“I have encountered many cases where well-intentioned phrases like ‘cheer up’ or ‘you’ll be fine’ end up making the patient feel dismissed. They may feel misunderstood or even more isolated,” said Dr. Phan Duy Thuc, a specialist in adolescent mental health disorders.
Bringing mentally ill people back to normal life
C., a student (20 years old), he was once outgoing and full of life, suddenly became withdrawn, avoided communication with family and friends, and imagined hidden threats, eventually becoming aggressive and violent. His family was devastated when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
They took C. across the country, from the South to the North, seeking help from both conventional and spiritual healers, and consulted leading psychiatric experts in Vietnam, but C.’s condition showed no improvement. After repeated hospitalizations, the family was on the verge of losing hope.
When they heard that FV Hospital had invited Dr. Thuc, a psychiatrist from the U.S., to join their team, they brought C. in with only a faint glimmer of hope. Following a thorough examination, Dr. Thuc provided a medical report outlining C.’s clinical symptoms, physical condition, diagnostic impressions, and a detailed treatment plan combining medication and psychotherapy, while closely monitoring C.’s physical health. After one year of treatment, C.’s mental and physical health had stabilized, allowing him to return to work.
“We’re overjoyed, it’s like our family has come back to life. We are incredibly grateful to FV Hospital for bringing Dr. Thuc to Vietnam. Our son is now 99% back to normal!” C.’s mother said emotionally.
According to Dr. Thuc, the goal of psychiatric treatment is to help patients regain behavioral control and reintegrate socially. Medication alone, or isolating the patient, is not effective. Optimal treatment requires coordination between the doctor, patient, family, and society.
Returning home: A Psychiatrist’s journey from the U.S.
Dr. Phan Duy Thuc earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2011. He completed a Triple Board Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York in 2016, specializing in Pediatrics, General Psychiatry, and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He holds board certifications in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Having worked at the New York State Office of Mental Health, where he was responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing psychiatric patients, Dr. Thuc has helped thousands overcome severe psychological trauma, rediscover joy, and achieve success.
His visits to Vietnam over the years fostered a deepening connection with the country. The opportunity to return came when Dr. Jean-Marcel Guillon, CEO of FV Hospital, invited him to join the hospital. Dr. Thuc said that FV’s international-standard medical environment enables him to accompany patients on their mental health journey and contribute to the advancement of psychiatry in Vietnam.
In Ho Chi Minh City, a major urban center with high stress levels and a diverse range of mental health issues, many young patients have confided suicidal thoughts. At FV, Dr. Thuc also treated a case of dissociative identity disorder, which had been rare in his previous practice in the U.S.
With both professionalism and empathy, he spends hours listening to patients to accurately assess their condition and tailor treatment plans accordingly. Mental health treatment at FV is multidisciplinary, involving the Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, and other departments such as Nutrition and Internal Medicine when necessary, especially for patients with comorbid conditions or those on long-term medication.
According to Dr. Thuc, the treatment of psychiatric disorders requires collaboration between healthcare providers and families. Rather than attempting to “solve the problem”, relatives should be present, listen without judgment, acknowledge the patient’s emotions, and gently encourage them to seek professional help.
Many patients are unaware they are struggling with mental health issues. Dr. Thuc highlights several early warning signs: sleep or eating disturbances, persistent sadness, anxiety or irritability, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, declining academic or work performance, negative thinking, feelings of hopelessness, or self-harm tendencies. If such symptoms persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, psychological support is needed.
Dr. Phan Duy Thuc specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions such as: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, sleep-related disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For appointments, call the FV Hospital hotline: (028) 3511 3333
