Free Nursing Dissertations - Org, Retrieved, 2005; Also See Statistics Online, 2005) According To
org, retrieved, 2005; also see statistics online, 2005)
According to mind.org, 2005 report given in conference proceedings, two thirds of men in prison or nearly 70% are diagnosed with a personality disorder, with two fifths or 40% showing symptoms of at least one neurotic disorder such as depression, anxiety and phobias. In the general population, however the situation is quite different with less than a fifth of men (20%) affected by these disorders. Thus in prisons, mental illness seems to be 50% higher than in the general population. The Home Office however puts the figure higher and suggest that 9 out of 10 people in prison suffer from a mental illness (Hughes, 2005 - HO Minister, 2005; DoH, 2001). Men in prison also have a high rate of severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia or delusional disorders and 10% of prisoners show such disorders compared to less than 1% in the general population. The report also indicates that one in five men in prison are on prescribed medication such as antidepressants or antipsychotic medicine and use of medication seems to increase when these individuals are in custody. The study also suggests that one in five male prisoners or 20% have attempted suicide and an equal number have previously been admitted for inpatient psychiatric care during some period of their life.
Considering these reports on the prevalence of mental illness within prisons across Britain we understand the extent and nature of the problem although it is necessary to understand the reasons for such a high rate of mental illness among prisoners. Mental health problems can be caused due to several combined factors and are seen in high percentage among offenders, homeless people and minority groups. Some of these reasons can be poor living conditions, alcohol or drug addictions, genetic causes or brain damage. Suicidal tendencies and mental problems can also result from difficult life conditions, death of near ones, or disability (Shaw et al, 2003). According to several critics, harsh and high stress prison environment can aggravate mental problems in the vulnerable groups of individuals, sometimes adults with mental health issues are remanded in custody for longer period waiting for psychiatric reports, and conditions in the prisons may be poor and of low quality. The quality of healthcare services in the prisons is also of extremely low standards highlighting the fact that prisoners and especially prisoners with mental illness are the most neglected lot. This issue however has been noticed by the Department of health and there have been recent policy changes recommended by the DoH and implemented jointly by prison services and the NHS (DoH, 2001).
Policies and Mental Health
In 2001, the Government has pledged its commitment to improving mental health services for people in prison with the publication of a five year strategy.
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