen. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, accepted on 5 Feb 2018.
  • “Child, Maternal and Demographic Factors Influencing Caregiver-Reported Autistic Trait Symptomatology in Toddlers” D. A. Goh, D. Gan, J. Kung, S. Baron-Cohen, C. Allison, H. Chen, S.M. Saw, Y. S. Chong, V. S. Rajadurai, K. H. Tan, P. C. L. Shek, et al. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, accepted on 18 Jan 2018, Published online on 31 Jan 2018, DOI 10.1007/s10803-018-3471-7. (IF 2.51)
  • “Trajectories of maternal prenatal stress, depression, and anxiety, and their association with prematurity and neonatal outcomes” Lim, H. A., Chua, T. E., Malhotra, R., Allen, Jr., J. C., Teo, I., Tan, K. H., & Chen, H. (2018). European Psychiatry, 48, S216–217. (IF: 3.47)
  • “Positive maternal mental health during pregnancy associated with specific forms of adaptive development in early childhood: Evidence from a longitudinal study” Phua DY, Kee MKZL, Koh DXP, Rifkin-Graboi A, Daniels M, Chen H, Chong YS, Broekman BFP, Magiati I, Karnani N, Pluess M, Meaney MJ. Dev Psychopathol. 2017 Dec;29(5):1573-1587. doi: 10.1017/S0954579417001249 (IF 3.59)
  • “Psychopathology experienced in pregnancy loss: does post abortion syndrome exist?” Kah Wee Ng, Jintana Tang, Helen Chen, ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 18 (2), July - December 2017: XX-XX, accepted on 27 Nov 2017, published on 7 Dec 2017.
  • “Perinatal Maternal Depressive Symptoms Alter Amygdala Functional Connectivity in Girls” Ni Ni Soe, Daniel J. Wen, Joann S. Poh, Yap-Seng Chong, Birit Fp Broekman, Helen Chen, Lynette P. Shek, Kok Hian Tan, Peter D. Gluckman, Marielle V. Fortier, Michael J. Meaney and Anqi Qiu, Human Brain Mapping, accepted on 26 Oct 2017, Published online on 2 Nov 2017, DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23873. (IF 5.97)
  • “Maternal choline status during pregnancy, but not that of betaine, is related to antenatal mental well-being: The growing up in Singapore toward healthy outcomes cohort” van Lee L, Quah PL, Saw SM, Yap FKP, Godfrey KM, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Chen H, Chong MF. Depress Anxiety 2017 Oct; 34(10):877-887. doi:10.1002/da.22637.(IF 5.00)
  • “FKBP5 moderates the association between Antenatal Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Neonatal Brain Morphology” Wang C, Shen M, Guillaume B, Chong YS, Chen H, Ortier MV, Meaney MJ, Qiu A. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017 Oct 3; doi:10.1038/npp.2017.232.(IF 6.40)
  • “Relation of plasma tryptophan concentrations during pregnancy to maternal sleep and mental well-being: The GUSTO cohort” Linde van Lee, Shirong Cai, See Ling Loy, Elaine K.H. Tham, Fabian K.P. Yap, Keith M. Godfrey, Peter D. Gluckman, Lynette P.C. Shek, Oon Hoe Teoh, Daniel Y.T. Goh, Kok Hian Tan, Yap Seng Chong, Michael J. Meaney, Helen Chen, Birit F.P. Broekman, Mary F.F. Chong, Journal of Affective Disorders, accepted on 21 August 2017, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.08.069. (IF 3.57)
  • “Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” Pao-Yen Lin, Cheng-Ho Cheng, Mary Foong-Fong Chong, Helen Chen, Kuan-Pin Su, Elsevier, accepted on 3 March 2017, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.02.1182. (IF 11.21)
  • “Influences of Prenatal and Postnatal Maternal Depression on Amygdala Volume and Microstructure in Young Children” Daniel J. Wen, Joann Poh, Soe Ni Ni, Yap-Seng Chong, Helen Chen, Kenneth Kwek, Lynette P. Shek, Peter D. Gluckman, Marielle V. Fortier, Michael J. Meaney & Anqi Qiu, Translational Psychiatry, accepted on 23 February 2017.(IF 5.62)
  • “Understanding How Postnatal Depression Screening and Early Intervention Works in the Real World – A Singaporean Perspective” Theresa MY Lee, Dianne Bautista & Helen Y Chen, Annals Academy of Medicine, PND Intervention Programme 4-Year Audit, October 2016, Vol. 45 No. 1.(IF 1.04)
  • “Association of physical activity and sedentary behavior with depression and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy in a multiethnic cohort of Asian women” Natarajan Padmapriya, Jonathan Y. Bernard, Shen Liang, See Ling Loy, Zhe Shen, Kenneth Kwek, Keith M. Godfrey & Peter D. Gluckman, Yap-Seng Chong, Seang Mei Saw, Michael J. Meaney, Helen Chen & Falk Müller-Riemenschneider (On behalf of the GUSTO Study Group), Received: 26 March 2016 /Accepted: 2 September 2016, Arch Womens Ment Health, DOI 10.1007/s00737-016-0664-y.(2.62)
  • "Anxiety and Depression during Pregnancy and Temperament in Early Infancy: Findings from a Multi-Ethnic, Asian, Prospective Birth Cohort Study" Shang-Chee Chong, Birit FP Broekman, Anqi Qiu, Izzuddin M. Aris, Yiong Huak Chan, Anne Rifkin-Graboi, Evelyn Law, Cornelia Yin Ing Chee, Yap-Seng Chong, Kenneth Y.C. Kwek, Seang Mei Saw, Peter D. Gluckman, Michael J. Meaney, Helen Chen; Infant Mental Health Journal Vol. 37(5), 584–598 (2016) DOI: 10.1002/imhj.2158.(1.07)
  • "Investigating analgesic and psychological factors associated with risk of postpartum depression development: a case control study” Thangavelautham S, Phuong Tu PH, Chen H, Tan EC, Pryseley NA, Sultana R, Han NL, Sng, BL, accepted Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Apr 2016. Published 9 June 2016. (IF 1.74)
  • "Patterns and predictors of treatment outcome for antenatal major depression" Chua T E, Allen J, Ang L, Ong L L, Ch’ng Y C, Chen H. Singapore Medical Journal ePub 1 Jun 2016. doi: 10.11622/smedj.201610.(IF 0.57)
  • “Pre- and Post-natal Maternal Depressive Symptoms in relation with infant frontal function, connectivity and behaviours” Soe NN, Wen DJ, Poh JS, Yue Li, Broekman BF, Chen H, Chong YS, Kwek K, Saw SM, Gluckmann PG, Meaney MJ, Rifkin-Graboi A, Qiu A. accepted PLOS One, Mar 2016. Published 13 Apr 2016. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152991.(IF 3.23)
  • “Maternal sensitivity, infant limbic structure volume and functional connectivity: preliminary study” Rifkin-Graboi A, Kong L, Sim LW, Sanmugam, Broekman BFP, Chen H, Wong E, Kwek K, Chong YS, Gluckman PD et al; Translational Psychiatry 5(10):E668; DOI:10.1038/tp.2015.133.(IF 5.62)
  • “An independent association of prenatal depression with wheezing and anxiety with rhinitis in infancy” Chen TS, Chen H, Lee T, Teoh OH, Shek L, Lee BW, Chee C, Godfrey KM, Gluckman PD et el. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 2015:00; DOI:10:1111/pai.12453 (IF 3.40)
  • “Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism influences the association of the methylome with maternal anxiety and neonatal brain volumes” Chen L, Pan H, Tuan, TA, The AL, MacIsaac JL, Mah SM, McEwen LM, Li Y, Chen H, Broekman B, et al. Development and Psychopathology 2015;27:135-150; doi:10.1017/S0954579414001357. (IF 4.89)
  • “Retrospective observation of mental disorders during postpartum period: Results from the Singapore mental health Study” Vathsala Sagayadevan*, Siau Pheng Lee, Edimansyah Abdin, Janhavi Vaingankar, Helen Chen, Siow Ann Chong and Mythily Subramaniam. BioMed Central Women’s Health (2015)15:119; DOI 10.1186/s12905-015-0279-x. (IF 1.50)
  • “Case control study of glucocorticoid receptor and corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor gene variants and risk of perinatal depression” Ene-Choo Tan*, Tze-Ern Chua, Theresa M. Y. Lee, Hui-San Tan, Joe L. Y. Ting and Helen Y. Chen. BioMed Central Pregnancy & Childbirth (2015) 15:283 doi:10.1186/s12884-015-0720-z. Published 30 Oct 2015. (IF 2.19)
