Mental Disorders In Prisons Research Articles

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in women deprived of liberty in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil.

Psychological distress and developing mental disorders in prisons are globally recognized public health issues. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of these symptoms and associated factors in 99 women over 18 years of age in the provisional, closed, and semi-open regimes in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. This cross-sectional census study collected data face-to-face through a semi-structured and multidimensional questionnaire. We assessed outcomes using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). We built a theoretical determination model with three hierarchical blocks for the association analysis. We estimated crude prevalence ratios using the chi-square test and adjusted for each other within each block (p≤0.20). We adopted p≤0.05 for the final Poisson regression model with robust variance. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was 75.8% (95%CI 66.1%-83.8%) and 65.7% (95%CI 55.4%-74.9%), respectively. In the final model, anxiety symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms. On the other hand, depressive symptoms were associated with the 20-29 years age group and anxiety symptoms. We identified a prevalence of the outcomes in more than half of the participants, emphasizing the inter-association between them.

Prevalência e fatores associados a sintomas ansiosos e depressivos em mulheres privadas de liberdade em Juiz de Fora-MG, Brasil

Abstract Psychological distress and developing mental disorders in prisons are globally recognized public health issues. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of these symptoms and associated factors in 99 women over 18 years of age in the provisional, closed, and semi-open regimes in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. This cross-sectional census study collected data face-to-face through a semi-structured and multidimensional questionnaire. We assessed outcomes using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). We built a theoretical determination model with three hierarchical blocks for the association analysis. We estimated crude prevalence ratios using the chi-square test and adjusted for each other within each block (p≤0.20). We adopted p≤0.05 for the final Poisson regression model with robust variance. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was 75.8% (95%CI 66.1%-83.8%) and 65.7% (95%CI 55.4%-74.9%), respectively. In the final model, anxiety symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms. On the other hand, depressive symptoms were associated with the 20-29 years age group and anxiety symptoms. We identified a prevalence of the outcomes in more than half of the participants, emphasizing the inter-association between them.

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of psychiatric disorders in Tunisian prisons

IntroductionThe estimation of the percentage of mentally ill among prisoners and of the most severe psychiatric disorders has been the subject of few studies in Tunisia.Objectives To study in a general way the extent of psychiatric disorders among prisoners. To describe the socio-demographic and judicial characteristics of prisoners. To describe the clinical, evolutionary and therapeutic characteristics of the main psychiatric disorders.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out over a period of 4 months (February 2021-May 2021) on one hundred and twelve inmates of the civil prison of Mahdia followed in psychiatry. Data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. It is made up of 30 items.ResultsThe prevalence of mental disorders in prison was 9.03%. The descriptive study revealed an average age of 37.57 years, a majority having a single marital status (62.5%), the professional activity before imprisonment were workers in 61.6%, a history of imprisonment more than twice in 62.5% of cases and 50.89% declared having been victims of physical acts, psychological or sexual abuse during their childhood. Murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking and rape were the most frequent offenses with respective rates of 25.2; 17.07; 13.82 and 9.75%. Anxiety was noted in 53.57% of cases, of the respondents, depressive syndrome was in 28.57% of cases, schizophrenia was reported in 18, 75% of cases and substance-related disorders were noted in 21.42% of cases.ConclusionsLongitudinal studies should, in the coming years, try to understand the impact of imprisonment on the onset and evolution of psychiatric disorders.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Barriers to the Use of the Mental Health Treatment Requirement as Part of a Community-Based Criminal Sentence for Mentally Disordered Offenders

AimsDue to the high rates of mental disorder in prison there have been a number of initiatives to divert mentally disordered offenders out of custody. One of these is the Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR): a criminal sentence available as part of a Community Order, offered as an alternative to short-term custodial sentences in an attempt to address recidivism and encourage concordance with community psychiatric treatment. In spite of the prevalence of mental disorder amongst offenders, MHTRs represent less than 1% of all community sentences. Here we aim to identify obstacles to the use of the MHTR at sentencing and to suggest ways of overcoming them.MethodsA literature review and brief case series will be used to identify and illustrate what may be obstructing or limiting the use of the MHTR. The terms ‘MHTR’ and ‘Mental Health Treatment Requirement’ were searched on Google, Google Scholar, Athens, and PubMed, and results analysed for recurrent themes. The issues encountered clinically by one of the authors who referred three defendants for MHTRs in psychiatric sentencing reports in 2021 were reviewed with the same purpose.ResultsThe main barriers to the use of the MHTR which were identified were issues related to a lack of clinician awareness and experience, homelessness and housing, and service structure and provision. There may be a reluctance for Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) to accept offenders onto their caseloads, and there are challenges in obtaining assessments and recommendations for MHTRs. There are difficulties in securing an MHTR for homeless defendants on remand for whom identifying housing prior to sentencing, and thus a CMHT to supervise the MHTR, can be challenging. The MHTR assessment and referral process is more lengthy and cumbersome than that for most other disposals, leaving the defendant awaiting sentencing (potentially in custody) while the referral is processed.ConclusionSuggested solutions to improve access to the MHTR include increasing clinician awareness and confidence by providing teaching and training, and multi-agency meetings to enhance communication and create an understanding amongst professionals of duties, roles, and responsibilities. Initiatives to identify housing for homeless remand prisoners before their release, as well as ensuring the availability of community services to supervise treatment, would overcome some of the obstacles identified and increase availability of the MHTR. Funding for additional staff to conduct the assessment and referrals process would also be likely to improve uptake.

Prevalence and Appropriateness of Antipsychotic Prescribing in an Italian Prison: Is Everything Always Really Overprescribed?

Although the prevalence of mental disorders in prisoners is known to be higher than in the general population, less is known about the antipsychotic (AP) prescribing rate in jail. The aim of this research was to investigate prevalence and appropriateness of AP prescription in an Italian prison to expand our understanding on this crucial area of clinical-forensic practice. A cross-sectional (census day) design was used among male adults in the Parma Penitentiary Institutes (PPI). Sociodemographic, clinical and prescription data were collected from the PPI electronic clinical database management system. The AP prescribing appropriateness was examined in accordance with the therapeutic indications included in the Italian National Formulary. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. A total of 98 (14.1%) of 696 PPI prisoners were taking AP medications. Moreover, 90 (91.8%) of the 98 PPI participants were also taking other psychotropic medications concurrently. Quetiapine and olanzapine were the most common prescribed APs. Antipsychotic medications were most likely to be prescribed for off-label indications (74.4%). Less than one fifth of all AP prescriptions were for psychotic disorders. Antipsychotic medications are widely used in prison, often together with other psychotropic drugs. Considering their common adverse effects, it is crucial to longitudinally monitor their potential risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and extrapyramidal symptoms and signs, as well as their early risk of mortality. Given the high prevalence of AP off-label prescription, the rationale for AP prescribing should be clearly documented and regularly reviewed within the prison by mental health professionals.

THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN INCARCERATION AND MENTAL DISORDERS: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the mental health of incarcerated people and how this issue has been addressed among government entities to improve the well-being of these individuals, considering prevalent disorders and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Research in Pubmed scientific database with the application of the descriptors "mental disorders" and "incarceration”. RESULTS: A great predominance of certain mental disorders among the incarcerated population was observed within the articles analyzed. However, even with some government measures, there’s been identified a gap in public politics to improve and individualize health care. CONCLUSION: The literature analyzed focused the study of the incarcerated population attached to specific diseases and drug abuse, which mostly reinforces stigmas already strongly vinculated to this social group. Nevertheless, it also shown that they need more attention, humanized treatments, security of rights and the government protection over any kind of discrimination. In conclusion, it is yet to determine if the high prevalence of mental disorders in prison can be configured as a precedent or a consequence of incarceration.

