Psychosis link for dead teenager

Teenager Chan Yin-lam may have shown symptoms linked to psychosis as her health deteriorated last August, a month or so before her naked body was found in the harbor off Yau Tong, a psychiatrist testified yesterday.

Psychiatrist Robyn Ho Mei-yee testified as an expert witness before coroner Ko Wai-hung and a five-strong jury on the ninth day of an inquest into the death of the 15-year-old Hong Kong Design Institute student.

Ho believed Chan had conduct disorder since primary six as she refused to follow rules and was easily frustrated.

Chan's mental condition worsened last August when she assaulted police officers in Tong Fuk and damaged facilities at the girls' home, but doctors did not record her emotional changes at that time.

Psychiatrists in Tuen Mun Hospital said Chan was diagnosed with acute stress disorder and defiant disorder last year.

But Ho said her medical record at the hospital was incomplete as Chan's mother and social workers stated the 15-year-old had made a scene while she was there and could not be easily communicated with.

Ho believed Chan developed symptoms of psychosis last August for the first time, as the teenager experienced confused thoughts and talked incoherently.

Her relatives and friends also said Chan acted like a different person.

She also told others she experienced hallucinations and was annoyed by a voice.Ho said psychosis is a symptom of mental illness, which could potentially affect her ability to swim.

Psychosis, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder would also increase the risk of suicidal behavior, she said.

Ho also said the girl may have suffered a drug-induced mental disorder, pointing to literature linking marijuana to psychosis. She also told the court that there is no research that links tear gas to psychosis.

Although Chan's drug test was negative, Ho said the test must be performed three days after taking marijuana, with results not ruling out the possibility that Chan smoked marijuana prior to that.

Ho also suggested that Chan may have developed a temporary mental disorder that could last from one day to a month.She noted that a family history of mental health issues increased Chan's risk of suffering from the same issues.

The court heard that Chan's father was admitted to Castle Peak Hospital five times due to psychosis over the past 10 years, staying for periods of two to six months each time. He also used methamphetamines until 2014.

Her father's mental health deteriorated after attending Chan's funeral in October, resulting in loud outbursts at home and a refusal to attend a follow-up consultation.

He was admitted to hospital early this year after being diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder and is expected to hospitalized for at least one year.

The inquest continues today.