Neurocognitive deficits and psychiatric disorders in a NSW prison population.
Approximately 75% of inmates in New South Wales (NSW) have mental health issues (Butler & Alnutt, 2003). Scarce resources force the management of acute psychiatric symptoms only, meaning that co-morbid conditions such as neurocognitive deficits are less likely to be assessed. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of a computerized battery in the assessment of inmates within the criminal justice system. Thirty male inmates were assessed. Data were compared to matched controls. The custodial sample was characterized by an increase in the prevalence of previous trauma; high levels of depression, anxiety and stress and neurocognitive deficits, including sustained attention, impulsivity and executive dysfunction.
Kavanagh
Leila
L
Justice Health, Sydney, NSW 2036, Australia. Electronic address: leila.kavanagh@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au.
Rowe
Donald
D
Brain Resource, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
Hersch
Jolyn
J
School of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Barnett
Kylie J
KJ
Brain Resource, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
Reznik
Robert
R
Justice Health, Sydney, NSW 2036, Australia.
D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult