, vol. 11, issue 2, pp. 228-232, 2014.
Numerous studies have shown that mental disorders can be obviously found more frequently in
prisoners in comparison to normal populations. The current study aimed to assess the incidence of psychiatric
morbidity among prisoners. A convenience sample of 80 institutionalized criminal prisoners. Was used A
descriptive exploratory design was selected for the current study, the study was carried out at one of the
Egyptian prisons, Three tools were used for data collection, Sociodemographic and criminal data sheet and
psychiatric symptoms checklist and Eyzenck's Impulsivity inventory were utilized to assess the three primary
personality traits: Impulsiveness, Venturesomeness and Empathy. Results revealed that majority of the
prisoners were suffering from at least one psychiatric problem, also the most common disorders were depression
and somatization, the study concluded that the prison can exacerbate mental health problems, which has a
long-term impact on the individual concerned and the community into which the prisoners be released, the
study recommend that reception screening in prisons for mental health needs should be improved and
consistently implemented.