Prevalence of mental disorders in prisons in the UK: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AimsTo report pooled prevalence of all mental disorders among the general prison population in the United Kingdom (UK). This includes individuals in Young Offender Institutions (YOI), youth custody and adult prisons across all categories. A secondary aim explores possible sources of heterogeneity by performing subgroup and meta-regression analysis across certain covariates (e.g. sex of prisoner). We hypothesise that contemporary estimates of mental disorders are higher than the general population.BackgroundPrevalence of mental health problems among prisoners are considerably higher than the general population; this poses an important public health concern. Individuals who require diversion to appropriate psychiatric services are becoming embroiled in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. However, there are no up-to-date reviews assessing prevalence of mental disorders across the general prison population in the UK. This study aims to address this gap.MethodWe conducted a systematic search of PsycINFO (1923 – October 2019), MEDLINE (1946 – October 2019), EMBASE (1947 – October 2019) and Web of Science (all years) of articles reporting prevalence of mental disorders in UK prison populations (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019132685). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data assessed study quality and bias. Pooled prevalence of each mental disorder was calculated using Stata statistical software 16.0 via the metaprop command. Forest plots present prevalence estimates with study weights and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, 20 studies satisfied inclusion criteria, comprising of 12,335 prisoners across England, Wales and Scotland.ResultWe identified higher rates of neurotic disorders (28.9%, 95% CI 0.71–74.7%), personality disorders (23.5%, 95% CI 13.6–35.2%), alcohol (22.7%, 95% CI 12.2–35.1%) and drug dependence (26.7%, 95% CI 15.0–40.4%). The lowest prevalence rates included schizophrenia (2.42%, 95% CI 0.78–4.84%), panic disorders (3.88%, 95% CI 3.17% – 4.64%), adjustment disorders (3.83%, 95% CI 1.19–7.84%) and intellectual disability (2.90%, 95% CI 0.90–5.80%). Meta-regressions for psychotic disorder and personality disorder revealed no significant differences across study year, sample size and gender.ConclusionOur prevalence estimates of mental disorders in prisons are higher than the general English population. However, we should acknowledge the influence of considerable heterogeneity. These findings demonstrate the need to quantify current prevalence of mental disorders amongst prisoners in the UK. We recommend for the government to consider performing an up-to-date census of psychiatric morbidity to facilitate service provision.

Compulsory medication of people with mental disorders in the penal system : The situation in Germany and recommendations for clinical practice

HintergrundMedizinische Zwangsmaßnahmen stellen stets einen Eingriff in das Grundrecht auf körperliche Unversehrtheit sowie das Recht auf Selbstbestimmung des Patienten dar. Ist ein Patient inhaftiert, mithin ohnehin bereits in seinen Grundrechten stark eingeschränkt, und muss die Zwangsmaßnahme zudem in einer Justizvollzugsanstalt stattfinden, so stellt dies für alle Beteiligten – insbesondere für den anordnenden Psychiater – eine besondere Herausforderung dar.Ziel und MethodeDieser Artikel soll die psychiatrische Versorgung psychisch erkrankter Menschen im Justizvollzug darstellen, die juristischen Voraussetzungen einer Zwangsmedikation erläutern und Empfehlungen für geeignete Rahmenbedingungen geben.Ergebnisse und DiskussionFür psychisch erkrankte Menschen in Haft gibt es in Deutschland keine Pflichtversorgungslösung entsprechend der Psychisch-Kranken-Gesetze, sodass diese bei schweren Erkrankungen nicht regelhaft einer stationär-psychiatrischen Versorgung zugeführt werden können. Dies kann zur Folge haben, dass bei ungünstigen Krankheitsverläufen eine Zwangsmedikation innerhalb des Justizvollzugs erwogen werden muss. Die Zwangsmedikation im deutschen Justizvollzug nimmt im Vergleich zur Zwangsmedikation in psychiatrischen Kliniken dabei eine Sonderstellung ein, da Ärzte in den meisten Bundesländern eine solche ohne richterliche Beteiligung anordnen können. Die Landesgesetzgeber sollten prüfen, ob hier eine gesetzliche Anpassung erforderlich oder sinnvoll wäre. Da die Umstände (rechtlich und versorgungstechnisch) für inhaftierte Patienten von denen in Kliniken stark abweichen, sollten die Rahmenbedingungen einer Zwangsmedikation wohl überlegt sein. Wir empfehlen das Hinzuziehen einer ethischen Fallberatung, wenn die Entscheidung ohne richterliche Beteiligung getroffen wird, sowie die Verlegung auf psychiatrische oder zumindest medizinische Krankenhausstationen zur Durchführung der Zwangsmedikation.

