Early detection and early intervention in prison: improving outcomes and reducing prison returns |
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| Authors: | Clare Evans Andrew Forrester Manuela Jarrett Vyv Huddy Catherine A Campbell Majella Byrne |
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| Institution: | 1. King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology &2. Neuroscience, London, UK;3. South London &4. Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK;5. South London &6. Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK |
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| Abstract: | Our aim was to investigate whether early detection was feasible in prison and whether it could improve mental health outcomes in young prisoners. A secondary aim was to explore whether it can reduce returns to prison. Between 2011 and 2014, a total of 2115 young prisoners were screened, 94 (4.4%) met criteria for ultra-high risk for psychosis and were offered an intervention, 52 actually received it. Return to prison data were sought on the 52 participants, receiving a formal intervention. Of the 52 prisoners who received an intervention, 30.8% returned to custody compared to national average reconviction rates of between 45.4 and 66.5%. Our results suggest that early detection is a feasible option in a prison setting, improving mental health outcomes and reducing returns to prison. Mental health outcomes were recorded for a sub-sample of those receiving the intervention. The results indicated statistically significant improvements on measures of depression, anxiety and psychological distress. |
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| Keywords: | Early intervention ultra-high risk prison offenders psychosis psychotic symptoms |
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