Abstract
Self-harm is a major international public health concern and is especially prevalent among prisoners. In this editorial, we explore recent trends in prisoner self-harm during the coronavirus lockdown, and consider strategies for improving the prevention and management of self-harm in prisons as we emerge from the pandemic.
Highlights
We explore recent trends in prisoner self-harm during the coronavirus lockdown, and consider strategies for improving the prevention and management of self-harm in prisons as we emerge from the pandemic
We postulated that the coronavirus pandemic could adversely affect the mental health of prisoners and further increase rates of self-harm, given the rapid changes and reductions to prison regimes and the negative psychological effects of quarantine.[2]
Increased communication may alleviate concerns about loved ones and make prisoners feel better connected to outside society. The effects of this may vary, and prisoners at the greatest risk of suicide and self-harm, those with serious mental health problems, are more likely to be alienated from support networks; contact with family and friends may be unchanged for these individuals
Summary
The frequency and severity of self-harm have been increasing within UK prisons over recent years, with rates far exceeding those observed in the general population.[1] We postulated that the coronavirus pandemic could adversely affect the mental health of prisoners and further increase rates of self-harm, given the rapid changes and reductions to prison regimes and the negative psychological effects of quarantine.[2] internal reports from Safer Custody Units in 31 prisons where healthcare is provided by CareUK
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