Lifestyle factors among female prisoners with histories of psychiatric treatment

This study compared the childhood and adult living contexts, patterns of alcohol and drug use, and criminal involvement of women prisoners with histories of mental health treatment in the free community to those who have not accessed such services. A random sample of 500 women prisoners was interviewed during the intake and admission process. Respondents who have used mental services were typically older White women, undereducated, unemployed, and had children. Subjects who used mental health services were more likely to have histories of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin abuse. Women who have used mental services were more likely to have been incarcerated for nonviolent offenses. As more female offenders enter prison with various mental health needs, prison organizations will be called on to improve their techniques for identifying women who have had prior contacts with mental health services.