Perfiles de pacientes con patología dual: ¿qué diferencias existen entre los que acuden a las unidades de salud mental comunitaria y a los centros de tratamiento de drogodependencias?

Dual patients are usually treated in drug users services, mental health units, or both. However, each patient can choose the service to receive the health care. The aim of this study is to analyze the similarities and differences of the patient profiles that are treated in each one of these centers. The sample consists of 170 patients diagnosed with dual pathology treated at Servicio Provincial de Drogodependencias de Huelva (SPDH) and Unidades de Salud Mental Comunitaria (USMC) in the province of Huelva. In SPDH, higher prevalence of patients with cocaine and heroin dependence profile was observed (35.9% vs 2% in MH and 16.4% in coordinated). In USMC there is higher prevalence of patients with cannabis dependence profile (41.2% vs 9.4% in the DU and 16.4% in the coordinated service). The odds ratio for patients with hypomanic episodes was 2,879 (p <0.05) in SPDH compared to other services. Odds ratio observed for manic episodes was 0.483 (p <0.05) in SPDH. Patients with comorbid psychotic disorders are more prevalent in USMC compared to SPDH services (66% vs 37.5%). The differences observed in the profiles should be considered in the care planning of these centers.