2026 ECNP Congress
EP01-1042Profile psychiatric disorders center for human sciences, letters and arts students treated, university outpatient clinic
Introduction
Psychiatric disorders among university students represent a relevant public health concern, particularly in humanities programs, where psychosocial, academic, and emotional factors may increase vulnerability to mental illness [1]. Identifying the most prevalent diagnoses in this group allows for the development of targeted care strategies, institutional policies, and effective preventive interventions [2]. Furthermore, understanding the clinical profile of these students supports the organization of specialized mental health services within the academic setting. This study was conducted to characterize the profile of psychiatric disorders among students from the Center for Human Sciences, Letters and Arts (CCH) treated in a university outpatient clinic. The hypothesis is that anxiety and mood disorders are the most prevalent conditions in this specific group.Methodology:This is an observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study conducted at the Psychiatry Residency Outpatient Clinic of the State University of Maringá (UEM). A total of 508 consultations between July 2025 and April 2026 were analyzed, of which 206 patients belonged to CCH; 8 were excluded due to lack of diagnosis or recent consultation, resulting in 198 eligible patients. Diagnoses were extracted from medical records and classified according to ICD-10, including both primary diagnoses and associated comorbidities. Statistical analysis included absolute and relative frequency distributions, as well as chi-square tests to compare diagnostic categories, adopting a significance level of p<0.05. Data were organized in spreadsheets and analyzed using appropriate statistical software. Results:A significant predominance of anxiety disorders was observed, particularly F41 (n=79; 39.9%) and F41.2 (n=24; 12.1%), accounting for more than half of the diagnoses in the sample. Depressive disorders (F32: n=10; 5.1%; F33: n=3; 1.5%) showed lower isolated frequency, but their clinical relevance increased when considered in association with other conditions. Stress-related disorders (F43: n=3; 1.5%) and eating disorders (F50: n=9; 4.5%) were also identified, demonstrating diagnostic diversity. Personality disorders (F60: n=9; 4.5%) showed relevant presence, especially in comorbidity with anxiety. Frequent occurrence of combined diagnoses (e.g., F33 and F41; F60 and F41; F90 and F32) suggests a significant association between anxiety disorders and other psychiatric categories (p=0.02). Psychotic disorders (F20: n=1; 0.5%) and substance-related disorders (F19: n=1; 0.5%) were minimally prevalent.
| Diagnostic Category | ICD-10 Code | n | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety disorders | F41 | 79 | 39.9% |
| Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder | F41.2 | 24 | 12.1% |
| Depressive disorders (single episode) | F32 | 10 | 5.1% |
| Depressive disorders (recurrent) | F33 | 3 | 1.5% |
| Stress-related disorders | F43 | 3 | 1.5% |
| Eating disorders | F50 | 9 | 4.5% |
| Personality disorders | F60 | 9 | 4.5% |
| Psychotic disorders | F20 | 1 | 0.5% |
| Substance-related disorders | F19 | 1 | 0.5% |
Conclusions
The findings confirm the high prevalence of anxiety disorders among CCH students treated in a university outpatient setting, often associated with psychiatric comorbidities. These results reinforce the need for early screening strategies, psychotherapeutic interventions, and targeted pharmacological management for anxiety in this population [3]. From both theoretical and practical perspectives, this study contributes to understanding the epidemiological profile of mental health in humanities academic environments, supporting the planning of specialized services. The predominance of anxiety disorders supports the initial hypothesis and highlights their central role in structuring mental health care for university students.
References
References
- Auerbach RP, et al. Mental disorders among college students in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
- Eisenberg D, et al. Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among university students.
- World Health Organization. ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders.
- Hunt J, Eisenberg D. Mental health problems and help-seeking behavior among college students.