Suicide in Prison

Abstract

Suicide is a leading cause of death among inmates housed in state prisons across the United States. Research has shown that the inmates most prone to suicide typically are white, male, between the ages of 25 and 34, have been convicted of a property crime, and are serving prison sentences of less than 10 years. Inmates who commit suicide typically suffer from depression or other psychosocial disorders, and have had prior suicidal thoughts or attempts. Prisoner suicide is typically preceded by life events such as new criminal charges, marital or relationship issues, or a conflict with other inmates. The suicide act most commonly involves hanging or overdosing on medications or other drugs. Research regarding the prevention of suicide in prison has advocated for coordination between mental health counselors and correctional staff, use of suicide risk assessment measures, avoiding segregated housing of suicidal inmates, designing cells that make hanging more difficult, and improving communication with correctional staff about suicidal inmates.

Managing Acute Insomnia in Prison: Evaluation of a “One-Shot” Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Intervention

“…As rates of anxiety and depression are high in prison populations, and in conjunction with insomnia, have been associated with increased suicide risk (Hassan et al, 2013), these findings are particularly relevant in this context. Prison suicide has been a long-standing issue across the globe (Webb, 2017) and to have another potential intervention to help manage suicide risk in this environment is important. Future studies should examine the effectiveness of the present intervention on reducing suicidal thoughts, intentions, and actions or attempts as well as other risky behaviours (self-mutilation and cutting, substance use).…”