Mental Health of College Students: Five-year Experience of the University Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic of São João Hospital Centre

Abstract

IntroductionThe clinic of psychiatry and mental health of São João hospital centre (Oporto, Portugal) has implemented a psychiatric consultation to support college students since 2007. This consultation is open to all of the universities in the metropolitan area of Oporto.Aims/objectivesThis specific consultation aims to detect and intervene early in the treatment of psychiatric illness and to promote mental health in this specific population.MethodsRetrospective study conducted in the São João hospital centre, Oporto, Portugal. Patients attending university student's specific consultation between January 1st 2011 and March 31st 2016 were included. Data collection included sociodemographic variables, clinical diagnosis (ICD-10, WHO, 1992) and psychological scales (WAIS-III, BSI, HADS, SF-36 and NEO-PI-R). SPSS® software (v. 20.0, 2011) was used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn this study, 139 patients were included (66.2% female, medium age 23.1 years old). The majority of patients were medical, engineering or nursing students (respectively 20.9%, 18.0% and 17.9%). The most frequent diagnosis was adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and personality disorders. 54.6% completed all the psychological scales.ConclusionsThe number of students with mental health issues is increasing. Early detection and treatment of these pathologies may allow improvements on the educational, economic and social levels, as well as in the quality of life.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The influence of growth environment on college students’ mental health based on subjective and objective induction perspectives

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Analysis of College Students’ Psychological Education Management in Public Emergencies Based on Big Data

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