Year: 2008 Source: Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, v.36, no.1, (March 2008), p.27-34 SIEC No: 20080571

The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus was used to assess the frequency of mental & addictive disorders among 320 randomly selected men & women newly committed to the general population of the Iowa prison system. More than 90% met criteria for a current or lifetime psychiatric disorder. 30% of the offenders were at risk for suicide. The authors conclude that mental & addictive disorders are common among incarcerated offenders & that these individuals are at risk for suicidal behaviour. (40 refs.)