SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN INCARCERATED MEN AND WOMEN: A STUDY IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.0159692608071

• Palavras-chave: depression; prisoners; mental health.

• Keywords: depression; prisoners; mental health.

• Abstract:

  To identify symptoms of depression in incarcerated men and women. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Data collection took place between November 2018 and January 2019 at a prison in northeastern Brazil. A total of 128 incarcerated individuals (51 men and 77 women) were interviewed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The most prevalent symptoms of depression were a sense of punishment in 80.5% of women and irritability in 66.7% of men. Conclusion: Higher prevalences of depressive symptoms were identified among women, as well as greater severity of most of these symptoms. Incarcerated men and women should be assessed for the presence of depressive symptoms while still in prison, with the aim of early identification of symptoms and the implementation of more effective interventions to promote mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation.