Mental and behavioral disorders in the prison context

Abstract

Introduction: During the execution of sentences in prison units, there are deficiencies within the adaptation mechanisms of persons deprived of liberty, this varies depending on the place where they serve the sanction and the length of stay in it. Objectives: To collect information on the prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders in the prison setting, as well as the importance of early psychiatric intervention. Material and method: Theoretical review. Primary sources of information: scientific articles from indexed journals, in specialized medical information search engines. Original publications on mental and behavioural disorders in the prison and prison context were included, from 2016 to April 2021, with an analytical, observational, prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional and randomized design, systematic reviews and meta-analyzes, complete articles, carried out in any country, with subjects over 15 years of age, of any sex or gender, in English and Spanish. Results: 16 articles were included in this theoretical review. The prevalence of mental disorders within the prison population is high; depression, anxiety, substance use and psychotic disorders predominate. The importance of having mental health programmes in prisons, with initial diagnosis and personalized interventions, was observed. The authors recommend psychopharmacological interventions and cognitive behavioural management. Discussion: The need to restructure the mental health approach in prisons was evidenced, and early diagnosis and personalized follow-up should be guaranteed. Pharmacological intervention and, to a greater degree, cognitive behavioural therapy seem to be effective for these types of patients.

Implementation of the STEPPS program for the treatment of self-harm behaviors in Catalonia’s prisons: Barriers and facilitators

“…Self-harm behaviors in Correctional Settings (CS) are a signi cant problem, often left untreated, with important consequences for both inmates and the prison system (1,2). Addressing this matter requires not only evidence-based interventions, but also further studies to gain intervention scalability in this context, given the inadequacy of current interventions (3,4).…”

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

“…As the number of prisoners has grown, the increasing prevalence of mental health problems among them has emerged as a significant public health concern [11][12][13]. Research conducted in Western countries has consistently demonstrated that incarcerated individuals experience higher rates of psychiatric disorders than the general population [13][14][15][16].…”

“…Long sentences and re-incarceration can lead to profound adverse effects on mental health [11,25,42]. Within the prison environment, factors such as stringent rules, punishment, bullying, lack of privacy, overcrowding, limited access to meaningful activities, and the availability or lack of mental health services have substantial impacts [43,44].…”

Open up and let us in: An introduction to the special issue on emerging issues in correctional policy, research, and practice.

“…However, increasing calls from advocacy groups, scholars, and the public have placed pressures on correctional systems to explore alternative solutions that balance crime reduction with humane care and commonsense policies (Day, 2020;Franklin, 2017;Ramdath & Young, 2023). As jails, prisons, and even community corrections continue to serve as major mental health providers (Bronson & Berzofsky, 2017;Gómez-Figueroa & Camino-Proaño, 2022), innovations specific to psychological interventions are especially relevant. This special issue was convened to highlight emerging issues and inventive trends in correctional psychology research and practice that can inform policy and reform decisions.…”