[Notes on some self-induced diseases in prison communities]

The self-induced and simulated diseases in prison communities are numerous and not always easy to detect. This is, at any rate, a peculiar phenomenon that also involves other closed communities external to the prison environment, such as those of the large built-up areas, of the factories, of the schools, of the barracks, etc... As a rule, recourse is had, in the latter, to self-induction and simulation to achieve economic or absenteeistic purposes. In prison communities, self-induction and simulation are instead implemented in order to escape the rigours of the law and detention itself. It is an unquestionable fact, however, that nowadays this phenomenon is regressing, chiefly thanks to the coming into force of law No. 354 of July 26, 1975 on the penitentiary System, that is certainly determining radical improvements within the prisons.