Posttraumatic stress disorder in incarcerated women: A call for evidence-based treatment.

Abstract

The majority of women who enter the criminal justice system, most of whom are poor and women of color, have suffered from significant lifetime trauma exposure that can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is essential to identify the prevalence of PTSD among this population in order to identify treatment needs. Most studies on PTSD among incarcerated women have focused on PTSD in jailed populations, including women awaiting trial. Using a cross-sectional study design, we estimated the prevalence of PTSD and comorbid physical and mental health conditions in 387 incarcerated women sentenced to a maximum-security prison in the United States. Almost half (44%) of our sample met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Women with moderate to severe PTSD symptoms were more likely to report several comorbid physical and mental health conditions than were women without PTSD. Women with the most severe symptoms were most likely to report receiving mental health treatment in prison; women with moderate to severe symptoms were less likely to report receiving similar mental health care. Our findings add support to the link between PTSD and comorbid physical and mental health conditions and suggest that many women with PTSD are not receiving mental health treatment that is likely to benefit them. Because prison has become the mental health safety net for some of the nation's most vulnerable women, it is imperative that prisons provide evidence-based PTSD treatment during incarceration.

Sleep Quality and Risk for Sleep Apnea in Incarcerated Women

“…Although not the focus of this article, incarcerated women's exposure to past physical and sexual trauma and unresolved PTSD (Harner, Budescu, Gillihan, Riley, & Foa, 2013) might explain the high rates of poor sleep quality (Steine et al, 2012). Prior to incarceration, trauma survivors might have addressed their sleep difficulties by self-medicating with drugs and alcohol (Nishith, Resick, & Mueser, 2001).…”

“…This investigation used a cross sectional, descriptive exploratory design using self-report questionnaires with female prisoner volunteers taking part in a study on incarceration, cardiovascular risk, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Harner, Budescu, Gillihan, Riley, & Foa, 2013). Female prisoner volunteers housed in a maximum security women's prison completed a questionnaire that included questions about general physical and mental health status, past trauma history, discrimination, resiliency, sleep quality, and sleep apnea.…”

“…Female prisoner volunteers housed in a maximum security women's prison completed a questionnaire that included questions about general physical and mental health status, past trauma history, discrimination, resiliency, sleep quality, and sleep apnea. Almost half the sample met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and reports of moderate to severe PTSD symptoms were associated with comorbid physical and mental health conditions including difficulty sleeping (Harner et al, 2013). Detailed findings about sleep are reported in this article.…”

“…Table adapted from Table 2 (p. 4) in article Harner, H. M., Budescu, M., Gillihan, S. J., Riley, S., & Foa, E. B. (2013, July 15).…”

Women Reentering the Community: Understanding Addiction and Trauma-Related Characteristics of Recidivism

“…Women who are involved with criminal justice and correctional systems may be vulnerable because of a host of behavioral health issues. Posttraumatic stress and co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) are important considerations (Harner, Budescu, Gillihan, Riley, & Foa, 2015). Compared to women in the general population, incarcerated women demonstrate significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Grella, Lovinger, & Warda, 2013) with up to 81% of incarcerated women having experienced five or more traumatic events in their lifetime (Cook, Smith, Tusher, & Raiford, 2005).…”