Title: Preventing Suicide in Prison Inmates - Psychiatry Advisor
Headings: Preventing Suicide in Prison Inmates
Preventing Suicide in Prison Inmates
Linda Peckel
Patterns of Suicide in Prison
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Attempted Suicide
Methods and Opportunities
Prevention Strategies
References
Topics:

Content: A history of 5 or more attempts was highly associated with risk for subsequent suicide. 3
These attempts were carried out with high suicidal intent, and were often repeated. A 2016 review of the literature by Marzano et al 5 showed that on average, female inmates were likely to commit self-harm 8 times per year, and most near-lethal attempts occurred soon after incarceration. These risks were all significantly reduced when suicide risk management procedures were being followed. 5
Methods and Opportunities
Most suicides in prison occur by hanging, when inmates are held in isolation or segregation cells, and at times when observation is light. 4,6 Many reports have indicated that successful suicide can occur within only a few inches from a supporting surface or floor. Strangulation by these methods can take several minutes and is accomplished using ligatures fashioned from sheets, clothing, or shoelaces, strung from any secure protrusion. Second to that are injuries from self-cutting and stabbing that cause significant blood loss or injury leading to death. A 2007 report by the World Health Organization 4 pointed to a strong influence of housing assignments in prison on suicide attempts, citing a “disproportionate” number of suicides that occur in solitary housing situations. Within the prison environment, psychological distress about bullying, conflicts with other inmates, disciplinary actions by prison staff, and hearing bad news regarding family or legal matters exacerbate the stress of imprisonment, where feelings of hopelessness and the sudden narrowing of future prospects leads to desperation and suicidal thoughts.