Measuring Prevalence

Paper Summary:

The paper critically reviews the literature on the co-occurring disorders in females housed in jails. This review is limited to studies that include psychotic disorders assessed with structured clinical interviews. Only 22 publications meet the criteria for inclusion in this study. Threats to the validity of this study include observer bias, participant bias and instrument bias; these aspects are critically analyzed during the study. Jailed females with psychotic disorders and co-occurring substance disorders have the following: The highest rates of violent crime, recidivism, the highest number of life threatening behaviors while in custody; highest instances of denial of symptoms at intake in order to avoid psychiatric housing, and may fear loosing custody of their children if a psychotic disorder is detected. Over 60% of jailed females have custody of one or more children. This review finds rising rates of psychotic disorders. The Teplin et al., (1996) study is examined extensively. Though this study remains the largest and most cited in healthcare policy journals, it may underestimate the prevalence and needs of jailed females of today.
Outline:
Abstract
Problem statement
Literature review: Search methods, Reviews, Epidemiological Studies, Combined Methodological Critique.
Implications
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

" Mental Disorders like Schizophrenia and co-occurring Substance Disorders like Methamphetamine Dependence in jailed females is uncertain. This review is the outcome of a systematic international literature search on the epidemiology of mentally disordered female inmates admitted to jails. The goals of the review are to summarize current knowledge on this subject, describe the research methods used, as well as suggest how future research might be planned to extend and focus this knowledge on psychiatric epidemiology in jails. Data limited to studies using structured clinical interviews assessing mental and substance disorders was quantitatively reviewed and critically evaluated. A special emphasis was placed on the Psychotic Disorders and co-occurring Substance Disorders, because inmates with these disorders have the highest violent crime and recidivism rates, they call for the medical resources in the jails where they are housed."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abram, K. M., Teplin L. A., & McClelland, G. M. (2003). Comorbidity of Severe Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Disorders Among Women in Jail. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160, 1007-1010.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition. Text Revision. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
• Andersen, H. S. (2004). Mental Health in Prison Populations. A review - with special emphasis on a study of Danish prisoners on remand. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 110 (Suppl. 424), 5-59.
• Appelbaum, K. L., Hickey, J. M., & Packer, I. (2001). The Role of Correctional Officers in Multidisciplinary Mental Health Care in Prisons. Psychiatric Services, 52, 1343-1347.
• Arboleda-Florez, J. (1994). An epidemiological study of mental illness in a remanded population and the relationship between mental condition and criminality. PhD dissertation, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.

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