Prisons as a microcosms of society , yet completely different - Essay Example

Mental disorders among correctional populations Prisons are actually meant to offer a kind of a new world within the society for the offenders. The offenders display the same type of psychopathology as no incarcerated individuals though they have a higher degree prevalence of psychological defect. There are high rates of antisocial and borderline personality disorders among male in comparison with females inmates. It is also found out that the mood disorder is the most rampant cases among the inmates; this is in comparison with anxiety disorders; the co-relation, between lifetime exposure and traumatic events sis also common (James, Glaze, & United States, 2006).

The disorder is also rampant among the whites than the blacks in the same prison settings. High rates of psychiatric disorder linked with exposure to traumatic events tell that incarcerated women should be treated for substance abuse and other mental disorders (Robert, Anne, & Jennifer, 2009). Other common disorders are such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. What information is of interest with the new offender is the crime he/she is in for. The health condition is also very important and they should be screened for any mental health disorders.

The society they are coming from should also be considered in the search for information relating the offender.Conclusion There is consensus among many experts that jail is not a good place to offer psychiatric treatments. This has enabled individuals to divert their individual inmates to community based facilities that offer better and rewarding treatments. However, the large number of individuals with serious mental illnesses in prisons calls for a clearer explanation for factors contributing to it and appropriate responses has to be discussed.

ReferencesJames, D. J., Glaze, L. E., & United States. (2006). Mental health problems of prison and jail inmates. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.Bowen, Robert A, Rogers, Anne, & Shaw, Jennifer. (2009). Medication management and practices in prison for people with mental health problems: a qualitative study. (BioMed Central Ltd.) BioMed Central LtdFriel, Sharon, & Kelleher, Cecily C. (2012). Perceived quality of life and mental health status of female prisoners.

(Irish Medical Organisation, 241-243.) Irish Medical OrganizationKjelsberg, Ellen, Hartvig, Paal, Bowitz, Harald, Kuisma, Irene, Norbech, Peder, Rustad, Aase-Bente, Seem, Marthe, . Vik, Tom-Gunnar. (2006). Mental health consultations in a prison population: a descriptive study. (BioMed Central Ltd.) BioMed Central Ltd