The prevalence of mental disorders among offenders admitted at health facilities in Bizzah Makhate Correctional Service Centre, Kroonstand, South Africa

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of mental disorders among offenders admitted at the health establishments in Bizzah Makhathe Correctional Centre, South Africa. Structured psychiatric interviews were conducted to elicit the information. The majority of the participants were young male Africans with low educational levels and poor socio-economic status. Crimes against human beings were the most common ones committed by the offenders. The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was 54.7%. Personality disorders, followed by substance and addictive disorders, were the most prominent disorders among the study sample. Other psychiatric disorders noted were depressive disorders, schizophrenia, intellectual disabilities and neurocognitive disorders. The results show that mental disorders in prisons go undetected and untreated, meaning that competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility are not always observed. There is a need to conduct more empirical studies on the prevalence and incidences of mental disorders in South African prisons.

Offenders with mental disorders in prison and the courts: links to rates of civil detentions and the number of psychiatric beds in England - longitudinal data from 1984 to 2016.

The Mental Health Act in England and Wales allows for two types of detention in hospital: civil and forensic detentions. An association between the closure of mental illness beds and a rise in civil detentions has been reported. To examine changes in the rate of court orders and transfer from prison to hospital for treatment, and explore associations with civil involuntary detentions, psychiatric bed numbers and the prison population. Secondary analysis of routinely collected data with lagged time series analysis. We focused on two main types of forensic detentions in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and private units: prison transfers and court treatment orders in England from 1984 to 2016. NHS bed numbers only were available. There was an association between the number of psychiatric beds and the number of prison transfers. This was strongest at a time lag of 2 years with the change in psychiatric beds occurring first. There was an association between the rate of civil detentions and the rate of court orders. This was strongest at a time lag of 3 years. Linear regression indicated that 135 fewer psychiatric beds were associated with one additional transfer from prison to hospital; and as the rate of civil detentions increased by 72, the rate of court treatment orders fell by one. The closure of psychiatric beds was associated with an increase in transfers from prison to hospital for treatment. The increase in civil detentions was associated with a reduction in the rate of courts detaining to hospital individuals who had offended. None.

Psychiatric approach to violent behavior in severe mental illness — Violation of human rights?

Summary In the modern western world severe mental disorders in prisoners are quite common. Medical ethics claims access to medical care for all people, which includes access to mental health care. Regarding compulsive treatment of chronic psychiatric disease in Germany, a change of paradigm has taken place during the last decade. The right of an individual suffering from psychosis to refuse treatment had been strengthened and the options to applicate compulsory pharmacological treatment have dwindled. Therefore, a rising numbers of individuals have dropped out of community mental health care and many are living homeless and almost forgotten in the shelters of the big cities. Therefore, prisons must deal with a rising number of mentally ill individuals incarcerated because of impulsive and aggressive behavior who are refusing pharmacological treatment and but who are severely ill when entering mental health care in prisons. Options for treatment and ethical consequences are discussed.

Položaj i tretman osuđenih sa mentalnim poremećajima u penalnom sistemu

Persons with mental illnesses may be deprived of their freedom should they be associated with committing crime. Te rate of convicts with mental disorders in prisons ranges between 15% and 25%. Their detention negatively affects their mental health, increases recidivism risks and reduces the possibility of rehabilitation. Penal treatments practiced in the world are focused on their criminogenic needs, whilst in Serbia, despite the existence of official instruments for assessing convicts' risks, needs and capacity for change, there have not been any research studies on application of effective treatments in penal institutions for convicts with mental disorders. Te aim of the paper was to demonstrate the presence frequency of mentally ill convicts in penal system, the specificity of the status of simultaneously ill and incarcerated persons, the normative rules which determine their sanctions, specific recidivism risk assessment instruments and specialized effective treatments in foreign penal systems of this dually stigmatized population.

