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Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity Among Remand Prisoners in Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Mark Davidson ,
Martin S. Humphreys ,
Eve C. Johnstone  and
David G. Cunningham Owens
Mark Davidson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Martin S. Humphreys*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Eve C. Johnstone
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
David G. Cunningham Owens
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
*
Dr Humphreys, Lecturer in Forensic Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh EH10 5HF
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Abstract

Background

Determining the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among remand populations has been made a priority in England and Wales. Differences in legal process and psychiatric services in Scotland make similar research there important.

Method

Demographic data were collected on 389 prisoners, the Clinical Interview Schedule was completed and cognitive function assessed.

Results

The prevalence of major psychiatric disorders was low. Less severe symptoms were more common. The sample was of average IQ, but low educational attainment. Reported drug abuse was high.

Conclusions

Few of those interviewed required hospital care, but other symptoms and drug-related problems may place heavy demands on prison medical and psychiatric services.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 4 , October 1995 , pp. 545 - 548
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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