Psychiatric symptoms in German short-term and long-term prisoners

Previous studies have indicated high prevalence rates of mental disorders among prisoners. Based on a sample of 98 male German long-term prisoners and 94 male German short-term prisoners, psychiatric symptoms were comparatively assessed by means of the brief symptom inventory (BSI). The study showed a considerable increased in psychological stress, especially with regard to long-term prisoners. In this context a significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between short-term and long-term prisoners where 65% of long-term prisoners and 40% of short-term prisoners showed a noticeable increase in the amount of psychological stress. Furthermore, high prevalence rates of a history of attempted suicide (29.7%) and self-injurious behavior (43.2%) were found. The following clinical implications are deduced from this study: there is a general need for treatment during imprisonment, especially with respect to long-term prisoners. In addition, the high rates of attempted suicide and self-injurious behavior require a focus on a more elaborated crisis management as well as psychotherapeutic treatment for this population.