EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SAMPLE OF PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE FROM THE PSYCHIATRIC CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA

University life presents changes and challenges that may affect the mental health of its community and be the onset of substance use. Aim: To study epidemiological characteristics in our sample to help to improve prevention and treatment for mental health problems related to substance use. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study is based on a sample of 49 people, 37 women and 12 men, members of the university community. A database was designed with clinical information about psychiatric patients obtained from the interview and entry sheets during the first visit. Results: 53,1% of the sample confirmed substance use. The mean age of patients was 22,35 years and 69,2% of them were women and 30,8% were men. Alcohol was the main used substance (80,8%), followed by tobacco (57,7%) and cannabis (30,8%). Most patients were from other provinces of Spain different from Salamanca (57,7%). Law and Social Sciences (38,5%) and Health Sciences (26,9%) were the most frequent academic fields. The main contact method was self-consultation (76,9%) and in most cases (46,2%) the reason of the consultation was not specific. After the interview, the main diagnosis impressions were major depressive disorder (19,2%), anxiety disorder (15,3%) and prodromal symptoms of psychosis (15,4%). Most of the patients were treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy (42,3%). Conclusion: We should consider the possible impact of substance use in our patient’s mental health and take account of it when choosing their treatment. We should continue studying epidemiological characteristics to help to improve prevention measures and treatments in the future.