Nguyen Duc Linh, 24, has just been admitted to the Dak Lak Provincial Mental Hospital following an epileptic seizure.

Linh's mother, Nguyen Thi Quy, said Linh had developed the problem five years ago due to work stress. He has received proper treatment and returned to work. However, the problem had reoccurred over the past two months.

"Doctors said that his condition had worsened due to the hot weather," Quy said. "I had to take him to the hospital for treatment.

H'Loanh Nie, who cares for her 10-year-old daughter in hospital, said her child had cerebral palsy. She has taken medicine regularly, and her condition has stabilised.

"However, she has faced lots of seizures during the recent hot days," Nie said. "I've had to bring her to hospital for better treatment."

Dak Lak Provincial Mental Hospital reported over 100 patients coming for check-ups daily since March, up over 20 percent compared to usual. The number of patients who had to stay for treatment also rose.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Be said that most of the patients are currently suffering from epilepsy, schizophrenia, and depression.

"The prolonged severe hot weather is one of the causes for the rise in mentally ill patients at this time," the doctor said. "People who have high-pressure jobs, elderly people with underlying diseases and postpartum women face the highest risks of developing mental problems at this time. The first symptoms included lack of appetite, insomnia, and loss of control."

The doctor advised people to pay more attention to mental health and seek medical treatment as soon as the first symptoms develop.

"Those with mental disorders that are self-treating at home should take medicine on time and drink more water," the doctor said. "They also need to stay in cool places and avoid going out during hot weather."