Rates of PTSD, substance use, and serious mental health disorders in women in jail
What is it about?
This study reports rates of serious mental health disorders such as PTSD, Bipolar, Major Depression, and Substance Use Disorders in women in jail. We interviewed 491 women in jail in Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, and metro Washington DC to assess mental health disorders. Most of the women (83%) had a substance use disorder. Over half of the women (53%) had PTSD. Over one third (38%) has a serious mental illness and substance use. These rates of mental health problems are much higher than rates in the general public and highlight the need for mental health assessment and treatment planning when women are detained as well as the need for alternatives to detention such mental health courts.
Why is it important?
Serious mental health problems increase the risk of entering the criminal legal system and the risk of reoffending. It is important that we identfy individuals with serious mental health problems and help them to access treatment and decrease the risk of continuing legal system involvement.