Speakers - 2026

Title: Psychiatric Morbidity and treatment needs in the Berlin prison estate

Abstract

Forensic Psychiatry and Addiction in Legal Systems

Prisoners have higher rates of psychiatric morbidity, when compared to the general population. Yet there is a paucity of evidence regarding resulting treatment needs and the extent, to which prisons are able to meet them. The current study aims to address these questions. Diagnostic interviews are carried out with a representative sample of prisoners in the city state of Berlin. Disorders assessed include a much broader spectrum then is customary in such settings, i.e. depression, anxiety, PTSD, all personality disorders, acute crisis, psychosis, substance misuse. Particular attention is paid to ADHD, a disorder particularly relevant to this population and setting. Cases are presented to an expert panel in the form of case vignettes. The Panel then determines resulting treatment needs, to what extent they have been met and if respondents are willing to engage in interventions with the aid of a validated need-assessment tool, the MRC Needs for Care.

Audience Takeaways:

The audience will come away with a greater understanding of prevalence and relevance of psychiatric disorders in a forensic setting. An explanation will be given as to why prevalence alone is a poor predictor of treatment need. This will improve clinical practice and service delivery design in forensic settings.