Prevalence and characteristics of mental disorders in jails and prisons

Purpose of review The published literature from 2004 on mental disorders in jails and prisons was reviewed. Recent findings A number of important studies on prisoner suicide, older prisoners, prison medical services and inmate mental health are highlighted, which provide useful potential interventions to improve the care of mentally ill prisoners. Relevant pieces on ethical issues are also discussed. Summary Despite increasing prison populations worldwide and robust evidence that serious mental disorders are common in inmates in Western countries, many key issues in the treatment of mentally disordered prisoners remain unanswered. In addition, the evidence base on the nature and prevalence of mental disorders in prisoners in non-Western countries remains small.