A journalism student found dead in a hotel bathroom chose to end her own life, a coroner has ruled.

An inquest into the death of Alison Rowe, who studied at Falmouth University, heard she died in a room at the Jury’s Inn, in Plymouth, after a long-term battle with mental health issues.

Alison had been studying journalism at the Cornish university but had taken time away from her course after her mental health had deteriorated, according to Cornwall Live.

Plymouth Coroner’s Court the 22-year-old had resumed her studies prior to her death but was left feeling stressed by the fact she had missed so much time at university.

She was found dead in the hotel on 10 November last year.

The inquest heard how Alison had suffered from depression and personality disorder, among other conditions, which caused her to hallucinate and hear things.

She had also shared concerns with doctors that she was developing schizophrenia, but was told her symptoms did not match someone who was suffering from the condition.

Dr Dean Harmse, consultant histopathologic at Derriford Hospital, described Alison’s death as “unnatural” and told the inquest the cause was hanging.

Toxicologist Dr Stephen Morley also noted Alison’s system contained traces of etizolam, which is used for therapeutic purposes in Japan but is not intended for human consumption in Europe.

Mental health specialist Dr Jane Boydell further told the hearing Alison had a history of buying drugs over the internet, which in her opinion increased her psychotic symptoms.

Alison’s drug use also made her more impulsive, Dr Boydell said.

Ian Arrow, senior coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon, confirmed the official cause of death was hanging.

He told the court: “On the balance of probability, the deceased chose to end her own life in a hotel room she had previously booked.”

Mr Arrow sent his condolences to Alison’s family and friends, adding he was “saddened” by her death.