Mental Illness in Prisons

Alex, Anna
Objectives
● Students will be able to summarize vocally the different treatments and
resources that are available to inmates with mental illness.

● Students will be able to distinguish the top three mental illnesses inmates
struggle with in prison
Schizophrenia

● Serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally.

Individuals with this condition can suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and
extremely disordered thinking that impairs their daily functioning.
Video on Inmate(s) with Schizophrenia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT3ZlaVOhrc
Bipolar
● There are four levels:
● A mental condition marked by alternating periods of elation and depression.

o Bipolar 1- or “manic depression”, one manic episode in his or her life, most people who
suffer from this also suffer from episodes of depression

o Bipolar 2- characterized by cycles of depressive episodes followed by hypomanic periods.

Hypomania is a period of mood and behavior that is elevated above normal behavior.

o Mixed Features

o Cyclothymic disorder- mood disorder that causes emotional highs and lows, aren’t as extreme
as those in people with bipolar disorders. People with cyclothymia can typically function in daily
life, though it may be difficult.
Depression
● Depression
○ Feelings of severe despondency and dejection
○ Loss of interest
○ Causes can from from biological, psychological, and social sources of
distress
○ Can cause a change in brain function, including altered activity or certain
neural circuits in the brain.
○ Frequent sadness, frequent sad thoughts
NAMI
● NAMI- National Alliance against Mental Illness

● NAMI believes that everyone should have access to a full array of mental
health services and supports in their communities to help prevent interactions
with police.
● These supports should include treatment for drug and alcohol use conditions,
and supports like housing, education, supported employment and peer and
family support.
Treatments and Resources
● Medication

● Group Therapy

● Individual Therapy
Stand Up/Sit Down Activity

● We will read certain facts based off of our powerpoint. Stand up if the fact is
correct and sit down if the fact is incorrect. Be prepared to discuss the incorrect
facts with your shoulder partners. We will discuss each incorrect fact as a class.
Kahoot