Solitary Prisonation In Prison

There are several studies conducted on the physical and mental impacts on the inmate population who were exposed to excessive time periods (studies indicate more than 15 consecutive days is cruel, inhumane and harmful (Older prisoners, pg 1) in solitary confinement. One study in particular indicates, “the data that exists on American prisons can be combined with global data, allowing for some reasonably firm conclusions to be drawn. The effects of the total isolation in many supermax prisons are startling. A very high number of inmates in solitary confinement get severe headaches. Other physical symptoms are chest pains, weight loss, diarrhea, dizziness, and fainting. There are many psychological symptoms: decreased ability to concentrate,

Many of these unfortunate symptoms are especially worrisome for mentally ill inmates. Because the prevalence of mental illness in supermax facilities is not known, the effects of solitary confinement on the mentally ill must be gleaned from multiple sources. The state of our knowledge is more than sufficient to cause distress, however. According to one researcher: Solitary confinement cells are grossly inappropriate for the mentally ill. . . These cells are constructed to minimize sensory input of any kind to the inmate. They provide the type of atmosphere that produces sensory deprivation stress or psychotic reactions, particularly in inmates who are borderline or overtly psychotic. The empirical evidence supports this contention, as well as the conclusion that solitary confinement may have deleterious effects on non- mentally ill inmates.” (Law and Psychology Review pgs. 213-214) Inmate mental health is a complex issue. Most correctional facilities lack the onsite staff needed to provide continuous mental health treatment. This critical personnel shortfall is an ongoing

The features of enhanced confinement that consistently draw the most profound condemnation revolve around: the often-brutal forms and compassionless deprivations in which these units or facilities operate, the harrowing living conditions that inmates are compelled to endure, the resulting physical and psychological damage to body and soul, and the questionable legality of such confinement. Leading human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are regularly outing the United States for operating torturous prisons that house convicted criminals in the most deplorable and extra-legal conditions. (Marion Experiment pgs.