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Abstract
The aim of this article is to describe the social, relational and mental health characteristics of a sample of offenders serving prison or community sentences in the south-west England. About 100 adult male offenders were screened for anxiety and depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug and alcohol dependence, and likely personality disorder using validated instruments. Fifty-eight per cent of the sample reported at least one common mental health problem, of these only 26% reported receiving treatment. Participants exposed to traumatic events and/or participants with past mental health problems were more likely to score positive for current common mental health problems. Our study identified factors that may increase the risk of a first episode or recurrent anxiety and/or depression for offenders. Health and criminal justice services should create partnerships and develop interventions that address the risk factors which lead and/or contribute to offenders' mental health difficulties.
Acknowledgements
We thank all our study participants, the prison establishments and the local National Probation Trust office where the study took place.
Notes
1. The SAPAS questionnaire is a screening tool for personality disorders, so not specific details are included regarding the particular details of a personality disorder. A higher cut-off point (≥ 4) has been recently introduced to further increase the validity of the measure when used in primary care settings (Alex Stirzaker, personal communication).