Schizophrenia is overrepresented in the criminal justice system, particularly in correctional facilities, with prevalence estimated at 2% to 6.5% in state prison inmates vs. 1.1% in the U.S. adult population.
Individuals with schizophrenia may be more resistant to medication as the delusions, hallucinations, and disturbed thinking make it difficult for them to realize that they have a mental illness. Unfortunately, these individuals have a hard time in corrections, ending up with longer sentences as they are unable to comply with instructions and rules. Longer stays and greater staffing result in substantially higher costs for institutions. Finding treatment options that are long-lasting, easy to administer, and do not rely on daily compliance can be an important step to helping individuals establish control over their behaviors and have more success when they leave correctional facilities. 

Educational Objectives:

• Summarize relevant treatment guidelines for incarcerated individuals with schizophrenia
• Describe common barriers to the adequate treatment of schizophrenia, including preparation for successful community reentry
• Discuss future directions in schizophrenia treatment

Level: Basic