  • "Antenatal Maternal Anxiety Predicts Variations in Neural Structures Implicated in Anxiety Disorders in Newborns" Anqi Qiu*, Anne Rifkin-Graboi, Michael J. Meaney, Helen Chen, Jordan Bai, Waseem Bak’r Hameed, Mya Thway Tint, Birit FP Broekman, Yap-Seng Chong, Peter D. Gluckman, Marielle V. Fortier. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP), accepted 28 Jan 2015. Volume 54, Issue 4, April 2015, Pages 313–321.e2. (IF 7.26)
  • "Prenatal Maternal Depression Alters Amygdala Functional Connectivity in 6-month-old infants" Anqi Qiu*, Ta Anh Tuan, Yue Li, Helen Chen, Anne Rifkin-Graboi, Birit FP Broekman, Kenneth Kwek, Seang-Mei Saw, Yap-Seng Chong, Peter D. Gluckman, Marielle V. Fortier, Michael J. Meaney. Nature Translational Psychiatry, accepted Dec 2014. Translational Psychiatry (2015) 5, e508; doi:10.1038/tp.2015.3. (IF 5.62)
  • "Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status during pregnancy and maternal mental health in pregnancy and the postpartum period: results from the GUSTO study " Mary Foong-Fong Chong, Yi Lin Ong, Helen Chen, Chong Yap Seng, Marjorelee T. Colega, Peter GLUCKMAN_NZ, Keith Godfrey, Calder P.C., Tan Chuen Seng, Fisk H., Cai Shirong, Pang Wei Wei, Leutscher-Broekman, Saw Seang Mei, Kenneth Kwek, Michael MEANEY_Mcgill, Jocelyn Wong. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2015; 76(7):e848-56 (IF 5.50)
  • “Relationships of maternal folate and vitamin B12 status during pregnancy with perinatal depression: The GUSTO study" Mary F.F. Chong, Jocelyn X.Y. Wong, Marjorelee Colega, Ling-Wei Chen, Rob M. van Dam, Chuen Seng Tan, Ai Lin Lim, Shirong Cai, Birit F.P. Broekman, Yung Seng Lee, Seang Mei Saw, Kenneth Kwek, Keith M. Godfrey, Yap Seng Chong, Peter Gluckman, Michael J. Meaney, Helen Chen. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2014 55(April):110-116, doi: 10/1016/j.psychires.2014.04.006.(IF 4.66)
  • “COMT Haplotypes Modulate Associations of Antenatal Maternal Anxiety and Neonatal Cortical Morphology” A Qiu, T A Tuan, M L Ong, Y Li, A R-Graboi, H Chen, B FP Broekman, K Kwek, S-M Saw, Y-S Chong, P D. Gluckman, M V. Fortier, J D Holbrook, M J. Meaney, American Journal of Psychiatry 2015 Feb 31;172(20):163-72. Epub 2014 Oct 31. (IF 13.56)
  • “Association of premenstrual/menstrual symptoms with perinatal depression and a polymorphic repeat in the polyglutamine tract of the retinoic acid induced 1 gene" Tan EC, Tan HS, Chua TE, Lee T, Ng J, Ch’ng Y C, Choo C H, Chen H, Journal of Affective Disorders 2014 Jun; 161:43-6. Doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.03.006. (IF 3.30).
  • “Prenatal maternal depression associated with microstructure of right amygdala in neonates at birth” Rifkin-Gabrol A, Bai J, Chen H, Hameed WB, Lit WS, Mya TT et al. Biological Psychiatry 2013 Dec1:74(11):837-44.doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.06.019. (IF 10.26)
  • “Antenatal mental health and retinal vascular caliber in pregnant women” Li LJ, Ikram MK, Broekman, Cheung CYL, Chen H, Gooley JJ, Soh SE, Gluckman P, Kwek K, Chong YS, Meaney M, Wong TY, Saw SM. Trans Vis Sci Tech 2013, doi:10.1167/tvst.2.2.2.
  • “Postnatal depression: a family medicine perspective” Umboh SJ, How CH, Chen H. Singapore Med J. 2013 Sep;54(9):477-9; quiz 480-1. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2013167
  • “The maternal infant dyadic relationship – looking beyond postpartum depression” Chen H, Lee T. Asean J Psychiatry 2013; 14(2):161-69.
