The Child Psychology and Psychiatry Department at HCM City Mental Health Hospital now receives 300-500 young patients daily, up from 200-300 in previous years.
Common conditions include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental and behavioural disorders, depression, anxiety, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.
According to Chu Thi Dung, deputy director of the hospital, patient numbers had risen by around 50 per cent, partly reflecting growing pressures from school, family life and social media.
She warned that excessive gaming, smartphone use and social media exposure could contribute to sleep disturbances, behavioural problems, anxiety and depression.
A father from Hung Long Commune took his four-year-old son for examination over hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour. Diagnosed with ADHD, the boy was prescribed behavioural therapy with family support.
Similar increases in mental health consultations have been reported at HCM City's major paediatric hospitals, including Children's Hospitals 1 and 2 and City Children's Hospital.
Nguyen Thanh Sang, head of the Clinical Psychology, Rehabilitation and Traditional Medicine Department at Children's Hospital 2, said excessive smartphone use was associated with emotional and behavioural difficulties among some young patients.
He cited a 10-year-old girl who spent long periods alone with a smartphone while her parents worked. She subsequently experienced serious communication difficulties and withdrew from social interaction.
Another patient, a 14-year-old boy who played video games for at least five hours daily, became aggressive towards family members and experienced severe emotional distress when his devices were confiscated.
Sang warned that using smartphones to keep children occupied could reduce opportunities for communication and social development. Excessive screen time may also disrupt sleep, concentration and academic performance.
Early intervention urged
According to UNICEF data cited in the report, an estimated 12-30 per cent of children and adolescents in Vietnam experience mental health problems, but only a small proportion receive timely support.
Common conditions include ADHD, anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders, alongside concerns about eating disorders, social isolation and stress.
Doctors said diagnosis can be difficult as symptoms may resemble normal childhood behaviour, while stigma and parental reluctance can delay treatment.
They urged parents, teachers and school health workers to watch for signs such as persistent sadness, anxiety, sleep problems, poor concentration, social withdrawal and self-harm.
Delayed diagnosis can worsen symptoms, prolong treatment and affect children's education, relationships and quality of life.
"Parents should take children to paediatric specialists or psychological clinics as soon as they notice these signs so they can receive timely assessment and support," Sang advised.