Study into mental health at HMP Polmont

More than 85% of young male prisoners at HMP Polmont are struggling with their mental health.

That's according to research from the University of Glasgow.

Just 3% had received a clinical assessment though.

Researchers want more "vital" support for prisoners there.

Prof Helen Minnis, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Sadly we know that a high proportion of young male offenders in prison have a history of abuse and neglect, a high prevalence of adversity, especially maltreatment, and it’s common to see neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions. By including conditions specifically associated with abuse and neglect in our study – Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) – we were able to see a comprehensive picture of the high prevalence of these conditions, alongside other mental health conditions, within this group.

“We hope these new findings can help pave the way for more comprehensive clinical assessments for these young men in prison, and to help develop appropriate support and staff training – all of which is vitally needed to ensure that the full implications of the high prevalence of these mental health conditions are understood as part of trauma informed care to enable treatment and rehabilitation.”