Increase in Number of Inmates
Suffering from Mental Disorders

Generally accepted epidemiological studies indicated that between 10 and 20% of the mentally ill in state and federal prisons suffer from serious mental disorders. In Florida, about 17.9% of the inmates receive ongoing mental health care.

Mental health grades range from S-1 to S-6. S-1 grade (Normal) indicates no significant mental health problems are present. Inmates may need only episodic outpatient care and/or crisis intervention. S-2 grade (Mild) indicates the inmate needs ongoing services of outpatient psychology either intermittent or continuous. S-3 grade (Moderate) indicates inmate needs ongoing services of outpatient psychiatry (case management, group and/or individual counseling, as well as psychiatric or psychiatric Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) care). Clinical management may require periodic administration of psychotropic medication, although the inmate may exercise her/his right to refuse the medication. S-4, S-5 and S-6 grades (Severe) indicate inpatient mental health services in a transitional care unit (TCU), a crisis stabilization unit (CSU), or an assignment to the Corrections Mental Health Institution (CMI).

• Over a five year period, the percentage of the prison population without significant mental health problems has remained relatively stable: 82.8% in 2003; 84.0% in 2004; 84.2% in 2005; 83.5% in 2006; and 82.1 % in 2007.
  
  
• During that five-year period, the percentage of women falling into the moderately impaired category has fluctuated, but shown an increase the past 3 years: 41.6% in 2003; 27.2% in 2004; 33.6% in 2005; 36.3% in 2006; and 38.6% in 2007.
  
  
• In comparison, the number of males considered moderately impaired has remained relatively stable with a marked increase in the last two years: 9.8% in 2003; 9.2% in 2004; 9.2% in 2005; 10.1% in 2006; and 11.5% in 2007.
  
  

Inmates with Mental Disorders on June 30, 2003 - 2007