Study Reveals Number of Mentally Ill Prisoners Quadrupled

In the last 6 years, the number of mentally ill prisoners in U.S. jails and prisons has increased four-fold, according to new federal statistics released by the Bureau of Justice statistics (BJS) report, Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates.

The statistics show that over half of all state and prison inmates report mental illnesses including psychotic disorders, mania, and major depression. The rate of reported mental illnesses in prisons is now 1.25 million compared to the estimated 283,000 in 1998 and 56.2 percent greater than mental health problems experienced by the general adult population.

Furthermore, the statistics found that female inmates suffer an even higher rate of mental illnesses than men—73 percent of women compared to 55 percent of men.

“While the number of mentally ill inmates surges, prisons remain dangerous and damaging places for them,” said Jamie Fellner, the director of Human Rights Watch’s U.S. program. “Prisons are woefully ill-equipped for their current role as the nation’s primary mental health facilities.”

Human Rights Watch contends that inadequate mental health services in jails and prisons across the U.S. leave inmates untreated. A lack of qualified staff, shortage in facilities, and prison rules often interrupt treatment.

Prisoners suffering mental health illness often find it harder to follow prison rules and handle the stresses of daily confinement. According to the BJS statistics, 58 percent of inmates with mental illnesses have been punished for violating prison rules as opposed to 43 percent without any mental problems.

“People who suffer from mental illness need mental health interventions, not punishment for behavior that may be motivated by delusions and hallucinations,” said Fellner.

The increasing rate of incarceration of those with mental health problems may be a direct result of the disorganized, under-funded, and fragmented mental health services in the community, according to Human Rights Watch. Many people suffering from mental illness, especially those who are homeless, poor, or struggling with drug or alcohol dependence are not able to receive mental health treatment. If they commit even a non-violent, low-level crime, they may still be sentenced to jail. 

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