Nichola Tyler1,2, Helen L Miles3,4,5, Bessey Karadag4, Gemma Rogers4. 1. Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NP, UK. N.F.Tyler@kent.ac.uk. 2. Forensic and Specialist Care Group, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, Greenacres, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6PB, UK. N.F.Tyler@kent.ac.uk. 3. Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NP, UK. 4. Forensic and Specialist Care Group, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, Greenacres, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6PB, UK. 5. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Epidemiological data on the mental health needs of prisoners are essential for the organisation, planning, and delivery of services for this population as well as for informing policy and practice. Recent reports by the National Audit Office and NICE call for new research to provide an updated picture of the mental health needs of men and women in prison in the UK. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and comorbidity of mental health needs across a representative sample of both men and women across 13 prisons in one UK region. METHOD: Participants completed a standardised battery of psychometric assessments which screened for a range of mental health difficulties including: mental disorders, personality disorder, and substance misuse. RESULTS: 469 participants were included in the final sample (338 males, 131 females). A high number of participants reported having had previous contact with mental health services and/or a pre-existing diagnosis of a mental disorder. High rates of current mental disorder were detected across the range of disorders screened for. Levels of comorbidity were also high, with nearly half of participants screening positive for two or more types of mental disorder. Gender differences were noted in terms of previous contact with mental health services, having a pre-existing diagnosis, prevalence of current mental disorder, and levels of comorbidity; with women reporting higher rates than men. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of pre-existing and current mental illness continue to be high amongst prisoners. Women report significantly higher levels of mental health need compared to men.
PURPOSE: Epidemiological data on the mental health needs of prisoners are essential for the organisation, planning, and delivery of services for this population as well as for informing policy and practice. Recent reports by the National Audit Office and NICE call for new research to provide an updated picture of the mental health needs of men and women in prison in the UK. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and comorbidity of mental health needs across a representative sample of both men and women across 13 prisons in one UK region. METHOD:Participants completed a standardised battery of psychometric assessments which screened for a range of mental health difficulties including: mental disorders, personality disorder, and substance misuse. RESULTS: 469 participants were included in the final sample (338 males, 131 females). A high number of participants reported having had previous contact with mental health services and/or a pre-existing diagnosis of a mental disorder. High rates of current mental disorder were detected across the range of disorders screened for. Levels of comorbidity were also high, with nearly half of participants screening positive for two or more types of mental disorder. Gender differences were noted in terms of previous contact with mental health services, having a pre-existing diagnosis, prevalence of current mental disorder, and levels of comorbidity; with women reporting higher rates than men. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of pre-existing and current mental illness continue to be high amongst prisoners. Women report significantly higher levels of mental health need compared to men.
Authors: Joel Juarros-Basterretxea; Paula Escoda-Menéndez; Manuel Vilariño; Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Díaz; Juan Herrero Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-02 Impact factor: 3.390