1. MARYAM RIAZ - Department of Psychology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan.
2. NOREENA KAUSAR - Department of Psychology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan.
3. MUEEN ABID - Department of Psychology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan.
The aim of present study is to find the point prevalence of psychological disorders among female prisoners in central jails of Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot districts. The sample comprised of 167 female prisoners, selected from targeted jails. The research instrument consisted of four parts. The first part was related to consent form, second part was about demographic variable, third part was related to screening questionnaire of the targeted psychiatric illnesses and the forth part consisted of diagnostic criteria’s of targeted psychological disorders based on DSM-V. The current research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase the demographic and screening questionnaires were administered on all the participants. Through the screening questionnaire vulnerable participants were identified. In the second phase the relevant diagnostic questionnaire were administered on screened vulnerable cases for targeted psychiatric illnesses which were identified during first phase. On the basis of cut of scores, vulnerable cases were first identified and then diagnosed. Further diagnosed cases were categorized in different categories based on severity level. Results revealed that point prevalence of targeted psychiatric disorders was 37% among prisoners in targeted cities. Major depressive disorder was most prevalent psychological disorders among prisoners. The prevalence of specific phobia and social anxiety disorder were almost same. Panic disorder was the least prevalent psychological disorder among targeted prisoners. The majority of female prisoners have symptoms at moderate to severe level. Findings conclude that prisoners need clinical counseling and therapeutic services for their psychological problems and disorders.
Point Prevalence, Psychological Disorders, Prisoners, Diagnostic Criteria