Cognitive Group Therapy Based on Schema-Focused Approach for Reducing Depression in Prisoners Living With HIV.

Depression is one the most common mental disorders in prisons. People living with HIV are more likely to develop psychological difficulties when compared with the general population. This study aims to determine the efficacy of cognitive group therapy based on schema-focused approach in reducing depression in prisoners living with HIV. The design of this study was between-groups (or "independent measures"). It was conducted with pretest, posttest, and waiting list control group. The research population comprised all prisoners living with HIV in a men's prison in Iran. Based on voluntary desire, screening, and inclusion criteria, 42 prisoners living with HIV participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (21 prisoners) and waiting list control group (21 prisoners). The experimental group received 11 sessions of schema-focused cognitive group therapy, while the waiting list control group received the treatment after the completion of the study. The various groups were evaluated in terms of depression. ANCOVA models were employed to test the study hypotheses. Collated results indicated that depression was reduced among prisoners in the experimental group. Schema therapy (ST) could reduce depression among prisoners living with HIV/AIDS.

Screening prisoners for mental disorders

In this issue, Gavin et al ([2003][1]) present a study of the uses of a screening instrument for mental illness in remand prisoners. This is the latest in a long series of epidemiological studies concerning mental disorders in prisoners. They have produced a screening instrument for mental illness

Alcohol and drug use as factors associated with mental disorders among the incarcerated population in Spain

ObjectivePrevious research supports the relationship between the use of alcohol and other drugs and mental disorders. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between drug and alcohol use prior to incarceration and the current prevalence of mental disorders among the incarcerated population in Spain. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, including to 2709 incarcerated subjects (2484 males and 225 females) from a total of 8 prisons. A self-administered anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was used. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use prior to imprisonment and the current prevalence of mental disorders was calculated. The association between the two variables was analysed with logistic regression for both genders. ResultsAlcohol was the most consumed substance in the 6 months prior to detention for both men and women (68.5 and 48.9%, respectively) followed by cannabis (50.9 and 38.2%, respectively). The prevalence of mental disorders in prison was statically significant for men and women (24.9 and 34.2%, respectively). Most of the psychoactive substances analysed involve a risk factor for current mental disorder, especially as regards the use of psychotropic drugs (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.54–2.71) and cannabis (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.47–2.24). DiscussionWe found an association between alcohol and drug use and the current prevalence of mental disorders among the incarcerated population sample. Furthermore, it is recommended to develop effective protocols for treatment and rehabilitation programmes in prison. These should suit inmates’ history of drug and alcohol use to improve mental health strategies.

Consumo de alcohol y drogas como factores asociados a los trastornos mentales entre la población penitenciaria de España

ObjectivePrevious research supports the relationship between the use of alcohol and other drugs and mental disorders. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between drug and alcohol use prior to incarceration and the current prevalence of mental disorders among the incarcerated population in Spain. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, including to 2,709 incarcerated subjects (2,484 males and 225 females) from a total of 8 prisons. A self-administered anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was used. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use prior to imprisonment and the current prevalence of mental disorders was calculated. The association between the two variables was analysed with logistic regression for both genders. ResultsAlcohol was the most consumed substance in the 6 months prior to detention for both men and women (68.5 and 48.9%, respectively) followed by cannabis (50.9 and 38.2%, respectively). The prevalence of mental disorders in prison was statically significant for men and women (24.9 and 34.2%, respectively). Most of the psychoactive substances analysed involve a risk factor for current mental disorder, especially as regards the use of psychotropic drugs (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.54–2.71) and cannabis (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.47–2.24). DiscussionWe found an association between alcohol and drug use and the current prevalence of mental disorders among the incarcerated population sample. Furthermore, it is recommended to develop effective protocols for treatment and rehabilitation programmes in prison. These should suit inmates’ history of drug and alcohol use to improve mental health strategies.

