1010CCJ_Module 11_Learning Video 2

Mental Health, Psychology and the Criminal Justice System 1010CCJ

Women, mental health and the criminal justice system

Mental Health of Female Offenders

  • Overview of the mental health situation among female offenders in Australia.

  • Part 2 of the assessment.

  • Copyright information from Griffith University.

Snapshot of Mental Health in Prisons

High Levels of Psychological Distress

  • 1/2 women reported high levels of psychological distress on entry to detention.

Mental Health Diagnosis Prior to Detention

  • 2/3 women reported that they had received a mental health diagnosis prior to their detention.

Medication Usage

  • Over 1/3 women stated they had been taking medication for their mental health issues before their detention.

History of Self-Harm

  • 1/3 women indicated a history of self-harming behaviors prior to detention.

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in Female Offenders

Comparison to Male Prisoners and General Population

  • Female prisoners have a higher prevalence of mental health problems compared to male prisoners and the general population.

Gender Differences in Self-Reported Psychiatric History

Statistics Comparison

Condition

Men in Prison

Women in Prison

Depression

36%

61%

Anxiety

23%

51%

Substance Use Disorder

23%

34%

Schizophrenia

10%

9%

Psychosis

7%

6%

Bipolar Disorder

11%

17%

ADD or ADHD

12%

8%

PTSD

9%

21%

Personality Disorder

4%

13%

Trauma and PTSD Among Women in Prison

Overview of Trauma

  • High levels of trauma and PTSD are prevalent among women in prison.

  • Many cases of PTSD go undetected.

Definition of PTSD

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Characterized by exposure to one or more traumatic events, leading to:

    • Intrusion symptoms (distressing memories or dreams)

    • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

    • Negative alterations in cognitions and mood

    • Changes in arousal and reactivity.

Substance Use/Misuse

Overview of Substance Use Disorders

  • Substance use disorders are highly prevalent in the prison population compared to the general population.

  • Evidence is mixed on gender comparison among prisoners.

Findings from Meta-Analysis by Fazel et al. (2017)

  • Alcohol Use Disorder: 20% of women vs. 26% of men.

  • Drug Use Disorder: 51% among women compared to 30% among men.

Comorbidity of Mental Disorders Among Women in Prison

Prevalence Rates

  • No Disorder: 22%

  • One Disorder: 17%

  • Two Disorders: 17%

  • Three or More Disorders: 44%

Summary Data of Comorbidity

  • Highlights the intricate relationship between multiple mental health issues.

Conclusion

  • End of Part 2 of the discussion on women's mental health in criminal justice.

  • Thank you for listening. Copyright by Griffith University.