Mental health risks require monitoring

The Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health on March 6 released information regarding the proposal, which forms part of a draft circular detailing several provisions of the Law on Disease Prevention.

The draft document was published on March 5 on the official portals of the Government and the Ministry of Health to collect feedback from agencies, organisations, experts, and the public.

One notable provision concerns the monitoring of mental disorder risks, aimed at strengthening early detection and prevention.

According to the draft circular, the monitoring system will cover three main groups.

The first group consists of people diagnosed with common mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, dementia, and other conditions listed in professional guidelines.

The second group includes individuals who die from mental disorders, identified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Monitoring these cases helps health authorities better understand mental illnesses that carry higher mortality risks and develop appropriate intervention measures.

The third group covers people considered at risk of developing mental disorders. These are individuals with a history of mental illness or those exposed to biological, psychological, social, or other related risk factors.

The draft circular outlines four main categories of risk factors associated with mental disorders.

Biological and genetic factors range from a family history of mental illness, brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury or stroke, chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, HIV/AIDS and epilepsy, as well as physiological stages such as puberty, postpartum period, menopause and aging.

Psychological factors include prolonged stress, psychological trauma caused by the loss of loved ones, divorce or unemployment, domestic violence, abuse, accidents or disasters, personality traits linked to high anxiety or perfectionism, poor coping skills, and a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Social factors refer to social isolation, lack of family or community support, discrimination against vulnerable groups, unsafe living environments involving violence or crime, and substance abuse such as alcohol, drugs, or sedatives.

Other factors include prolonged pressure related to education, employment and economic conditions.

The Department of Preventive Medicine said the proposal reflects a new approach introduced in the Law on Disease Prevention and is currently being discussed by scientists and public health experts.

It noted that the draft aims to develop practical guidelines without creating administrative burdens, while also building tools that help health facilities and individuals assess mental health risk factors and take preventive measures.

Expert supports shift toward preventive approach

Mental health expert Dr. Tran Thi Hong Thu said the proposal represents an important shift in Vietnam’s mental health policy, from focusing primarily on treatment to emphasising prevention.

According to the expert, mental disorders rarely appear suddenly but often develop gradually from prolonged stress, emotional exhaustion, psychological trauma or social isolation.

Students, young people and workers today face increasing pressure from academic expectations, career competition and social media influences, she noted.

Recognising early warning signs such as chronic stress, trauma or excessive work and study pressure can help prevent more serious mental health crises before they occur.

However, she emphasised that effective implementation should ensure confidentiality, avoid stigma and be accompanied by accessible mental health support services.

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