Psychiatric morbidity and substance dependence among women prisoners: An Australian study

Abstract

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of severe mental and substance dependency disorders among 56 sentenced and unsentenced women prisoners in Victoria, Australia, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐III‐R (SCID). High prevalence rates of major depression, psychotic disorders and substance dependence were found. This highlights the need for adequate comprehensive psychiatric services and drug interventions in prison, especially as the Victorian prison system moves towards privatisation. Further research is required to ascertain if mentally ill and substance dependent women could be more appropriately treated in the community.