Mental Health Treatment for Schizophrenia, Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses in Prisons

Prison environments present unique challenges for individuals suffering from mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The limited availability of mental health resources and the often inhospitable nature of prison life can significantly impact the treatment and well-being of these individuals.

Challenges in Prison Mental Health Units

While many prisons do have mental health units, the availability of adequate resources and effective treatment can be severely limited. For instance, at one prison I worked in, the mental health unit had only 25 beds for a population of 3,000 prisoners. In reality, a significant portion of the population required mental health beds, often as many as 50 individuals.

Medication is often prescribed to address mental health issues, but the availability of therapy is minimal. Continuous therapy is rare, and what is offered is often of subpar quality. Additionally, the resources available are not on par with those found in specialized mental health facilities. It is crucial to recognize that the portrayal of mental health rehabilitation in movies and advertisements is often exaggerated and not representative of the reality faced by prisoners.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

From my personal experience, the first time I received treatment for my bipolar disorder at my county jail was with an extremely empathetic and talented nurse practitioner. Unfortunately, this experience was brief, as she left for another opportunity. Subsequent replacements were less enthusiastic about providing continuous care and support.

Frequently, the issue is not just lack of care from practitioners but also the protocols and administration in place. For example, certain medications were not always available, and pushing back due to side effects could lead to concerns about lack of compliance. This might have a detrimental effect on legal paperwork and future treatment.

There were instances where I was isolated for prolonged periods, often without explanation. This lack of transparency and accountability can be distressing for individuals trying to manage their mental health.

Staff attitude also plays a significant role. Some nurses were snotty and unhelpful, while correctional officers might be indifferent when it came to ensuring medication was administered. This lack of accountability can exacerbate the already challenging circumstances.

Extreme Cases and Suicides

For individuals who are severely affected, the prison environment can be particularly harsh. Some inmates are confined to strapped chairs, a practice that is generally not acceptable in hospitals. Other inmates resort to self-harm by drawing on walls or using their bedding as means of suicide.

The environment can be described as hellish, with reports of suicides being a tragic reality. Measures such as continuous isolation and increased medication are not always accompanied by clear explanations or effective support.

Conclusion

Mental health treatments for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions in prisons face numerous challenges. Limited resources, subpar therapy, and staff attitudes often compound the difficulties faced by these individuals. Improving the mental health infrastructure in prisons is crucial to ensuring that all inmates receive the care they need and deserve.