Citation

Kopp D, Drenkhahn K, Dunkel F, Freyberger HJ, Spitzer C, Barnow S, Dudeck M. Nervenarzt, Der 2011; 82(7): 880-885.

Vernacular Title

Psychische Symptombelastung bei Kurz- und Langzeitgefangenen in Deutschland.

Affiliation

Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald am Hanseklinikum Stralsund, Rostocker Chaussee 70, 18437, Stralsund, Deutschland, daniel.kopp@uni-greifswald.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00115-010-3066-9

PMID

20953756

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated high prevalence rates of mental disorders among prisoners. Based on a sample of 98 male German long-term prisoners and 94 male German short-term prisoners, psychiatric symptoms were comparatively assessed by means of the brief symptom inventory (BSI). The study showed a considerable increased in psychological stress, especially with regard to long-term prisoners. In this context a significant difference (p<0.01) was found between short-term and long-term prisoners where 65% of long-term prisoners and 40% of short-term prisoners showed a noticeable increase in the amount of psychological stress. Furthermore, high prevalence rates of a history of attempted suicide (29.7%) and self-injurious behavior (43.2%) were found. The following clinical implications are deduced from this study: there is a general need for treatment during imprisonment, especially with respect to long-term prisoners. In addition, the high rates of attempted suicide and self-injurious behavior require a focus on a more elaborated crisis management as well as psychotherapeutic treatment for this population.

Language: de