Association between incarceration and psychotic experiences in a general population sample

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Criminology

Background:

• Incarceration of individuals with mental disorders is a significant public health concern.
• Previous research links incarceration to schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.
• The association between incarceration and psychotic experiences (PEs) remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between psychotic experiences (PEs) and incarceration in a general population sample.
• To determine if individuals reporting PEs have increased odds of incarceration.
• To adjust for sociodemographic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and neighborhood disruption.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a general population sample in Baltimore and New York City (N=974).
• Employed three regression models with hierarchical adjustments for confounders.
• Examined the association between PEs and incarceration, including specific symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was found between PEs and incarceration, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.12 (95% CI=1.30 to 3.46).
• The association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and neighborhood disruption.
• Significant associations were observed for delusional mood, delusions of reference/persecution, and hallucinations, but not for delusions of control.

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel evidence linking psychotic experiences to a higher likelihood of incarceration.
• Findings underscore the need to address the prevalence of psychosis within the criminal justice system.
• Future research should utilize longitudinal data and objective outcome measures for a deeper understanding.