The prescription of psychiatric medications in prison: Psychiatric versus labeling perspectives

Abstract

Critics have argued that psychiatric medications in correctional settings are often prescribed in a clinically irrational manner, without adequate diagnostic criteria, and for the purposes of coercive control rather than treatment. The present study examines the influence of inmates' clinical and social characteristics, as well as prison-setting factors, on the prescription of psychiatric medication to New York State prison inmates. Psychiatric impairments, measured in terms of levels of depression, manifest symptomatology, agitation, and prior psychiatric hospitalization, were found to be highly significant predictors of drug prescription. The decision to prescribe medication for mildly impaired inmates appears to be influenced by social factors. When an inmate's behavior is unquestionably bizarre or disruptive, however, social status characteristics are less likely to influence physicians' clinical judgments.