Mental Health Issues in Prisons
Considerably, the administration of drugs to mentally ill patients arises from the assessment of the physician. In most cases, the medications are important to manage the symptoms of the illnesses and help the patient deal with the recovery process (Jakobowitz, Bebbington, McKenzie, Iveson, Duffield, Kerr & Killaspy, 2017). Similarly, the prison’s mental health department administers drugs to the diagnosed inmates to assist them in managing their symptoms according to the type of disorder they are suffering. It is the mandate of the department to ensure that the inmates maintain physical and mental well-being while serving their jail terms.
Significantly, inmates have lesser rights compared to free citizens due to their proven behavior in committing crimes. Therefore, the regulations and policies in a correctional facility may differ depending on the type of offenders that are committed therein. Nevertheless, whenever a mentally ill person exhibits behavior that may be potentially harmful to self or others, there are stringent measures taken. Due to the destructive nature of the inmates, it is necessary to administer medications to minimize the risk of harming themselves, other inmates, prison staff, or damaging facility property. According to the law, the involuntary treatment imposed on the inmates is essential considering the danger that they pose if they are left untreated (Jakobowitz, Bebbington, McKenzie, Iveson, Duffield, Kerr & Killaspy, 2017).
References
Blevins, K. R., & Soderstrom, I. R. (2015). The mental health crisis grows on: A descriptive analysis of DOC systems in America. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 54(2), 142-160.
Jakobowitz, S., Bebbington, P., McKenzie, N., Iveson, R., Duffield, G., Kerr, M., & Killaspy, H. (2017). Assessing needs for psychiatric treatment in prisoners: 2. Met and unmet needs. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 52(2), 231-240.