Introduction
At age 16, Kalief Browder was falsely accused of stealing a backpack and sent to New York City's notorious Rikers Island jail after he was unable to post bail. He spent three years at the facility — two in solitary confinement — before being released, never having gone to trial. Like many inmates who have endured solitary, the once sociable teenager now describes himself as having become paranoid, quiet and “distant.” (Courtesy Paul V. Prestia)
|
Thousands of people with schizophrenia, severe depression, delusional disorders or other mental problems are locked up, often in solitary confinement. While some committed violent crimes and remain a threat to themselves or other inmates and prison staff, many are incarcerated for minor offenses, simply because there is no place to send them for treatment. The number of mentally ill inmates has mushroomed in recent years as states have closed their psychiatric hospitals in favor of outpatient community mental health centers that typically are underfunded and overcrowded. In an attempt to reduce the influx of mentally ill inmates, some 300 specialized mental health courts have diverted them into court-monitored treatment instead of jail. Yet, many participants re-offend, and some experts say psychiatric treatment alone won't prevent criminal behavior. Meanwhile, courts in more than a half-dozen states have declared solitary confinement unconstitutional for those with mental illness. However, some corrections officials say solitary is necessary to separate dangerous prisoners.
|
|
|
 |
Jul. 01, 2022 |
Youth Mental Health |
 |
Jul. 31, 2020 |
COVID-19 and Mental Health |
 |
Oct. 11, 2019 |
The Insanity Defense |
 |
Jul. 12, 2019 |
Suicide Crisis |
 |
Mar. 13, 2015 |
Prisoners and Mental Illness |
 |
Dec. 05, 2014 |
Treating Schizophrenia |
 |
Sep. 12, 2014 |
Teen Suicide |
 |
May 10, 2013 |
Mental Health Policy |
 |
Aug. 03, 2012 |
Treating ADHD |
 |
Jun. 01, 2012 |
Traumatic Brain Injury |
 |
Jun. 26, 2009 |
Treating Depression |
 |
Feb. 13, 2004 |
Youth Suicide |
 |
Feb. 06, 2004 |
Mental Illness Medication Debate |
 |
Mar. 29, 2002 |
Mental Health Insurance |
 |
Feb. 08, 2002 |
Treating Anxiety |
 |
Jul. 16, 1999 |
Childhood Depression |
 |
Jun. 18, 1999 |
Boys' Emotional Needs |
 |
Sep. 12, 1997 |
Mental Health Policy |
 |
Aug. 19, 1994 |
Prozac |
 |
Aug. 06, 1993 |
Mental Illness |
 |
Oct. 09, 1992 |
Depression |
 |
Jun. 14, 1991 |
Teenage Suicide |
 |
Jul. 08, 1988 |
Biology Invades Psychology |
 |
Feb. 13, 1987 |
The Mentally Ill |
 |
Aug. 20, 1982 |
Mental Health Care Reappraisal |
 |
Jun. 12, 1981 |
Youth Suicide |
 |
Sep. 21, 1979 |
Mental Health Care |
 |
Sep. 15, 1978 |
Brain Research |
 |
Jul. 05, 1974 |
Psychomedicine |
 |
Aug. 08, 1973 |
Emotionally Disturbed Children |
 |
Dec. 27, 1972 |
Mental Depression |
 |
Mar. 24, 1972 |
Schizophrenia: Medical Enigma |
 |
Apr. 21, 1971 |
Approaches to Death |
 |
Mar. 03, 1971 |
Encounter Groups |
 |
Nov. 25, 1970 |
Psychological Counseling of Students |
 |
Feb. 19, 1969 |
Future of Psychiatry |
 |
Feb. 02, 1966 |
New Approaches to Mental Illness |
 |
Jan. 22, 1964 |
Insanity as a Defense |
 |
Sep. 25, 1963 |
Anatomy of Suicide |
 |
Nov. 20, 1957 |
Drugs and Mental Health |
 |
Apr. 23, 1954 |
Mental Health Programs |
 |
Jul. 09, 1948 |
Mental Health |
| | |
|