Vietnam health ministry proposes monitoring people under work, study pressure for mental disorder risk

The proposal would expand surveillance beyond patients already diagnosed with mental disorders to include individuals considered at risk, aiming to enable earlier detection and intervention.

The draft lists three groups subject to monitoring: people diagnosed with mental disorders, deaths linked to such conditions, and individuals at risk of developing them.

Mental disorders covered include schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia.

People considered at risk include those with a history of mental disorders or at least one biological, psychological or social risk factor, the draft said.

Biological factors include a family history of mental illness, brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury or stroke, and chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and epilepsy.

Certain life stages such as puberty, postpartum periods, menopause, and old age are also listed.

Psychological risks include prolonged stress, trauma from events such as bereavement, divorce or unemployment, domestic violence, abuse, accidents or disasters, as well as a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Social factors include isolation, lack of family or community support, discrimination, unsafe living environments, and substance abuse.

The draft also highlights sustained pressure related to study, work, and financial conditions.

Under the proposal, health authorities would collect personal and medical data for diagnosed patients, including diagnosis details, treatment status, relapses, hospital readmissions, and medication use.

For individuals considered at risk, authorities would gather information on health status and relevant risk factors, including family history, early behavioral or emotional symptoms, and social indicators such as substance abuse, poverty, unemployment, and violence.

The ministry said it had coordinated with several government agencies, including justice, home affairs, education and finance authorities, in drafting the regulation to implement provisions of the Law on Disease Prevention.