Mental Disorder and Offending in Prison

Abstract

This research uses specific diagnoses and symptoms of mental disorder (MDO) to predict whether inmates offend in prison. Social psychological theories of aggression are used to make predictions about what types of MDO affect whether inmates commit violent and nonviolent infractions. The analysis was based on a survey of a nationally representative sample of more than 16,000 inmates from state and federal facilities. The evidence suggests that psychosis and major depression have strong effects on infractions involving aggression, whereas the effects of anxiety disorders are weaker and inconsistent. Psychosis and depression are also associated with nonaggressive offenses, suggesting that they have disinhibitory effects on misconduct generally. Analyses of the effects of symptoms suggest that paranoid thinking is the best predictor of offending, particularly, offending that involves aggression. In general, the evidence suggests that both cognitive and emotional aspects of MDO lead to prison offenses.

Women's Pathways to Jail: The Roles & Intersections of Serious Mental Illness & Trauma

“…First, existing studies (e.g., Trestman et al, 2007) note that many offenders with SMI are not identified as mentally ill upon entry into the system. Given that mental health problems in offenders are linked to greater likelihood of violent crimes, longer sentences, rule violations, and physical assaults in the corrections environment (Felson, Silver & Remster, 2012;James & Glaze, 2006), greater knowledge and understanding of these offenders and their needs is critical for the success of behavioral health treatment programs, jail management, and correctional staff safety. Understanding female offenders' pathways to offending helps elucidate the complexity of their experiences and identify key factors and intervening variables that may ameliorate or exacerbate risk.…”

“…It also appears that having specific disorders may increase risk. In a survey of 16,000 male and female inmates conducted by Furthermore, Felson, Silver & Remster (2012), these authors reported that individuals with major depressive disorder and psychotic disorders were more likely than individuals with other disorders or individuals without mental illness to engage in both violent and nonviolent infractions while incarcerated. Thus, assessing for presence of specific disorders has implications both in regards to meeting treatment needs of incarcerated individuals as well as addressing the safety of corrections staff and other offenders.…”

Treatment of Persons With Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: A Literature Review

“…Another study found that mentally ill inmates were charged with rule violations at a higher rate than nonmentally ill inmates, including 58% compared to 43% in state prisons, 40% compared to 28% in federal prisons, and 19% compared to 9% in jails ( James & Glaze, 2006). Rule violations, both violent and nonviolent, are more common in offenders with depression and psychosis, as well as in those who experience hopelessness, paranoia, and hallucinations (Felson, Silver, & Remster, 2012).…”

Prison psychiatry

“…Psychosis and depression are also associated with nonaggressive offences, suggesting that these precipitate many kinds of misconduct [17]. Psychosis and depression are also associated with nonaggressive offences, suggesting that these precipitate many kinds of misconduct [17].…”