RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Commentary: Doing Time in Maximum Security—The Pains of Separation
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 194
OP 200
VO 37
IS 2
A1 Michael K. Champion
YR 2009
UL http://jaapl.org/content/37/2/194.abstract
AB Suicide is a leading cause of death among prison inmates. A recent study found that nearly half of the inmates who committed suicide in a state prison system during the study period did not have a major mental disorder. This prompts the question of why a person in prison who has no mental illness decides to end his or her life by committing suicide. Stressors associated with maximum security settings that may contribute to the high incidence of suicide found in segregated housing units are explored through a description of the author's experience and inmate anecdotes.