  • “Antenatal depression and anxiety in a high-risk pregnancy” Chua TE, Wang J, Chen H. Asean J Psychiatry accepted 2013
  • “Screening for postnatal depression in Chinese-speaking women using the Hong Kong translated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale” Chen H, Bautista D (joint first authors), Ch’ng YC, Li WY, Chan E, Rush AJ. Asia Pac Psy, 2013, doi.10.1111/appy.12080
  • “The influence of anxiety in pregnancy on birth length” Broekeman G, Chan YH, Kwek K, Cohan SS, Haley CL, Chee C, Chen H, Rifkin-Garbrol A, Gluckman P, Meaney M, Saw SM. PaedPerinEpid accepted 2013
  • “Prevalence of depression and anxiety in high-risk pregnancies” Thiagayson P, Krishnasamy G, Sung S, Fung D, Allen J, Chen H. Gen Hospital Psychiatry 2012; 35(2):112-116
  • “Understanding maternal mental illness: a case report – psychiatric autopsy of maternal suicide” Chen H. Singapore Med Journal 2012 53(5):e1-e2
  • “Identifying mothers with postpartum depression early: integrating perinatal mental health care into the obstetric setting” Chen et al. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology accepted 2011; doi:10.5402/2011/309189.
  • “Frontline Report: Addressing maternal mental health needs in Singapore” Chen H. Psychiatric Services 2011, 62:102.
  • “Supportive counselling for postpartum depression in Asians” Fam J, Wang J, Chen H. Asia Pacific Psychiatry 2011; 3:61-66.
  • “Randomized comparison of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (escitalopram) monotherapy and antidepressant combination pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder with melancholic features: a CO-MED report” Bobo WV, Chen H et al J Affective Disorders 2011; 133(3):467-76.
  • “Perinatal Case Management: Caring for our mothers as they care for their babies” Ch’ng YC, Wang J, Chen H, J PaedsObsGyn 2010, Nov/Dec:227-232.
  • “Holistic Antenatal Care: Mental Wellness in Pregnancy” Chen H. SMJ 2008;49(1 Suppl):S16 Medical Journal 2008;49(9):694-697
  • “Maternal deaths from suicide in Singapore” Chen YH, Lau G. SMJ 2008;49(9):694-694.
  • “Women’s mental health – an overrated issue or under-recognised need” Chen H. SMJ editorial, May 2007;48(5):378-379
  • “Depressive symptomatology in pregnancy: a Singaporean perspective” Chen H, Tan KH, Chan YH, Lee T. SocPsy Psych Epid 2004, 39:975-979.
  • “Reducing benzodiazepine prescription at point of discharge” Lee C, Ng BT, Eu PW, Chen H, Lee N, Foo R, Ithin MA. Ann Acad Med Singapore 2004;33(5):S97.
  • “Mental health literacy study of general practitioners: a comparative study in Singapore and Australia” Parker G, Lee C, Chen H, Kua J, Loh J, Jorm A. Australasian Psychiatry 2001, Mar 9(1):55-59
  • “A comparative mental health literarch survey of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in Singapore” Parker G, Chen H, Kua J, Loh J, Jorm A. Aust NZ J Psychiatry 2000 Aug;43(4):627-636
  • “Mental health literacy in Singapore: a comparative survey of psychiatrists and primary health professions.” Chen H, Parker G, Kua J, Jorm A, Loh J. Ann Acad Med Singapore 2000; Jul;29(4):467-73.
  • “A clinical study of 7 cases of trichotillomania in Singapore” Fung DSS, Chen H. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1999;28(4):519-524

Research Trials

  • Prospective follow-up of women with mental health disorders - 2018 submitted
  • Trajectories of Perinatal Stress, Depression, and Anxiety: Risk Factors and Associations with Neonatal Anthropometry – 2017
  • Evaluation of the Supporting Resilience and Empowering Mums (SURE MUMS) pilot programme 2017
  • Comparison of the role of epidural analgesia versus non-epidural analgesia in postnatal depression and persistent pain development – a randomized controlled trial - 2017
  • Depression and Anxiety in Women Facing Threatened Miscarriage and Their Partners 2016
  • Postnatal Depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Women following and Eventful Childbirth 2015
  • The Caregiving and Development Project 2015
  • Clinical Audit of the Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme 2008 till present