An article from the Global Mental Health Thematic Space in CSP reviews 42 studies published between 2013 and 2023 on the prevalence of mental disorders among incarcerated individuals in the Americas.
The findings confirm that the prevalence of mental health problems in the prison population is much higher than in the general population. It also highlights that factors such as overcrowding, social inequalities, and stigma amplify barriers to care.
The review further indicates that incarcerated women have even higher rates of mental illness. The research reinforces the importance of mental health policies that consider local contexts and contribute to reducing criminal recidivism and human rights violations.