NCJ Number
134109
Date Published
1991
Length
189 pages
Annotation
This review of recent research regarding offender mental illness concludes that the extremely high incidence of mental illness and mental disorders among inmates indicates the need to reevaluate inmate mental health services, with particular attention to the issue of resistance to treatment.
Abstract
Data from studies sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that 74 percent of inmates have mental disorders that need treatment compared to 19 percent of the general population. In addition, mental retardation, alcohol and other drug abuse, and organic mental disorders are found far more frequently among inmates than in the general population. These data do not permit conclusions regarding whether or not criminal behavior results from mental disorders. However, they indicate that the standards for inmate mental health care that were judicially imposed in the case of Pugh v. Locke are inadequate both in staffing ratios and in provider characteristics. In addition, inmate mental health services should be reexamined in view of recent advances in neuropsychiatry and neuropsychology. Furthermore, treatment techniques developed to serve individuals who want treatment probably need modification before use with individuals who do not want treatment. Thus, mental health professionals must develop methods that are effective for resistant, incarcerated clients. Tables, index, and 415 references