A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH USING HYDROGEN IN SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH CARE: OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS AT THE NATIONAL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL NO.2

A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH USING HYDROGEN IN SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH CARE: OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS AT THE NATIONAL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL NO.2

Author: Dr. Nhu Duc Thang
Department of Health Rehabilitation, National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2

(Report after the Vietnam - Japan Hydrogen Workshop organized by VAHC, HUTECH and Suiso Japan on October 17, 2025)

Introduction

The National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2 is a leading specialized facility in Southern Vietnam, responsible for the examination, treatment, rehabilitation, and scientific research for patients with mental disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Currently, treatment primarily relies on psychotropic drugs (sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics) combined with psychotherapy and rehabilitation measures. However, these methods have significant limitations, including the long-term side effects of medications, difficulties with long-term treatment adherence, and a lack of new, safe biological adjunctive therapies.

Faced with challenges such as the increasing rate of chronic patients, high readmission rates, and substantial treatment costs, the need to find a safe, sustainable, and low-side-effect adjunctive treatment method is urgent. In this context, molecular hydrogen (H₂) emerges as a potential therapy, opening a promising new direction.

Current Situation and Challenges in Psychiatric Treatment

The reality of treatment at specialized psychiatric hospitals, including the National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2, reveals:

• Primary Treatment Regimens: Heavy reliance on psychotropic drugs. While effective in controlling acute symptoms, long-term use often leads to numerous side effects such as movement disorders, weight gain, and cardiovascular issues, resulting in poor patient adherence.

• Supportive Measures: Psychotherapy and rehabilitation play crucial roles but are often insufficient to address underlying neurobiological damage.

• Consequences: High rates of relapse and readmission, suboptimal improvement in patients' quality of life, and increased pressure on the healthcare system and patients' families.

Therapeutic Potential of Molecular Hydrogen (H₂)

Molecular hydrogen, with its ultra-small size, can deeply penetrate all cells and the blood-brain barrier, offering several beneficial mechanisms of action:

1. Selective Antioxidant: H₂ effectively neutralizes hydroxyl radicals (•OH) – one of the most potent free radicals causing cellular damage to neurons – without affecting reactive oxygen species that function in cellular signaling.

2. Anti-inflammatory: H₂ suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce chronic inflammation – which is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of many mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

3. Neuroprotective: Through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, H₂ helps protect neurons from degeneration and damage, thereby supporting cognitive function improvement, particularly in conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

4. High Safety Profile: Extensive research has recognized H₂ as a safe molecule with no significant side effects, even at high concentrations, as its only byproduct is water (H₂O).

International studies also note hydrogen's potential in supporting the treatment of various other chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, and neurological disorders, further reinforcing its potential application in psychiatry.

The Novel Approach at National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2 and the Role of VAHC

Recognizing this immense potential, the National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2 is pioneering plans to apply hydrogen in clinical practice:

• Clinical Research: Designing and implementing controlled clinical trials to scientifically evaluate the efficacy of hydrogen therapy on specific patient groups (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia).

• Pilot Adjunctive Therapy: Piloting methods of hydrogen administration, such as inhaling H₂ gas and using hydrogen-rich water, as an adjunctive therapy alongside traditional treatment regimens.

• International Collaboration: Through the Vietnam - ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC), the Hospital will establish a collaborative network with domestic and international experts and organizations, particularly Japan – a leader in medical hydrogen research. Collaborative activities include:

  • Developing standardized treatment protocols involving hydrogen.

  • Training and enhancing capacity for medical staff.

  • Technology transfer and direct application in patient care.

The upcoming pivotal event, the Seminar "Application of Hydrogen in Medicine and Therapy" organized by VAHC on October 17, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, will serve as a crucial bridge, introducing the latest international research and creating momentum for deeper cooperation in this field in Vietnam.

Future Expectations and Vision

The application of hydrogen therapy at the National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2 is expected to yield significant practical benefits:

• Enhanced Patient Quality of Life: Alleviating symptoms, improving cognition, and enhancing overall health.

• Reduced Relapse and Readmission Rates: Contributing to long-term stability for patients.

• Reduced Drug Dependency: Minimizing side effects and increasing treatment adherence.

• Pioneering Position: Reinforcing the Hospital's leading role in accessing and applying advanced, green, safe, and humane treatment methods.

Conclusion

Hydrogen, an element existing from the beginning of the universe to life on Earth, is now opening a new chapter in medicine. With its superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, hydrogen therapy promises to become an important adjunctive pillar in treating mental illnesses. To realize this potential, a concerted effort from the entire system is required – from the Ministry of Health, hospitals, scientists, and organizations like VAHC, to the consensus of society as a whole. The National Psychiatric Hospital No. 2, in line with its mission, is ready to play a pioneering role in bringing a new "rhythm of life" to psychiatric patients in Vietnam.

References

1. VAHC Seminar 2025 Documentation.

2. Ohsawa, I., et al. (2007). Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals.

3. Cited studies from PMC-NCBI (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12326158/).

4. Case reports on hydrogen application in lupus, pulmonary fibrosis, and metabolism.