Treatment is further complicated by factors such as potential medication side effects and interactions and mental status changes due to opportunistic infections. In addition, neurocognitive disorders can complicate the management of other concurrent illnesses. Factors contributing to the high prevalence of psychiatric and neuropsychiatric disorders in correctional populations should be carefully considered when treating incarcerated patients. Education, adaptive coping skills, and a strong support network are essential for protecting individuals from significant mental health problems. Incarcerated men and women tend to represent a marginalized sector of the general population, who also have very poor social support networks and lower levels of education.
Women often present with additional psychosocial factors.
This abuse history has been linked to a number of mental illnesses, including substance abuse, personality disorders, affective disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders. The extent of severe, prolonged physical and sexual abuse histories among incarcerated men is likely to be similar and to contribute to the high prevalence of mental illness among them. Thus, managing mental illness is an important part of providing HIV and medical care to incarcerated populations.