Prevalence of mental illness in Northern Territory prisoners

Background Prisoners experience disproportionately high rates of mental illness. The incarceration rate in the Northern Territory (NT) is five times the national average but there is no existing research regarding the prevalence of mental disorder in this population. Objectives This cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders among NT prisoners. Methods 310 adult prisoner files were analysed, using four electronic medical record databases which captured a person’s lifetime contact with healthcare services in the NT. Descriptive statistical techniques were used. Findings First Nations people comprised 90.6% of the sample. First Nations prisoners were significantly younger with a median age of 32 years versus 40 years Non-First Nations (U 2747, p = .004). The lifetime prevalence of mental illness was 64.5% (54.4% of men and 76.9% of women (X 2 (1, N = 310) = 19.7 p < .001). Substance use disorder was the most common diagnosis (51.6% lifetime prevalence). 14.3% of men and 20.3% of women had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Conclusions Prisoners in the NT have higher rates of mental illness than the general population. Females significantly suffered more mental illness. Given the overwhelming representation of First Nations people, culturally appropriate mental health services are crucial.