Psychiatric Morbidity Among Prisoners in Egypt

Numerous studies have shown that mental disorders can be obviously found more frequently in prisoners in comparison to normal populations. The current study aimed to assess the incidence of psychiatric morbidity among prisoners. A convenience sample of 80 institutionalized criminal prisoners. Was used A descriptive exploratory design was selected for the current study, the study was carried out at one of the Egyptian prisons, Three tools were used for data collection, Sociodemographic and criminal data sheet and psychiatric symptoms checklist and Eyzenck's Impulsivity inventory were utilized to assess the three primary personality traits: Impulsiveness, Venturesomeness and Empathy. Results revealed that majority of the prisoners were suffering from at least one psychiatric problem, also the most common disorders were depression and somatization, the study concluded that the prison can exacerbate mental health problems, which has a long-term impact on the individual concerned and the community into which the prisoners be released, the study recommend that reception screening in prisons for mental health needs should be improved and consistently implemented.