5,000 prisoners in Thailand are suffering from mental health illness

There are 260,000 prisoners across 143 jails in Thailand, and around 5,000 convicts are dealing with mental health problems.

Psychologists revealed anxiety and depression is most common among prisoners sentenced for drug-related offences. A large number of offenders already suffer from mental illness before arrest while others deteriorate once they are jailed, according to the Corrections Department.

Prisoners are treated by psychologists in the penitentiary if inmates have mild symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress. However, those with severe symptoms are sent to the hospital for treatment. Most of the prisoners are suffering in Bangkok and Thonburi jails.

There are only 31 psychologists working across 10 prisons in Thailand. Prisons aside, the Medical Correctional Institution, Suan Prung Hospital, and state hospitals, doctors and therapists treat offenders.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

 

Courtesy ofThaiger News

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