Norbert Konrad • Birgit Völlm
David N. Weisstub
Editors

2013

A high and possibly increasing prevalence of mental disorders in prisoners has been demonstrated in recent surveys. In comparison to the general population, prisoners have an increased risk of suffering from a mental disorder. It is a risk not restricted to any particular country/region. Mental disorders increase the risk of suicide, which is considerably higher in prisoners than in the general population. Suicide is the leading cause of death in penal institutions, especially during the early stage of confi nement.