Posttraumatic stress, panic disorder, violence, and recidivism among local jail detainees

Abstract

Purpose Most research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and offending has been conducted with special populations (e.g. veterans and female inmates) and generally overlooks the additive effect of panic disorder (PD) in offending patterns. The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of PTSD and PD among jail inmates, while simultaneously examining the relationships between these disorders, offending types and frequency. Design/methodology/approach A random sample of adults recently booked into a local county jail participated in the Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation-5 (CAAPE-5), a structured psychological assessment. The study sample was comprised of 200 male and 83 female inmates. Findings Indications of PTSD were observed among 44.0 percent of male inmates and 57.8 percent of female inmates. Most male inmates (78.4 percent) with positive PTSD indications also met criteria for PD, with a similar proportion (78.1 percent) of female inmates also meeting criteria for both. The combination of PTSD and PD was not associated with offending frequency, but inmates presenting indications of both PTSD and PD were more likely to be charged with a violent offense relative to those with only PTSD. Practical implications Inmates with PTSD who also have panic attacks may have a more severe condition with possible implications for other risks. Observations of these conditions among adults recently booked into local jails should coincide with each other. Originality/value Few studies have examined mental health conditions among local jail detainees, despite the ever-present need to address them. The current study considers this important population and investigates the prevalence of co-occurring conditions.

Exploring the associations between dark triad personality and psychopathology in convicted offenders: Identifying their role in reincarceration

“…Therefore, in addition to substance abuse, alcohol abuse and post‐traumatic stress disorder were the psychopathological syndromes with the highest incidence on reincarceration. These results are interesting and in line with previous research where one of the most notable risk factors for recidivist and antisocial behaviour is substance use and abuse (Breedvelt et al., 2014; Koehler et al., 2014; Tanner‐Smith et al., 2016) and a history of a traumatic childhood and adolescent experience (Caravaca‐Sánchez, Fearn, Vidovic, & Vaughn, 2019; ; Caravaca‐Sánchez, Fear, & Vaughn, 2019; Combs et al., 2019; Kahn et al., 2020; Wolff et al., 2015). This suggests that the connection with psychopathology and reincarceration indicates a higher probability of multiple jail admissions among offenders who presented symptoms of both conditions.…”

“…This suggests that the connection with psychopathology and reincarceration indicates a higher probability of multiple jail admissions among offenders who presented symptoms of both conditions. Treatment programs in this respect should cover these needs considering the high prevalence of severe mental disorders in recidivist offenders (Caravaca‐Sánchez et al., 2020; Combs et al., 2019; King et al., 2018). In addition to treating both the addictive behaviour and the prior traumatic history, psychological interventions would need to address to the concomitant symptomatology, such as poor impulse control, lack of social skills and related emotional management, all of which can lead to behaviours that make offenders with mental health problems more likely to re‐offend.…”

“…Depressive disorders are also relevant in the prison population with a 14% prevalence among women and a 10% prevalence among incarcerated men (Caravaca-Sánchez, Fearn, Vidovic, & Vaughn, 2019). At last, post-traumatic stress disorder ranks highly among the many mental health disorders strongly represented in prison population (Caravaca-Sánchez, Fearn, Vidovic, & Vaughn, 2019;Caravaca-Sánchez, Fear, & Vaughn, 2019;Combs et al, 2019;Wolff et al, 2015). These elevated prevalence rates of mental health disorders among offenders are especially warming as both the potential and actual negative impacts due to the comorbidity of mental health problems and substance use disorders, having shown that crimes involving violence are more prevalent between individuals who have co-occurred mental health problems and substance abuse (Armiya'u et al, 2017;Caravaca-Sánchez, Fear, & Vaughn, 2019;Grossi & Green, 2017).…”

“…Depressive disorders are also relevant in the prison population with a 14% prevalence among women and a 10% prevalence among incarcerated men (Caravaca‐Sánchez, Fearn, Vidovic, & Vaughn, 2019). At last, post‐traumatic stress disorder ranks highly among the many mental health disorders strongly represented in prison population (Caravaca‐Sánchez, Fearn, Vidovic, & Vaughn, 2019; Caravaca‐Sánchez, Fear, & Vaughn, 2019; Combs et al., 2019; Wolff et al., 2015).…”

Evaluating the use of PTSD Assessment Tools Within the U.S. Prison Setting: An Exploratory Analysis

“…Trauma and stress have been shown to compound already debilitating symptoms that can increase violent, aggressive behaviors while incarcerated (Facer-Irwin et al, 2019). As a consequence, IPs with PTSD are more likely to engage in prison misconduct, custodial violence, sexual misconduct, and noncompliance (Combs et al, 2019; McCallum, 2018; Stewart & Wilton, 2014). They are also more likely to disobey rules and respond aggressively to authority figures resulting in higher counts of institutional charges (McCallum, 2018; Stewart & Wilton, 2014).…”