In Australia's most incarcerated place, most inmates have a mental illness
A new landmark study finds nearly two-thirds of NT prisoners have a diagnosed mental illness. Calls are now growing for more specialised services to reduce reoffending.
A new study has revealed that the majority of inmates in the Northern Territory's greatest penal facility suffer from mental health issues. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry's landmark research, which examined 310 medical files of prisoners at Alice Springs and Darwin Correctional Centres, found that nearly two-thirds of detainees have a lifetime diagnosis of a mental disorder.
Substance use disorder was the most prevalent condition, affecting nearly 70% of female prisoners, while schizophrenia was the predominant illness. The study, which also discovered a high prevalence of PTSD among female inmates, underscores the urgent need for specialised mental health services and facilities within the NT prison system.
Advocates argue that addressing the root causes of mental illness, such as poverty, trauma, and substance abuse, is crucial for reducing recidivism and improving overall community safety. The lack of understanding and empathy towards these individuals, compounded by cultural barriers, further exacerbates the challenges faced by both prisoners and mental health workers.
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