The length of doing time and the mental health of convicts
Keywords:
mental disorders, prisonersAbstract
Introduction. Nowadays the problem of overcrowded penitentiaries often appears in public debate. Isolation from the external world, limited space, sharing the cell with reoffenders, tension between the guards and the convicts seem to be factors that have adverse effect on mental comfort of prisoners serving their time. The question whether the period of time spent in such conditions may contribute to increase in the incidence of mental disorders in convicts, seems an interesting issue.
Aim. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether or not there is a correlation between the time period spent in prison and the incidence of mental disorders in convicts.
Material and methods. One hundred and one male convicts from the Lublin penitentiary were surveyed. The questionnaires included questions concerning the length of imprisonment, presence of disorders and drugs taken. The respondents were divided in three groups: those who had been imprisoned for up to 1 year – 79 persons, those who had been imprisoned for 1-3 years – 34 persons, and those who had been doing time for more than 3 years – 48 persons. The percentage of people complaining of psychosis and neurosis as well as those who took psychotropic, sedative and anxiolytic drugs were calculated.
Results. The percentage of convicts reporting mental disorders or taking psychotropic, sedative or anxiolytic drugs was 27.8% in convicts serving their time for up to 1 year; 29.4% in convicts imprisoned for 1-3 years; and 33.3% in convicts who had been in confinement for more than 3 years. In general, this percentage was 29.8%. The difference between each group was statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion. The longer serving time period, the higher percentage of convicts with mental disorders. Imprisonment in facilities with inadequate living conditions may conduce to mental disorders. Preventive and promotional measures should be taken in order to minimize incidence of highlighted disorders. There is a need for public debate on alternative methods of punishment, and more detailed studies should be carried out concerning mental health of people serving prison sentences.
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