Original: Opponents of solitary confinement hold that it is a form of cruel and unusual punishment and torture because the lack of human contact , and the sensory deprivation that often go with solitary confinement , can have a severe negative impact on a prisoner 's mental state that may lead to certain mental illnesses such as depression , permanent or semi-permanent changes to brain physiology , an existential crisis , , and death .
Simplified: Opponents of solitary confinement claim that it is cruel and unusual punishment and torture Taking away human contact , and the sensory input is usually part of solitary confinement and can have a powerful negative effect on a prisoner 's mind . This may lead to mental illnesses such as depression and even death .