Published Online:July 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Law Review
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IUPLR070725
DOI:10.71329/IUPLR/2025.15.3.87-105
Author Name:Chitthara Patel S P, Prachi Sai and Anusha Virupannavar
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Law
Download Format:PDF
Pages:87-105
The study analyzes the prevalence of mental disorders among prisoners, availability of psychiatric care in prisons, and reintegration assistance, besides identifying the major challenges and proposing feasible solutions. Using a qualitative framework, this study incorporates literature review, case history, field observations, and data from government reports. It has been found that prisoners face elevated rates of depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric illnesses, worsened by overcrowding, stigma, and inadequate mental healthcare. Breaking these barriers is essential for rehabilitation and reintegration, and reducing recidivism and mental health disparities. Ensuring comprehensive correctional mental healthcare for prisoners and ex-convicts is not just a necessity but a moral and legal obligation.
Mental illness among prisoners is a priority concern in criminal justice systems globally. Prisons, originally designed for deterrence and punishment, now contain disproportionately high rates of prisoners with psychiatric disorders (Fazel & Seewald, 2012).1 The harsh conditions in correctional facilities—such as overcrowding, isolation, and inadequate healthcare—exacerbate these issues, leading to higher rates of recidivism and mental distress, as highlighted in the 2021 report by the World Health Organization.