Mental illness in prisoners

Abstract There are over 10 million people in prison worldwide at any one time. Rates of mental illness are higher in prison than in the community. There is overlap between the social determinants of incarceration and the aetiology of certain mental disorders. Prisons can be stressful places and this can contribute to the precipitation or exacerbation of mental illness. Suicide and self-harm are serious concerns, which prison authorities should act to prevent. Effective treatments are available, but services for prisoners with mental illness vary considerably. The services that are offered are often inadequate to meet the level of need. Particular groups of prisoners, such as women and older people, have specific mental health needs that should be considered. International guidelines set out basic minimum standards of care and treatment that all prisoners should benefit from.