Self-Reported Psychiatric Treatment Needs Among Felony Drug Offenders

Abstract

Among 280 felony drug sale offenders with substance use disorders, self-reported psychiatric treatment, medication, and symptoms yielded estimates that 40% to 60% had comorbid psychiatric disorders. Two thirds reported recent psychiatric symptoms or emotional problems, or were troubled by these symptoms/problems, and more than one third of them felt they needed psychiatric treatment; only 4 were currently receiving treatment. More than two thirds of those reporting current symptomatology and a need for mental health treatment had never received treatment. Offenders who reported a need for treatment were more likely to recently experience cognitive difficulties, mental or emotional problems, or be troubled by psychiatric symptoms. Those reporting current treatment need were more likely to have a history of outpatient psychiatric treatment. The strongest predictor for self-reported psychiatric treatment need was being troubled by psychiatric symptoms, independently or in combination with recent cognitive difficulties, experiencing any emotional problems recently, or outpatient treatment history.