Citation

Earthrowl M, McCully R. J. Forensic Psychiatry 2002; 13(2): 428-439.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09585180210152373

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this study we undertook field-testing of a combination of two brief screening tools that identify women prisoners who may suffer major mental illness or present a risk of self-harm. Their ease of administration, tolerability, face validity and overall impact on the existing visiting psychiatric service were examined. The Referral Decision Scale and the Suicide Checklist were administered to 150 receptions at Arohata Women's Prison, New Zealand, over a 1-year period.

RESULTS indicate high levels of psychiatric morbidity similar to that found in previous studies and suggest more will be identified and receive intervention compared with the existing arrangements. Approximately one-third of the sample had been known to mental health services and a similar proportion had attempted suicide. The unique population ethnicity raises questions for the screening process and resource allocation. Previously proposed changes to the recommended cut-off scores are supported. High endorsement rates on the depressive sub-scale and self-reference stem require further investigation. This intervention appears to be well tolerated and quick to administer. Our experience suggests that the tool is sufficiently sensitive with an acceptable number of false negatives for a screening instrument.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; aged; article; automutilation; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; depression; early diagnosis; ethnic and racial groups; female; human; major clinical study; medical decision making; mental disease; mental health service; morbidity; New Zealand; patient referral; priority journal; prison; Prison; prisoner; psychiatric department; psychiatric diagnosis; psychosis; Psychosis; qualitative analysis; Reception screening; resource allocation; risk; sample size; screening test; self examination; sensitivity analysis; suicide; Suicide; Women