Salud mental en reclusos. Un análisis pre-post intervención psicosocial con grupo control de comparación

Scientific literature indicates a high incidence of mental disorders in prisons. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate psychosocial health and self-regulation of inmates compared with a control group of non-inmates participants. In addition, we try to determine the incidence of the variable time spent in prison and to analyze the effect of training in social and communicative skills. The sample consisted of 20 males, 10 inmates (five with more than one year of sentence and five with less) and 10 participants with no criminal history. Participants were administered the health questionnaire GHQ-28 and the MAPA scale of self-regulation. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney (<em>U</em>) tests were used to calculate probabilities and Cramer's test (<em>V</em>) as an indicator of effect size. Results evidenced that reclusion was not necessarily associated to poorer health and self-regulation, that the influence of the length of the sentence on these two dimensions was small and that training in social and communicative skills did not produce significant effects on inmates’ health and self-regulation. To conclude, some general reflections as well as new proposals to improve future interventions are discussed

How has the extent of institutional mental healthcare changed in Western Europe? Analysis of data since 1990

ObjectivesIt has been suggested that since 1990, de-institutionalisation of mental healthcare in Western Europe has been reversed into re-institutionalisation with more forensic beds, places in protected housing services and people...

P-40 * PREVALENCE RATES OF MENTAL DISORDERS IN CONSECUTIVELY ADMITTED FEMALE PRISONERS IN CHILE

Objective. Rates of mental disorders in prisoners are estimated to be particularly high in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Empirical evidence in the field, especially in female prisoners mental health, is sparse. The present study explores prevalence rates of mental disorders in consecutively admitted female prisoners in Chile. Method. A random sample of 198 consecutively admitted female prisoners was assessed using the Mini International Psychiatric Interview (MINI). Prevalence rates of mental disorder were calculated as per cent values with 95% confidence intervals CI. Results. High prevalence rates of current affective disorders (52.5%; CI 45.5–59.1), current anxiety disorders (29.3%; 22.7–35.6), such as posttraumatic stress disorder (16.2%; 11.1–21.7), and substance use disorders (32.3%; 25.8-39.4) were found. Twenty-three point seven per cent (18.2–30.8) were addicted to illegal drugs, mostly cocaine (21.2%; 15.7–27.3). Conclusion. The development of mental health services in the penal justice system should address high rates of current affective and current anxiety disorders as well as substance use disorders at admission to the penal justice system. Prevalence rates of current affective disorders appear to be higher, whereas substance use disorders are less frequent in Chilean female prisoners compared to female prisoners in high-income countries.

Descripción de la consulta psiquiátrica en centros penitenciarios de la Comunidad Valenciana

Introduction: Little work has been done on the contents of psychiatric consultancies in prisons. Aims: To explore the sociodemographic, clinical and treatment profile of the patients who were assessed in the psychiatric consultancy of three prisons. Methods: This is a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and multicenter-based epidemiological study of patients who were assessed in the psychiatric consultacy of three prisons in the Autonomous Community of Valencia from 2009 to 2011. Sociodemographic, clinical and prison data was obtained from each patient. Their frequency was compared with Pearson's Ji2 and averages with the ANOVA test or with The Kruskall-Wallis method. The probability of keeping the patients in schedule was calculated with Kaplan-Meier's curves and differences with the Mantel-Haenzsel method (Logrank) were established. A logistic regression model was designed to determine the data linked to frequent users. Results: 786 patients were assessed in 2,006 visits (2.5 visits/patient). 90% were male, 88.2% Spanish and their average age was 36 years. 29.9% suffered from an infectious chronic pathology. 69.5% used some kinds of substance. 59.2% suffered from personality disorder and 11.6% from the spectrum of schizophrenia. The most frequent medical profiles were: 49.1% with anxiety disorder, 20.8% depressive disorder and 11.7% psychotic disorder. These psychotic disorders meant a greater probability of 1.5 times for maintaining in schedule. The most commonly prescribed medications were quetiapine, mirtazapine, pregabalin and diazepam. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of mental disorders in prisons. It is necessary to improve the available resources to deal with these pathologies in the most effective way. Key words: mental health; prisons; diagnosis; psychopathology; drugs; therapeutics; psychotropics drugs; Spain.