Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine the prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders and substance misuse in patients admitted to the psychiatric emergency unit in Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The data was obtained from SAME (Serviço de Arquivo Medico e Estatístico) and the method used in this study is an examination of 500 patients admitted to the emergency psychiatric unit in the year 2000. The data was from the Service of Medical and Statistical Unit of the Hospital Clinic of Ribeirão Preto. The findings show that the prevalence rate of dual diagnosis for first time admissions and re-admissions was 32.6% and 33.8% respectively. The highest rate of admissions is observed in the 20 to 39 age range (55.3% of the total admissions) which is predominantly male. The majority of patients admitted were diagnosed with the co-existence of alcohol and psychiatric disorders (59%). About 42% had alcohol dependence syndrome and 30% of those admitted were suffering from abstinence or withdrawal syndrome as a result of alcohol misuse. Only 11% were diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study has implications for the adequate preparation of mental health nurses in working with dual diagnosis and for service provision.