[Are psychiatric disorders identified and treated by in-prison health services?].
BACKGROUND
The prevalence in Norwegian prisons of psychiatric disorders in relation to the treatment potential in the prison health system has not been properly examined.


METHODS
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders, drug problems and personality disorders was examined in a prison population in the western health region in Norway. Additionally, treatments of these disorders were surveyed. The methods used were structured clinical interviews, self reports and reviews of medical case notes.


RESULTS
Psychiatric disorders in need of treatment were found in 18 out of 40 interviewed inmates. Of these 18, 13 actually received treatment with psychoactive medication. Criteria for alcohol and drug addiction or misuse were fulfilled by over 90%. Personality disorders were found in 80% and antisocial personality disorder in more than 60%.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders including personality disorders and drug addiction is high among inmates. Compared to international studies, more of the inmates with psychiatric disorders that we interviewed receive psychoactive medication.
Langeveld
Hans
H
Psykiatrisk klinikk, Sentralsjukehuset i Rogaland, Postboks 1163 Hillevåg, 4095 Stavanger. jhl@sir.no
Melhus
Henning
H
D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs