Prevalence of mental disorders and deliberate self-harm in Greek male prisoners.

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of current and lifetime mental disorder and deliberate self-harm among male prisoners in Greece. The subjects were 80 randomly selected remanded and sentenced prisoners in a Greek prison. They were assessed for mental disorder including suicidality and substance misuse using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). We also collected information regarding contact with psychiatric services, previous deliberate self-harm as well as physical health and conducted a brief assessment of their intellectual functioning. Mental disorder was diagnosed in 63 (78.7%) prisoners. The main diagnoses were: anxiety disorder, 30 (37.5%); major depression, 22 (27.5%); antisocial personality disorder, 30 (37.5%); alcohol dependence, 21 (26.3%) and opiate dependence 22 (27.5%) and schizophrenic or bipolar disorder 9 (11.2%). Deliberate self-harm prior to and during imprisonment was reported by 15% and 2.5% of prisoners, respectively, and 12 prisoners (15%) had IQ below 75. This survey identified a significant level of need for specialist mental health services in prison. Further studies are required to assess the specific needs of those patients who are too unwell to remain in prison, the need for specific treatments for substance misuse and improved assessment/treatment of common psychiatric disorders.

Reliability and validity of the CANDID--a needs assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

BACKGROUND: People with learning disabilities and mental health problems have complex needs. Care should be provided according to need. AIM: To develop a standardised needs-assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems. METHOD: The Camberwell Assessment of Need for Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (CANDID) was developed by modifying the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Concurrent validity was tested using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS). Test-retest and interrater reliability were investigated using 40 adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems. RESULTS: CANDID scores were significantly correlated with both DAS (P < 0.05) and GAF scores (P < 0.01). Correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were 0.93 (user), 0.90 (career), and 0.97 (staff ratings); for test-retest reliability they were 0.71, 0.69 and 0.86 respectively. Mean interview duration was less than 30 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The CANDID is a brief, valid and reliable needs assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.